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Subcontract Agreement

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Refrigeration Contract

This Refrigeration 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: Refrigeration work involves the use of hand tools, instruments and gauges, measuring tools, fastening devices and refrigeration supplies to construct, fabricate, erect, install, maintain, service and repair the following: refrigeration equipment, producing systems, rooms and insulated spaces; temperature insulation; air-conditioning units, systems or coolers; ducts; blowers; registers; and humidity and thermostatic controls of air, liquid and/or gas temperatures. Refrigeration services may also include the following: complying with blueprints and specifications to install motors, compressors, evaporators and other components; connecting ducts, refrigerant lines and piping; making power hookups; and constructing, installing, re-installing, repairing, replacing, re-setting, altering, converting, or moving heat producing systems (electric or gas), combustion plants, and ventilation systems in any building, structure or appurtenance thereto. Contractor shall provide all labor and materials, and perform all refrigeration work described above and/or as described in the plans and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”). Such plans and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract and may contain pictures, diagrams or measurements of the work area 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 plans 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. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability and workers compensation insurance.

6. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the plans 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.

7. 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:

DEPOSIT AND PROGRESS PAYMENTS (optional)

Owner will make an advance deposit in the amount of $ , to be paid by . The amount of will be paid as a progress payment when .

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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, plans, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the plans, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the plans but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the plans, 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 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 Arizona.

12. 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.

13. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant to 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.

14. 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.

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

Notice to Buyer

Within two years from the earlier of the close of escrow or actual occupancy for new home or other new building construction or on completion of the specific project, you have a right to file a complaint with the registrar of contractors at http://www.azroc.gov, (602) 542-1525 1-877-MY AZROC (1-877-692-9762 (outside Maricopa County) for the commission of an act in violation of Arizona Revised Statutes section 32-1154, subsection A, below.

32-1154. Grounds for suspension or revocation of license; continuing jurisdiction; civil penalty; recovery fund award; summary suspension

A. The holder of a license or any person listed on a license pursuant to this chapter shall not commit any of the following acts or omissions:

1. Abandonment of a contract or refusal to perform after submitting a bid on work without legal excuse for the abandonment or refusal.

2. Departure from or disregard of plans or specifications or any building codes of the state or any political subdivision of the state in any material respect which is prejudicial to another without consent of the owner or the owner's duly authorized representative and without the consent of the person entitled to have the particular construction project or operation completed in accordance with such plans and specifications and code.

3. Violation of any rule adopted by the registrar.

4. Failure to comply with the statutes or rules governing social security, workers' compensation or unemployment insurance.

5. Failure to pay income taxes, withholding taxes or any tax imposed by title 42, chapter 5, articles 1 and 4 and incurred in the operation of the licensed business.

6. Misrepresentation of a material fact by the applicant in obtaining a license.

7. The doing of a fraudulent act by the licensee as a contractor resulting in another person being substantially injured.

8. Conviction of a felony.

9. Failure in a material respect by the licensee to complete a construction project or operation for the price stated in the contract, or in any modification of the contract.

10. Aiding or abetting a licensed or unlicensed person to evade this chapter, knowingly or recklessly combining or conspiring with a licensed or unlicensed person, allowing one's license to be used by a licensed or unlicensed person or acting as agent, partner, associate or otherwise of a licensed or unlicensed person with intent to evade this chapter.

11. Failure by a licensee or agent or official of a licensee to pay monies in excess of seven hundred fifty dollars when due for materials or services rendered in connection with the licensee's operations as a contractor when the licensee has the capacity to pay or, if the licensee lacks the capacity to pay, when the licensee has received sufficient monies as payment for the particular construction work project or operation for which the services or materials were rendered or purchased.

12. Failure of a contractor to comply with any safety or labor laws or codes of the federal government, state or political subdivisions of the state.

13. Failure in any material respect to comply with this chapter.

14. Knowingly entering into a contract with a contractor for work to be performed for which a license is required with a person not duly licensed in the required classification.

15. Acting in the capacity of a contractor under any license issued under this chapter in a name other than as set forth upon the license.

16. False, misleading or deceptive advertising whereby any member of the public may be misled and injured.

17. Knowingly contracting beyond the scope of the license or licenses of the licensee.

18. Contracting or offering to contract or submitting a bid while the license is under suspension or while the license is on inactive status.

19. Failure to notify the registrar in writing within a period of fifteen days of any disassociation of the person who qualified for the license. Such licensee shall have sixty days from the date of such disassociation to qualify through another person.

20. Subsequent discovery of facts which if known at the time of issuance of a license or the renewal of a license would have been grounds to deny the issuance or renewal of a license.

21. Having a person named on the license who is named on any other license in this state or in another state which is under suspension or revocation unless the prior revocation was based solely on a violation of this paragraph.

22. Continuing a new single family residential construction project with actual knowledge that a pretreatment wood-destroying pests or organisms application was either:

(a) Not performed at the required location.

(b) Performed in a manner inconsistent with label requirements, state law or rules.

