Construction Contract for New Residential Dwelling
1. Agreement made on the ___________________________ (date) , between
____________________________ (Name of Buyer) of _______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
(street address, city, county, state, zip code) , referred to herein as ____________________
(Buyer) , and _________________________________ (Name of Seller/Builder) , a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the state of _____________________, with its
principal office located at ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
(street address, city, county, state, zip code) , referred to herein as Seller/Builder .
2. Construction of House
A. Subject to terms and conditions herein, Seller/Builder shall complete
construction of a single-family dwelling and related improvements (hereinafter called
House ) on the property located at ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
(street address, city, county, state, zip code) , and being more particularly described
as:
Legal Description
______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
B. House is to be constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications
agreed to by Seller/Builder and Buyer , and described as follows: (list or describe all
site plans, drawings, floor plans, landscape plans, description of materials and
specification lists) _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________,
hereinafter collectively (Plans and Specifications ) _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________.
C. Seller/Builder shall construct the House
1. In accordance with the Plans and Specifications;
2. In compliance with all laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable
to the construction of the House ; and
3. In a good and workmanlike manner with new, good quality materials and
components.
D. Seller/Builder shall not make any material deviation or change in the Plans and
Specifications without prior written consent of Buyer .
3. Cost of Construction
Seller/Builder shall provide and pay for all labor, materials, equipment, tools, clean-up,
utilities, transportation, facilities, permits, fees, licenses, and all other costs, charges and
expenses whatsoever in connection with or related to the construction of the House .
Seller/Builder shall pay all costs, and other expenses, of any nature whatsoever, for
Seller/Builder 's construction financing of the House including real estate commissions or fees,
if applicable.
4. Purchase Price shall be $__________________.
5. Method of Payment
A. The Purchase Price shall be paid as follows:
[ ] Cash; or
[ ] Subject to Financing.
B. Financing to be obtained by:
[ ] Conventional
[ ] Seller/Builder
[ ] VA
[ ] FHA
[ ] Other terms:
6. Earnest Money
A. This offer is accompanied by an earnest money deposit of $______________.
Buyer and Seller/Builder authorize __________________________________ (Name) ,
as Escrow Agent, to hold and disburse earnest money according to the terms of this
Agreement. Earnest money paid by:
[ ] Cash,
[ ] Check, or
[ ] Other.
B. Broker does not guarantee payment of a check or checks accepted as earnest
money. All escrow money received shall be deposited as required by _______________
(State) law and ____________________ (State) Real Estate Commission Rules and
Regulations. At the consummation of this sale, the earnest money deposit shall be
credited to the Buyer .
THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND THAT, UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING
DEFAULT, THE BROKER HOLDING THE EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT WILL NOT
DISBURSE IT TO EITHER PARTY UNTIL BOTH PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED AN
AGREEMENT AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OR UNTIL A COURT OF COMPETENT
JURISDICTION HAS DIRECTED A DISBURSEMENT.
7. Loan Processing and Application
A. Buyer 's obligation under this agreement is contingent on Buyer obtaining said
loan. Buyer shall apply for a ______% loan (loan-to-value ratio) within _____days from the
execution of this Agreement and shall provide Seller/Builder with satisfactory loan approval
within days. Time is of the essence. Should the Buyer fail to make loan application or receive
approval within said period, and to diligently pursue the application, the Seller/Builder shall
have the option to terminate this Agreement, with written notice. Buyer also agrees to provide
all documents or information requested by the lending company in a prompt and timely manner.
Buyer will take any action that is needed or requested by Lender to process the loan
application. Buyer further hereby gives permission to Lender to disclose pertinent information
concerning the Buyer 's credit-worthiness or any other information needed for the loan
processing to the listing or cooperating broker(s) or agent(s). If Buyer fails to comply with these
above conditions, Buyer shall be in default of this agreement subject to the terms of Paragraph
B. FHA Mortgage Insurance:
[ ] will
[ ] will not be added to the mortgage.
C. VA funding fee
[ ] will
[ ] will not be added to the mortgage.
8. CONVEYANCE SHALL BE MADE:
Conveyance shall be made subject to all easements as well as covenants of record
(provided they do not make the title unmarketable) and to all governmental statutes, ordinances,
rules and regulations. Seller/Builder agrees to convey by marketable title and deliver a proper
general warranty deed, if applicable, free of encumbrances, except as herein stated.
Seller/Builder agrees to pay all statutory deed recording fees. The deed shall be delivered at
the stipulated place of closing, and transaction closed on or before _______________________
(date) , and no later than _____________________________ (date and time of day) . Time is
of the essence. Seller/Builder and Buyer authorize their respective attorneys and the
settlement agent to furnish to Listing Broker and Selling Broker copies of the final HUD-1
settlement statement for the transaction for their review prior to closing.
