Can a Remodeling Plans Agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

Do permits require original signed paper copies?

Many jurisdictions accept electronically signed documents, but some local building departments require wet signatures or notarized originals; confirm with the local permitting authority before submission.

When is notarization required?

Notarization depends on state and document type; some states or lenders require notarized assignments, powers, or affidavits attached to the plan set—verify with the local jurisdiction.

What if the contractor and owner disagree after signing?

Follow the contract's dispute resolution clause; preserve the signed agreement and audit trail, document change orders, and consult counsel for mediation or arbitration as specified.

How should change orders be handled?

Require written, signed change orders that reference the original agreement, list cost and schedule impacts, and include a timestamped approval to prevent unauthorized work.

How long should I keep the signed agreement?

Retain the executed agreement for the active project term plus at least 3 years; real estate, tax, and HIPAA records may require longer retention per federal and state rules.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Remodeling Plans Agreement

Remodeling Plans Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REMODELING PLANS AGREEMENT

This Remodeling Plans Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into as of , by and between Owner Name: and Designer/Contractor Name: .

1. Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

2. Scope of Services and Deliverables

Designer shall provide professional remodeling plans and related documents (Plans) for the Property. The scope includes:

Detailed Scope

Deliverables (select applicable): Schematic design Permit drawings Structural plans MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) Specifications

Number of Revision Rounds Included

Final deliverables to be delivered as: . Number of hard-copy sets:

3. Schedule

Design commencement within days of receipt of deposit and all required information. Anticipated substantial completion of Plans by .

4. Compensation and Payment

Owner shall pay Designer total fee of $. Deposit due upon execution $.

Payment Milestones

Reimbursable expenses (permits, third‑party reports, printing) are payable by Owner. Late payments subject to interest at after days.

5. Changes and Revisions

Any changes to the Scope of Services shall be executed only by written change order signed by both parties. Additional compensation and schedule adjustments resulting from change orders shall be specified in the change order. Designer is not required to proceed with work on a change until the change order is executed and any required payment is received.

Change Order Procedure (summary)

6. Permits and Approvals

Designer will prepare and submit permit documents for approval if selected above. Responsibility for permit application fees and for correction of code violations unrelated to the Plans shall remain with Owner unless otherwise agreed.

Who will obtain permits:

7. Owner Responsibilities

8. Disclosures

Known conditions affecting the Property (check applicable):

Lead-based paint: Yes No

Mold or water intrusion: Yes No

Prior structural or fire damage: Yes No

If any Yes above, describe known conditions

9. Insurance, Indemnity and Liability

Designer shall maintain professional liability and commercial general liability insurance with limits not less than $ per occurrence and workers' compensation as required by law. Designer shall indemnify and hold Owner harmless from claims arising from Designer's negligent performance of professional services, except to the extent caused by Owner's acts or omissions.

10. Ownership of Documents and License

Designer retains copyright in the Plans. Upon full payment of amounts due, Designer grants Owner a non-exclusive license to use the Plans for construction and maintenance of the Project at the Property. Any reuse of the Plans for other properties or projects, or for completion by others without Designer's written permission, is prohibited and releases Designer from liability for such reuse.

11. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within days after written notice. Upon termination, Owner shall pay Designer for work performed to date, including reasonable close-out costs.

12. Default and Remedies

Remedies for breach shall include damages, injunctive relief, and specific performance where appropriate. Neither party shall be liable for consequential, incidental, or punitive damages except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

13. Governing Law and Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of . This Agreement, together with executed change orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior negotiations and agreements.

14. Notices

Owner Notice Address Designer/Contractor Notice Address

15. Miscellaneous Provisions

Severability: If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force. Assignment: Neither party may assign rights under this Agreement without prior written consent of the other party, except that Designer may assign to an affiliate for administrative purposes.

