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Cost Plus 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 , having an address at ("Contractor") and , 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").

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

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 insurance covering personal injury in an amount not less than $50,000 and insurance covering property damage caused by the work of a home improvement contractor in an amount not less than $50,000, workers compensation and builder's risk insurance. The current amount of insurance maintained is as follows:

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.

Total Sales Price Due: $

Downpayment Made: $

Amount Advanced for Special Materials: $

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of twenty (20) 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 twenty (20) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 Pennsylvania.

14. SUBCONTRACTORS:

Name Address Phone Number

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.

* Insert heading “Home Improvement Installment Contract” here if applicable

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

Registration Number

Name and Address of License Holder

Phone Number

OWNER OR AUTHORIZED AGENT:

Signature

Print Name

Date

NOTICES TO OWNER

The official registration number of [contractor name] can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-888-520-6680. Registration does not imply endorsement

You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction. See the attached notice of cancellation form for an explanation of this right.

Notice of Cancellation

(Enter Date of Transaction)

You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the above date. If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within ten business days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be cancelled. If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale; or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within twenty days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.

To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other written notice, or send a telegram, to (name of seller), at (address of seller's place of business) not later than midnight of (date).

I hereby cancel this transaction.

Date

Buyer's Signature

Notice of Cancellation

(Enter Date of Transaction)

You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the above date. If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within ten business days following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be cancelled. If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale; or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within twenty days of the date of your notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract.

To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this cancellation notice or any other written notice, or send a telegram, to (name of seller), at (address of seller's place of business) not later than midnight of (date).

I hereby cancel this transaction.

Date

Buyer's Signature

Emergency Waiver Form

Emergency Work Authorization

(Enter date of Transaction)

You, the buyer, having initiated the contract for the goods and services of (enter the name of the seller), the seller, for the remediation of a bona fide emergency hereby authorize the seller to immediately proceed with the delivery of goods or the performance of services necessary to remedy the bona fide emergency. By providing the seller with this authorization, you agree to make full payment for the goods or services provided. You agree not to exercise the rights afforded you by the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to cancel the contract within three business days from the above date.

You, the buyer, attest that the attached estimate is an accurate description of the goods and services which will be provided by the seller for the correction of the bona fide emergency:

Enter text✕

What a Cost Plus Construction Contract Is

A Cost Plus Construction Contract is a project agreement where the owner agrees to reimburse the contractor for actual project costs plus an agreed fee or percentage. The contract itemizes direct costs (labor, materials, subcontractor invoices) and indirect costs (overhead, permits) and defines the contractor's fee structure, billing intervals, and documentation requirements. It allocates transparency and cost risk differently than a fixed-price contract, usually allowing change orders for scope variation and audit or record-review rights for the owner to verify charges and progress.

Why a Cost Plus Approach Is Used

Cost plus contracts provide transparency and flexibility for projects with uncertain scope, complex renovations, or phased work. They let owners pay actual costs while controlling contractor fee structure and permitting close oversight of invoices and change orders.

Why a Cost Plus Approach Is Used

Who Typically Uses Cost Plus Construction Contracts

Owners and contractors use this format when project scope or site conditions are uncertain and a transparent cost model is preferred.

  • Commercial owners and developers preferring flexible budgeting and audit rights over fixed lump-sum pricing.
  • General contractors and specialty subcontractors managing variable site conditions and pass-through costs.
  • Project managers and construction lenders who require detailed invoicing and periodic reconciliations.

The contract is also common for phased work, specialty trades, and public or commercial projects where change orders and close cost tracking are required.

Typical Signatories and Their Roles

Project Owner

The owner (individual, company, or public agency) authorizes work, funds reimbursements, and reviews invoices; they retain audit rights and must approve major change orders in writing.

General Contractor

The contractor performs work or manages subcontractors, submits detailed cost backup, and accepts reimbursement plus the agreed fee; contractor signs to accept payment terms and documentation requirements.

Key Contract Controls and Compliance Items

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256
Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, action log
HIPAA BAA: Required for health projects
21 CFR Support: Available for regulated records
ESIGN / UETA: Legal e-signature compliance
Access Controls: Role-based signer permissions

Top Legal and Financial Risks to Watch

Incorrect Tax Forms: Backup withholding triggered
Late Payments: Penalty and interest exposure
Cost Overruns: Owner pays higher actual costs
Lien Claims: Unpaid subs can file liens
Recordkeeping Lapses: Audit or dispute disadvantage
Termination Disputes: Claims for lost overhead

Common Preparation and Execution Pitfalls

  • Leaving the contractor fee vague or undefined, which creates disputes over what percentage or mark-up applies to reimbursable costs.
  • Failing to require itemized backup invoices and receipts, limiting the owner's ability to verify charges and increasing audit risk.
  • Not defining change order procedures and approval thresholds, causing work to proceed without agreed cost adjustments.
  • Using ambiguous allowance or contingency language that is interpreted differently by owner and contractor during billing.