9. CLOSING COSTS:
A. Unless otherwise agreed, closing costs, including all loan charges and prepaid
recurring items, shall be paid as follows:
1. Seller/Builder shall provide or pay for preparation of deed, any recording
charge based on value of property, and all costs necessary to deliver a
marketable title, including recording of satisfactions and property taxes to the day
of closing.
2. BUYER shall pay, unless otherwise agreed herein, the cost of the
Buyer ’s credit report, property insurance, appraisal, survey, cost of obtaining
loan, discount points, title examination, escrow deposits, and prepaid expenses.
The Buyer shall also pay, if applicable, interim interest and mortgage insurance
premium or VA funding fee. Buyer’s hazard insurance policy shall provide
coverage as required by lender.
10. Home Protection Plan Coverage:
A. Both parties understand that a third party Home Warranty Plan:
[ ] will
[ ] will not be issued at closing.
B. If applicable, the warranty premium will be paid at closing by the:
[ ] Buyer or
[ ] Seller/Builder not to exceed $ _________________.
11. Completion of Construction
Seller/Builder shall diligently pursue the construction of the House , and shall complete
construction of the House as a "turn-key" job on or before the closing. If Seller/Builder is
delayed at any time in the progress of construction by (1) any act or neglect of Buyer , (2) any
changes ordered in construction, (3) material shortages, adverse weather conditions, or delays
in transportation which were not reasonably anticipated or (4) acts of God, then the time for
completion of construction of the House and the closing shall be extended automatically by a
reasonable time to account for the delay experienced. Seller/Builder shall notify Buyer in
writing within ten (10) days after the commencement of the delay; otherwise the right to an
extension shall be waived. The construction of the House shall be deemed completed when (i)
the House has been completed in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and is broom-
clean; and (ii) a certificate of compliance has been issued by the appropriate governmental
authority having jurisdiction over the construction of the House . If not closed by
_____________________ (date) , a penalty of $ ___________ per day will be due from
Seller/Builder .
12. Purchase Price and Allowances: The purchase price in Paragraph 4 above includes
the purchase price of the House and all allowances stated in Paragraph 20 of this Agreement.
Whenever the final cost for allowances is more or less than the allowances stated in Paragraph
20 of this Agreement. the difference shall be adjusted between the parties at or prior to closing.
13. Inspections:
Buyer or Buyer 's designated representative may enter and inspect the House at
reasonable times and in such manner as not to interfere with the progress of construction for the
limited purpose of determining whether the work performed or being performed conforms to the
Plans and Specifications and the terms of this offer to purchase. In the event that during
construction the Buyer shall reasonably determine that such construction is not proceeding in
accordance with this offer to purchase, Buyer shall give written notice to Seller/Builder
specifying that particular deviation, deficiency, or omission, and the Seller/Builder shall
forthwith correct such deviation, deficiency, or omission. Buyer's rights under this paragraph
shall not release Seller/Builder from any of Seller/Builder 's obligations for the construction of
the House in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and this offer.
14. Insurance:
Seller/Builder shall purchase and maintain "All Risks" Builders' Risk Insurance
coverage, including Theft and Vandalism and Malicious Mischief, upon the House on a
"Completed Value" basis, while the House is in the course of construction. "Completed Value"
shall mean the full value of the House as of the date that all construction is completed, including
the Seller/Builder 's total cost plus profit, but excluding the cost of land. In the event that
construction is fully completed prior to sale of the Property, Seller/Builder shall purchase and
maintain Permanent "All Risks" Property Insurance coverage on the House , including Theft
and Vandalism and Malicious Mischief on a "Replacement Cost" basis. "Replacement Cost"
shall mean the full cost of replacement of structure or structures at the same site with new
material of like kind and quality without deduction for depreciation. In addition, Seller/Builder
shall purchase and maintain Third Party Liability Insurance coverage on the premises of the
Property during the course of construction and after construction is completed. Seller/Builder
shall assume the obligation and cost of restoring, rebuilding, repairing, and replacing the
House . Such risk of loss or damage assumed by Seller/Builder shall continue until the closing
in accordance with the terms of this offer.
15. Change Orders:
The Buyer , without invalidating this offer, may order changes in the construction of the
House within the general scope of the Plans and Specifications, consisting of additions,
deletions, or other revisions, and the purchase price and closing shall be adjusted accordingly.
All such changes shall be made only by a change order which shall be in writing and signed
by both Buyer and Seller/Builder .