23. Failure to take appropriate corrective action to comply with this chapter or with rules adopted pursuant to this chapter without valid justification within a reasonable period of time after receiving a written directive from the registrar. The written directive shall set forth the time within which the contractor is to complete the remedial action. The time permitted for compliance shall not be less than fifteen days from the date of issuance of the directive. A license shall not be revoked or suspended nor shall any other penalty be imposed for a violation of this paragraph until after a hearing has been held.

24. Prohibit, threaten to prohibit, retaliate, threaten to retaliate or otherwise intimidate any contractor or materialman from serving a preliminary notice pursuant to section 33-992.01.

Signature of Property Owner:

Signature of Contractor or Designated Representative:

Optional Addendum - Notice to Homeowner

You may cancel this contract at any time within seventy-two hours after you have been notified that your insurer has denied your claim to pay for the goods and services to be provided under this contract.

You may cancel this contract at any time, for any reason, within four business days after signing this contract.

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.

A copy of a repair estimate has been provided that includes the following disclosures:

(a) A precise description and location of all damage claimed on the repair estimate.

(b) For roofing repair or replacement, a detailed description of the work to be done including the square footage of the repair area or the replacement area.

(c) If the damaged areas are not included in the repair estimate, a specification of those areas and any reason for their exclusion from the repair estimate.

(d) Whether or not the property was inspected before the preparation of the estimate and the nature of that inspection, specifically whether the roof was physically accessed.

(e) That the contractor has made no assurances that the claimed loss will be covered by an insurance policy.

(f) That the policyholder is responsible for payment for any work performed if the insurer should deny payment or coverage for any part of the loss.

Notice of Cancellation

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 at not later than midnight of .

I hereby cancel this transaction.


Notes for a licensed individual or contractor who prepares a repair estimate for post-storm repair or replacement services for residential repair or replacement of damage resulting directly from a catastrophic storm in a specific area that is designated by an insurer:

A licensed contractor who enters into a contract for the repair or replacement of a residential roof or other repair or replacement within the scope of Chapter 32 of the Arizona Revised Statutes with a purchaser who resides in the residence or who intends to reside in the residence after the completion of the contract must disclose the following information to the insured owner:

  • A precise description and location of all damage claimed or included on the repair estimate.
  • Documentation to support the damage claimed on the estimate, including photographs, digital images or another medium.
  • A detailed description and itemization of any emergency repairs already completed by the contractor.
  • If damaged areas are not included in the repair estimate, a specification of those areas and any reason for their exclusion from the repair estimate.
  • A provision stating whether or not the property was inspected before the preparation of the estimate, if the contract is a contract for repair or replacement of a roof, and whether the roof was physically accessed.
  • The contractor has made no assurances that the claimed loss will be covered by an insurance policy.

If an insured owner submits a claim with the insurer for residential repair or replacement according to these provisions, the contractor may not begin work on the repair or replacement until the insurer approves or denies the claim except if the work is necessary to prevent further loss.

A person who is not licensed pursuant to this chapter and who is not exempt from licensure pursuant to this chapter may not bring a private cause of action to recover monies from a homeowner for any residential repair or replacement that the person does that's covered by ARS Section 31-1158.02.

Within ten days after a contract has been canceled according to this provision, the contractor must tender to the insured owner any payments made by the insured owner and any note or other evidence of indebtedness except that if the contractor has performed any emergency services, the contractor is entitled to receive reasonable compensation for the services if the insured owner has received a detailed description and itemization of the charges for those services.

The down payment section on the execution of a contract entered into pursuant to this section shall not require more than fifty per cent of the total contract.

Any changes, additions or deletions to the work order specified in the original contract shall be included in a written change order that is signed by the homeowner.

A contractor shall immediately notify and disclose in writing to the residential owner of a property or casualty insurance policy any cancellation of the contractor's workers' compensation coverage.

A contractor's failure to comply with this section is grounds for license suspension or revocation pursuant to section 32-1154.

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What a Subcontract Agreement Is and When it’s Used

A Subcontract Agreement is a written contract in which a primary contractor (the prime) assigns specified portions of its contractual duties to a secondary contractor (the subcontractor). It defines the scope of work, deliverables, schedule, compensation, insurance and indemnity, performance standards, and dispute resolution between the parties. Subcontracts allocate risk, preserve the prime’s obligations to the client, and ensure the subcontractor understands site rules, safety requirements, and invoicing procedures.

Why a Clear Subcontract Agreement Matters

A professionally drafted subcontract reduces disputes, clarifies responsibility, and protects payment rights. It creates enforceable obligations for workmanship, timelines, change orders, insurance, lien waivers, confidentiality, and IP ownership. For regulated industries, an explicit subcontract supports compliance and evidence preservation.

Why a Clear Subcontract Agreement Matters

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs Subcontract Agreements

Subcontract agreements are prepared by general contractors, project managers, procurement teams, and in-house counsel before engaging specialty firms.

  • Prime contractors and construction managers who must delegate portions of a project while preserving client obligations.
  • Specialty subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, IT) that need clear scopes, payment terms, and insurance requirements.
  • Procurement, legal, and project administrators who manage compliance, payments, and contract closeout.

Parties should confirm signatory authority and include required supporting documents before execution to avoid payment or performance disputes.