How to Complete a Cost Plus Construction Contract

Follow these steps to prepare and finalize a clear, enforceable cost plus agreement before work begins.

  • 01
    Define Scope: Describe work, phases, and deliverables explicitly.
  • 02
    Set Fee: Specify fixed fee or percentage and how overhead is calculated.
  • 03
    Document Costs: Require invoices, receipts, and approved subcontractor billings.
  • 04
    Approve Change Orders: Add written change order process and turnaround times.

Typical Submission and Approval Flow

This sequence shows how invoices and approvals usually move between parties under a cost plus contract.

  • Invoice Preparation: Contractor aggregates reimbursable costs and fee.
  • Owner Review: Owner reviews backup and requests clarifications.
  • Payment Authorization: Owner approves payment per schedule or milestone.
  • Record Retention: Both parties retain backup for audits.

Essential Clauses for a Professional Cost Plus Contract

Include these clauses to reduce ambiguity, control costs, and set clear dispute-resolution and audit procedures.

Covered Costs

Define reimbursable categories (labor, materials, subs, permits) and exclusions; specify whether allowances, contingencies, and markups are included so billing is auditable and predictable.

Contractor Fee

State fixed fee or percentage and whether it applies to all reimbursable items, plus calculation method for overhead and profit to avoid later disagreements.

Billing Schedule

Set monthly or milestone billing cadence, payment terms, retainage rules, and due dates so cash flow and expectations are aligned.

Change Orders

Require written change orders with cost and schedule impacts, approval authority, and emergency procedures for urgent onsite changes.

Audit and Records

Grant owner rights to inspect invoices, receipts, payroll records, and subcontractor agreements; specify retention period and remedy for nonproduction.

Dispute Resolution

Include governing law, mediation or arbitration steps, and venue to manage claims quickly and limit litigation costs.

Configuring an Online Signing and Approval Workflow

Set workflow fields and authentication to match project controls and approval hierarchy for secure e-execution.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Owner signs after contractor submits invoice
Authentication Email + SMS code for sensitive approvals
Conditional Fields Show change order fields only when triggered
Notifications Auto-cc project manager and accounting on approvals

Digital Signing and Platform Integration Considerations

Ensure the eSignature platform supports secure authentication, audit trails, and the file types you use for contracts and invoices.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Procore support
  • File Types: PDF, DOCX, and Excel supported
  • Authentication: Multi-factor signer verification

Key Timing and Deadline Items

Set and track critical dates for contract effectiveness, billing, and approvals to avoid disputes and late fees.

Effective Date:

Enter contract start as MM/DD/YYYY; it governs performance and statute of limitations.

Billing Cycle:

Specify monthly or milestone invoices and due within defined net terms, e.g., Net 30.

Change Order Response:

Set owner response deadline, such as 10 business days, to avoid unapproved cost buildup.

Payment Retainage:

Define retainage percentage and release conditions after completion.

Record Access Timeframe:

Specify how long backup must be available for owner review, e.g., 90 days after invoice.

Real-world Examples of Digital Contract Use

These customer examples show how organizations adapt electronic signing and recordkeeping for contract workflows.

Tim Martin — Martin Properties

Project teams moved to online signatures to close documents remotely and retain compliance.

  • Faster remote execution on mobile and desktop.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Dan Rotelli — BIS

Enterprise workflows required SOC 2 and audit trails for contract records.

  • Platform selection emphasized compliance features.
  • "We felt most comfortable with airSlate SignNow given their SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA act compliance."

Practical Tips to Reduce Disputes and Speed Approval

Adopt these practices to keep billing clear, avoid disagreements, and accelerate payments under cost plus contracts.

Detailed Invoicing
Require itemized invoices with receipts and subcontractor statements to speed owner review and reduce payment delays or disputes.
Pre-approved Allowances
Define allowances and unit rates up front so common items do not require repeated approvals and billbacks.
Change Order Discipline
Use standardized change order templates, require written approvals, and set response deadlines to control unauthorized work.
Digital Records
Keep digital backups with preserved audit trails and search-friendly metadata to support reconciliations and audits.

Milestones and Review Stages for Project Billing

Track these sequential milestones to align work progress with invoicing and retainage release.

01

Bid and Award

Contract signed and effective date established; pre-construction documents exchanged.

02

Mobilization

Site set-up, permits in place, initial procurement begins before major billing.

03

Monthly Billing

Contractor submits detailed monthly invoices with backup for owner review.

04

Final Reconciliation

Closeout invoice, release of retainage, and final record handover.

Comparing eSignature Vendors for Executing Cost Plus Contracts

Platform selection should weigh price, enterprise features, HIPAA/industry compliance, and envelope or invite limits; signNow is listed first for comparison consistency.

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 trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Cost Plus Construction Contracts

Answers to common questions about structure, enforceability, e-signing, and amendment of cost plus agreements.


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