16. Warranties – Limited Warranty of Construction
Unless otherwise provided for herein, Seller/Builder hereby warrants that for a period of
one (1) year from the date of closing or the date Buyer occupies the House , whichever comes
first, Seller/Builder will make all necessary repairs and corrections to the House , either interior
or exterior, structural or nonstructural, that shall become necessary by reason of faulty
construction, labor or materials or non-conformity of construction to the Plans and
Specifications. At Seller/Builder 's sole option, Seller/Builder may either (1) make such repairs
or corrections, (2) replace any faulty or non-conforming item or condition or (3) pay to Buyer the
reasonable cost of such repair, correction, or replacement. This limited warranty: (1) is for the
benefit of Buyer only and may not be assigned nor shall it inure to the benefit of any other
person or entity; (2) shall survive closing and the delivery of the deed; and (3) is in lieu of all
other warranties, oral or written, express or implied, except such other express written
warranties as Seller/Builder may provide to Buyer and the warranties described below.
17. Warranties of Components
Seller/Builder shall assign and deliver to Buyer at closing all guarantees and warranties
of all components comprising the House to the extent the same are assignable. Buyer shall be
responsible for compliance with any notice and claim procedures set forth therein.
18. Disclaimer by Broker and Agents:
The parties acknowledge that the Listing and Cooperating Broker(s) and their Agent(s):
A. Give no guaranty or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the physical
condition of the House ;
B. Give no warranty, express or implied, as to the habitability or workmanlike
service of the House and any implied warranty hereby disclaimed;
C. Give no guaranty on warranty concerning (i) any certification or inspection
concerning the condition of the House , and (ii) the accuracy of the published square
footage of the property;
D. Buyer acknowledges that Seller/Builder and Seller/Builder 's Agents have not
made any oral or written commitments to Buyer regarding (i) projected income or
economic benefit for Buyer from rentals; (ii) rental arrangements except that Buyer may
rent the unit if Buyer so desires or (iii) other economic benefits to the Buyer .
19. Schedule of Allowances
NOTE: Reference should be made to the Plan and Specifications for a more detailed
description of the items and allowances and where the items are to be located. The amount of
the allowance indicated below includes the labor and materials to install them unless otherwise
indicated.
20. Item Amount of Allowance
A. Wallpaper:
Kitchen $__________ per roll;
Bathrooms $__________ per roll;
Other $__________ per roll.
B. Carpet and Pad $__________ per sq. yd.
C. Marble or Ceramic tile $__________ per sq. ft.
D. Vinyl/floor covering $__________ per sq. yd.
E. Light fixtures (includes fixtures, bulbs, spots, floods, door chimes, and recessed
fixtures) $__________.
F. Hardware for doors $__________.
G. Cabinets:
Kitchen $__________
Bathrooms $__________
Other $__________
H. Paneled walls $__________ per 4x8 sheet.
I. Appliances
Stove $__________
Refrigerator $__________
Dishwasher $_________
Disposal $__________
J. Bathrooms
Mirrors and Medicine Cabinets $__________
Accessories (such as paper and towel bars) $__________
K. Ceiling Fan(s) $__________
L. Landscaping to include trees and shrubs $__________
M. Other: $__________
21. Mandatory Arbitration
Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of
the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one
arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall
arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration
Association then in force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, t he following matters are
excluded from mediation hereunder: (a) judicial or non-judicial foreclosure or other action or
proceeding to enforce a deed of trust, mortgage, or land contract; (b) an unlawful detainer
action; (c) the filing or enforcement of a mechanic's lien; (d) any matter which is within the
jurisdiction of a probate court; (e) the filing of a interpleader action to resolve earnest money
disputes. The filing of a judicial action to enable the recording of a notice of pending action, for
order of attachment, receivership, injunction, or other provisional remedies, shall not constitute a
waiver of the right to mediate under this provision, nor shall it constitute a breach of the duty to
mediate.
22. No Waiver
The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms
and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such
forbearance or waiver had occurred.
23. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the State of ________________.
24. Notices
Any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective
address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.
25. Attorney’s Fees
In the event that any lawsuit is filed in relation to this Agreement, the unsuccessful party
in the action shall pay to the successful party, in addition to all the sums that either party may be
called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful party's attorney fees.
26. Entire Agreement
This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior
understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be
binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.
27. Modification of Agreement
Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in
connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each
party or an authorized representative of each party.
28. Assignment of Rights
The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be
assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior,
express, and written consent of the other party.
29. Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same
instrument.
WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.
___________________________________
(Name of Seller/Builder)
______________________________ By:_______________________________
______________________________ __________________________________
(P rinted name & Signature of Buyer (P rinted Name & Office in Corporation)
_______________________________
(Signature of Officer)