Additional Terms or Notes

Owner

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Designer / Contractor

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Remodeling Plans Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Remodeling Plans Agreement is a written contract that sets out the scope, deliverables, timeline, and responsibilities for a renovation project. It combines architectural or design drawings, technical specifications, cost estimates, permitting responsibilities, and change-order procedures into a single enforceable document that both owner and contractor approve. The agreement clarifies who prepares plans, who submits permit applications, how inspections are scheduled, and how payments and holdbacks are managed. It is commonly used for residential and commercial remodels where detailed plans drive permitting, cost control, and contractor obligations.

Why a Clear Remodeling Plans Agreement Matters

A clear Remodeling Plans Agreement reduces disputes, speeds permit approval, and protects both parties by documenting scope, schedule, and payment terms. It also creates a record for lenders, insurers, and code officials.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Agreement

The Remodeling Plans Agreement is used by homeowners, general contractors, architects, and specialty subcontractors to align expectations before construction begins.

Homeowners and property owners seeking written scope, budget, and permitting responsibilities before work starts.
General contractors who need approved plans, payment milestones, and change-order procedures to manage subcontractors.
Architects or designers delivering permit-ready drawings and technical specifications as contract exhibits.

The document also serves lenders, insurers, and local building departments that require a signed plan set and proof of authorized work.

Essential Elements to Include in the Agreement

A professional Remodeling Plans Agreement organizes plans, responsibilities, timelines, and financial terms so the project can proceed with permits and inspections scheduled.

Scope of Work

Detailed description of tasks, specific materials, and finished outcomes to eliminate ambiguity and set measurable acceptance criteria.

Plans and Specs

Attach permit-ready drawings, technical specifications, and any engineering reports; list plan revision control and version dates.

Schedule and Milestones

Project timeline with key dates for submittals, permit approval, start of construction, inspections, and substantial completion.

Cost and Payment

Itemized estimate or lump sum, retainage terms, invoice timing, and procedures for disputed amounts and lien waivers.

Permits and Approvals

Who files permits, who pays fees, and responsibilities for responding to code review comments and required revisions.

Change Orders

Written change-order process including authorization, pricing method, and time-impact evaluation for scope changes or unforeseen conditions.

Key Information the Agreement Should Record

Party Names: Full legal names

Contact Information: Street address and phone

Contractor License: License number and state

Insurance Details: Carrier and policy limits

Plan Identifiers: Drawing number and revision

Permit Numbers: Filed permit ID if available

Step-by-Step: Completing and Executing the Agreement

Follow these steps in order to produce a permit-ready, enforceable Remodeling Plans Agreement that aligns with local rules and project needs.

01

Prepare Plans: Gather drawings, specs, and engineer reports for attachment.
02

Draft Agreement: Populate scope, schedule, payment, and change-order clauses.
03

Review and Revise: Have parties and counsel review and confirm plan references.
04

Execute and File: Sign, notarize if required, and submit to the permitting authority.

Configuring an Online Workflow for the Agreement

Set up a digital signing workflow to collect signatures, route documents for review, and capture an audit trail for compliance.

Field	Configuration
Upload Plans	Attach PDF/A drawings and label revisions for version control.
Assign Signers	Set roles for owner, contractor, architect, and lender approvals.
Authentication	Choose email or SMS code signer verification and optional KBA.
Notifications	Enable reminders and a completion notice to all parties.

Typical eSubmission and Signing Flow

A standard eSubmission flow reduces turnaround: upload, tag fields, authenticate signers, and capture the signed package with an audit trail.

Upload Document: Sender uploads contract and plan set as PDFs.
Place Fields: Add signature, initial, date, and checkbox fields.
Add Signers: Enter signer emails and set signing order if needed.
Complete and Archive: Signed file and audit trail are saved for records.

Distribution Methods and Platform Requirements

Select delivery channels that meet permit office and lender preferences, and that preserve an audit trail for every signature.

Email Delivery: Standard signed PDF with audit trail
Cloud Storage: Save in Google Drive, Box, or Egnyte
Integration: Connect with NetSuite or Salesforce if needed

Use platforms that support PDF, DOCX import/export, secure storage, and provide an immutable audit log for permit and lender review.