Typical Signatory Roles

Authorized Signatory

A corporate officer, partner, or manager with express authority to bind the company. Verify board resolutions or delegation of authority when value or risk exceed internal thresholds; absent authority, the contract may be voidable.

Project Representative

Site supervisor or project manager who administers day-to-day contract performance. This role enforces scope, inspects work, approves progress payments, and documents change orders and punch-list items.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Subcontract Agreement

A complete subcontract should document performance expectations, compensation terms, timing, and risk allocation so both parties know obligations and remedies.

Scope of Work

Precisely describe tasks, deliverables, specifications, acceptance criteria, and any drawings or exhibits that define what the subcontractor must deliver.

Payment Terms

State contract price or rate, schedule of payments, invoicing requirements, retainage, and conditions for withholding or setoff.

Schedule & Milestones

Include start and completion dates, critical milestones, liquidated damages or delay remedies, and procedures for extensions.

Insurance & Indemnity

Specify required insurance types and limits, additional insured endorsements, defense obligations, and indemnification scope.

Change Orders

Define change order authority, pricing method for extra work, approval process, and effect on schedule.

Termination & Dispute Resolution

Set termination rights, cure periods, choice of law, venue, mediation/arbitration clauses, and remedies for breach.

Essential Information Usually Required

Parties: Full legal names
Scope: Detailed task summary
Compensation: Price and payment schedule
Effective Date: Contract start date
Insurance: Types and limits
Signatures: Authorized signer names

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Execute a Subcontract

Follow these steps to prepare, review, and execute a subcontract that protects both parties and supports smooth project delivery.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Insert full scope, pricing, schedule, and exhibits.
  • 02
    Internal review: Legal and insurance review for allocation and compliance.
  • 03
    Obtain signatures: Authorized representatives sign and date the agreement.
  • 04
    Distribute copies: Share fully signed copies with stakeholders and project teams.

How to Configure an Online Workflow for Subcontract Execution

Set up a digital workflow that enforces signing order, collects attachments, and preserves an audit trail for future disputes or compliance reviews.

Field Configuration
Signing Order Sequential or parallel per project needs
Authentication Email code, SMS, or advanced ID proofing
Attachments Require license, COI, W-9 before sign
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamp, and actions

Sharing, Signing, and Integration Considerations

Choose a platform that supports secure eSignature workflows, required authentication, and document storage compatible with your records policies.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: CRM/ERP and cloud storage
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Integrations with systems like Salesforce, NetSuite, and cloud storage reduce manual steps and preserve a searchable evidentiary record.

Routing and Submission: Typical Post-Execution Flow

After execution, distribute signed copies, update project records, and trigger invoicing and insurance verification as needed.

  • Send signed copy: Deliver to both parties and project file
  • Upload to PM system: Store in contract repository or ERP
  • Update insurance: Verify COI and endorsements
  • Invoice processing: Trigger payment workflow and retainage

Key Dates and Timing to Track

Monitor effective dates, milestone deadlines, notice and cure periods, insurance renewal dates, and final acceptance to avoid breaches or payment delays.

Effective Date:

Start date for obligations and warranties

Milestone Deadlines:

As set in schedule or change orders

Notice Periods:

Time to cure defaults before termination

Insurance Renewal:

Maintain coverage through project term

Warranty Period:

Defined post-completion warranty timeframe

Typical Processing Milestones for a Subcontract

A subcontract typically moves through a clear sequence from drafting to closeout; track these stages to maintain compliance and cash flow.

01

Drafting

Prepare text, exhibits, and scope.

02

Review & Approval

Internal counsel and insurance review.

03

Execution

Authorized signatures and dates applied.

04

Closeout

Final inspection, lien waivers, and final payment.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Unclear scope descriptions that create change order disputes and payment delays when parties interpret tasks differently.
  • Missing signatory authority that leads to unenforceability or demands for ratification before payment is released.
  • Incorrect insurance endorsements or missing additional insured language that expose the prime to uncovered liability.
  • Failing to collect tax forms and COIs before work begins, causing backup withholding or delayed invoicing.

Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Subcontract

Payment Delay: Payments withheld
Liability Gap: Uninsured losses possible
Contract Voidability: Unauthorised signatory risk
Lien Exposure: Subcontractor lien claims
Regulatory Risk: Noncompliance fines
Tax Withholding: 24% backup withholding

How Organizations Use Subcontract Agreements in Practice

Two practical examples illustrate common uses: rapid field execution and integrated enterprise workflows for repeat projects.

Optica Ventures — COO

Optica streamlined signature collection for repeat subcontract packages to reduce turnaround time.

  • Rapid mobile signing increased field compliance.
  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

Martin Properties — Founder

A small property developer managed subcontractor agreements across multiple sites using digital execution.

  • Electronic execution reduced travel and storage needs.
  • I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.

Common eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Subcontracts

Comparison focuses on core pricing and enterprise features relevant to contract execution and compliance; signNow appears first per table conventions.

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 Varies Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Subcontract Agreements

Answers to common execution, enforceability, and revision questions when using electronic or paper subcontracts.


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