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Construction Contract

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CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

THIS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between ("Contractor") and , having an address at , having an address at ("Owner").

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall provide all labor and materials, and perform all work necessary for the completion of the residence, structure, or improvements as described in the drawings and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”) and more particularly described as

Such drawings and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract. Drawings and specifications shall contain a scale drawing showing the shape, size, and dimensions of the construction and equipment together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at and more particularly described as

(hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the drawings or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall substantially complete the work on or before .

Contractor shall not be liable for any delay due to circumstances beyond its control including strikes, casualty, acts of God, illness, injury, or general unavailability of materials.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability, workers compensation and builder's risk insurance.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner's property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the drawings and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work. Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. RIGHT TO CURE: Contractor shall have the right to cure a defect before Owner may file any action in court against Contractor. See the “Notice of Potential Claims Must be Provided within One Year" attached hereto and made a part of this Contract.

12. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

13. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party's written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

14. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, drawings, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the drawings, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the drawings but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the drawings, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska.

15. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

16. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

17. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CLAIMS MUST BE PROVIDED WITHIN ONE YEAR

ALASKA LAW AT AS 09.45.881-09.45.899 CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS THAT YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE YOU MAY FILE A COURT ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR REMODELING AGAINST THE DESIGNER, BUILDER OR REMODELER OF YOUR HOME. WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE DISCOVERY OF A DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR REMODELING DEFECT, BEFORE YOU FILE A COURT ACTION, YOU MUST DELIVER TO THE DESIGNER, BUILDER OR REMODELER A WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR REMODELING CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE YOUR DESIGNER, BUILDER, OR REMODELER WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS.

YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER MADE BY THE DESIGNER, BUILDER OR REMODER. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A COURT ACTION. ALASKA LAW AT AS 09.45.895 CONTAINS LIMITATIONS TO THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES THAT MAY BE RECOVERED IN A COURT ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION OR REMODELING.

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What a Construction Contract Is and When It Applies

A Construction Contract is a written agreement that sets the scope, price, schedule, responsibilities, and legal terms between an owner and a contractor or between prime contractors and subcontractors. It governs deliverables such as plans, specifications, materials, and change orders and allocates risk for delays, defects, and payment. Construction Contracts can be fixed-price, cost-plus, time-and-materials, or unit-price, and often include retainage, liquidated damages, warranty provisions, lien waiver requirements, insurance and indemnity clauses, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration or litigation.

Why a Clear Construction Contract Matters

A clear contract reduces disputes, establishes payment timing, documents change orders, and sets allocation of risk for schedule, quality, and cost. Well-drafted terms protect both parties and create enforceable remedies when obligations are unmet.

Why a Clear Construction Contract Matters

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs Construction Contracts

The Construction Contract is used by owners, general contractors, subcontractors and design professionals across public and private projects.

  • Owners and developers: Use contracts to fix budget and scope and to allocate completion risk and warranty obligations.
  • General contractors: Manage subcontractor flow-downs, schedules, retainage and lien waiver administration on behalf of owners.
  • Subcontractors and suppliers: Protect payment rights, scope limits, and carve out responsibilities for change orders and differing site conditions.

Each signer should confirm authority to bind their organization, review insurance and indemnity sections, and verify dates and payment milestones before signing.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Construction Contract

A professional construction contract organizes commercial, technical, and legal terms so parties can perform, measure progress, and resolve disputes without ambiguity.

Scope of Work

Clearly describe deliverables, drawings, specifications, and excluded items; attach exhibits or schedules to prevent scope disputes and to align payment with completed work.

Price and Payment

Define contract sum, progress payment schedule, retainage percentage, invoicing requirements, and remedies for late payment, including interest or suspension rights.

Schedule and Delays

State start and completion dates, critical milestones, procedures for approved time extensions, and any liquidated damages for unexcused delays.

Change Orders

Specify how changes are requested, priced, approved, and documented; require written change orders before performing out-of-scope work to avoid payment disputes.

Risk Allocation

Include clauses for indemnity, warranties, insurance coverages, performance bonds, and responsibility for site conditions and permit compliance.

Dispute Resolution

Identify governing law, venue, and process for claims—negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court—and any limitations on damages or attorney fees.

Key Data Points Required in the Contract

Parties: Legal entity names
Scope: Work summary
Price: Contract amount
Schedule: Start and end dates
Insurance: Required coverages
Signatures: Authorized signers

Step-by-Step: Completing a Construction Contract

Follow a consistent sequence to reduce omissions and make the contract enforceable: identify parties, confirm scope, set payment terms, and obtain authorized signatures.

  • 01
    Verify Parties: Use exact legal names and confirm signatory authority.
  • 02
    Define Scope: Attach plans, specs, and a clear work description.
  • 03
    Set Payment Terms: List amounts, schedule, retainage, and invoicing rules.
  • 04
    Sign and Date: Collect authorized signatures and dates from all parties.

Configuring the Digital Workflow for Execution

Set up a digital signing workflow that enforces signer order, required fields, and verification methods before distributing the contract for signatures.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Sequential or parallel as required
Required Fields Signatures, dates, milestone approvals
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or ID verification
Audit Trail Enable IP, timestamp, and action logs

Digital Signing and Submission Essentials

Choose a platform that supports secure e-signing, audit trails, and exportable signed records compatible with contract administration systems.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connects to Procore and ERP systems
  • Security: AES-256 at rest, TLS in transit

Confirm the platform preserves a tamper-evident copy and provides a certificate of completion to support payment, lien, and dispute processes.

Where to Send or File the Signed Contract

After signatures, route the executed contract to stakeholders and systems that manage project administration, invoicing, and recordkeeping.

  • Owner/Developer: Provide a signed copy for project records and payment processing.
  • Contractor Files: Retain an executed copy with project schedules and subcontracts.
  • Accounting: Send to AP for invoicing and retainage management.
  • Record Filings: File liens or notices with county recorder as required.

Key Timing Items and Deadlines to Watch

Track milestones, payment due dates, notice periods for change claims, and statute-based deadlines to preserve rights and avoid penalties.

Payment Due Dates:

Follow contract schedule; late payments may permit interest or suspension of work.

Change Order Notices:

Submit within contract-specified notice window to preserve entitlement.

Claim Filing:

File claims and present supporting evidence within the contract's claim notice periods.

Lien Deadlines:

Comply with state-specific preliminary notice and lien filing timelines to preserve lien rights.

Warranty Periods:

Note start and end dates for defect claims and repair obligations.

Common Drafting and Execution Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using informal or ambiguous scope language that creates differing expectations about deliverables and exclusions.
  • Failing to define acceptance criteria or inspection procedures, causing payment disputes after substantial completion.
  • Missing required notice windows for claims or changes, which can forfeit rights to additional time or money.
  • Collecting signatures without verifying signatory authority or correct legal names, complicating enforcement and record matching.

Risks and Possible Consequences of an Incorrect Contract

Payment Disputes: Delayed or withheld payments
Lien Loss: Unpreserved lien rights
Schedule Impact: Unrecoverable delay costs
Warranty Exposure: Extended repair liability
Regulatory Risk: Permit or code violations
Enforcement Problems: Difficult court/arbitration outcomes

Comparison of eSignature Vendors for Construction Contracts

Feature and pricing comparisons help procurement choose an eSignature provider that meets security, compliance, and volume needs without overpaying.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Contracts

Answers to common execution, signature, and recordkeeping questions when preparing and finalizing construction contracts.


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