Typical Timelines and Deadlines to Track

Track submission and approval deadlines to avoid construction hold-ups and potential fines.

Plan Preparation Time:

Allow 2–6 weeks depending on scope and engineering needs

Permit Review Window:

Municipal review often 2–8 weeks; complex projects take longer

Contract Execution Deadline:

Sign prior to permit filing or as required by lender

Inspection Scheduling:

Book inspections early; wait times vary by jurisdiction

Start of Construction:

Begin after permit issuance and required inspections

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Referencing outdated plan revisions instead of the final, permit-stamped set which causes rework and permit re-submission delays.
Leaving payment terms vague or using non-specific allowances that lead to disputes over materials and change orders.
Failing to assign permit filing responsibility, which can result in stop-work orders and contractor-owner finger-pointing.
Skipping required signatures, notarization, or witness steps that some jurisdictions require for transfer of obligations.

Penalties, Liabilities, and Practical Risks

Permit Denial: Work stoppage

Liens: Contractor claims on property

Insurance Gaps: No coverage for unpermitted work

Delay Costs: Increased labor and materials

Invalid Signature: Enforceability issues

Regulatory Fines: Municipal penalties

Examples: How Organizations Use Digital Agreements

Real-world examples show how digital execution and standardized templates reduce turnaround and improve compliance for remodeling projects.

Martin Properties

A regional property manager standardized plan agreements to speed approvals and tenant notifications.

Reduced admin friction across projects.
Tim Martin, Founder, said the system allowed him to process documents online with built-in security and to return completed forms efficiently whether on mobile or offline.

Optica Ventures LLC

A small developer used a consistent agreement for renovations across portfolio properties.

Enabled consistent contractor scope and payment terms.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, noted the interface is simple for teams and customers while ensuring documentation consistency.

Practical Tips to Prevent Disputes and Delays

Follow these practices to reduce ambiguity, speed permitting, and improve enforceability of Remodeling Plans Agreements.

Define scope and deliverables precisely

List measurable tasks, include drawings by number and revision date, and attach material specifications to avoid differing expectations that lead to claims and scheduling disputes.

Specify permit responsibilities and timelines

Clearly state who prepares and files permits, who pays fees, and set milestones tied to permit approvals to prevent conflicting assumptions between owner and contractor.

Use written change orders for all scope changes

Require signed change orders for pricing and schedule impacts, reference pricing methods, and include a deadline for contractor cost estimates to avoid unilateral work.

Preserve digital signatures and audit trails

Use an eSignature platform that captures signer identity, timestamps, and IP addresses and stores a machine-readable audit trail to support enforceability under ESIGN and UETA.

Comparing eSignature Options for Executing Remodeling Plans Agreements

Choose an eSignature vendor that meets permit office authentication needs, supports required integrations, and aligns with expected signature volume and compliance obligations.

	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	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Remodeling Plans Agreements

Answers to common practical and legal questions when preparing, signing, and filing remodeling plan contracts.

Need help? Contact support

Can a Remodeling Plans Agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
Do permits require original signed paper copies?
Many jurisdictions accept electronically signed documents, but some local building departments require wet signatures or notarized originals; confirm with the local permitting authority before submission.
When is notarization required?
Notarization depends on state and document type; some states or lenders require notarized assignments, powers, or affidavits attached to the plan set—verify with the local jurisdiction.
What if the contractor and owner disagree after signing?
Follow the contract's dispute resolution clause; preserve the signed agreement and audit trail, document change orders, and consult counsel for mediation or arbitration as specified.
How should change orders be handled?
Require written, signed change orders that reference the original agreement, list cost and schedule impacts, and include a timestamped approval to prevent unauthorized work.
How long should I keep the signed agreement?
Retain the executed agreement for the active project term plus at least 3 years; real estate, tax, and HIPAA records may require longer retention per federal and state rules.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now