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Framing Contract

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FRAMING CONTRACT

THIS FRAMING 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: Framing shall be to the plans including all details. Floor joist layout shall be as best to avoid plumbing for tubs and toilets. Framing includes the installation of sill plates; rim joists; floor joists; sub flooring; plates; exterior and interior walls; ceiling joists; headers; rafters; roof sheathing; sub fascia and fascia; bridging; joist hangers; rough framing materials for stair jacks, treads and risers; collar ties; other attic bracing materials; roof overhang and soffit; rake boards; steel and/or wood girders; columns and posts; sill sealer under the sill plates; sheathing and siding the exterior walls; siding corners; interior and exterior decorative beams and posts; exterior moldings; drip edge/Z-bar (including trim materials over z-bar); windows; exterior doors (excepting the garage door); frame and case garage door as needed; back-out garage door as needed; ventilation materials; termite shield; furring blocks on concrete walls; bracing; stiffbacks; backing blocks; nailing blocks; shimming windows and doors; caulking and gluing continuous as needed; set all finish nails; insulation behind tubs located on exterior walls; drywall behind tubs as required; box in vent areas; box in heat runs as required; framing for future recessed fixtures; kitchen and bathroom cabinet drops; fire stopping as required; deck posts; deck girders; deck floor joists and flooring; deck handrail and seating; deck stair jacks, treads and risers; and .

Contractor shall return all excess material and damaged materials. Contractor shall call for inspections of the work as required.

Framing Materials:

Sill Insulation:
Termite Shield:
Bridging Material:
Joist Hangers:
SubFloor Material: Size: Glue:
Underlayment Material: Size: Glue:
Wall Sheathing Material: Size:
Corner Brace Material:
Wall Siding Material: Size:
Roof Sheathing Material: Size:
Flitch Plate Material/Size: Bolts:
Nails-Framing Members: Siding:
Windows: Exterior Trim: Exterior Doors:
Use Material Type Size Spacing Greatest Span Each Size
Sill Plate N/A N/A
Box Sill/Rim Joist
1st Floor-Floor Joists
2nd Floor-Floor Joists
Ceiling Joists
Rafters/Roof Trusses
Exterior Studs
Interior Studs
Top & Bottom Plates N/A N/A N/A N/A
Headers, Windows & Doors N/A
Headers, Garage Door N/A
Beams N/A
Roof Bracing/Collar Ties

Exterior Trim

Item Material Type Thickness Size
Fascia Board
Soffit
Siding Corners
Garage Door Trim
Window Trim
Door Trim
Rake Board
Exterior Beams
Exterior Posts

Flashing Material: Windows:

Doors:

Soffit Vents:

Gable Vents:

WINDOWS:

Manufacturer/Style:

Material: Insulated Glass:

Screens: Storms:

Grilles: Shutters:

STAIRS:

LOCATION JACKS TREADS RISERS
MaterialSize MaterialSize MaterialSize
Basement
1st Floor
2nd Floor
Disappearing Stairs-Make and Model Number:

EXTERIOR DOORS: (Including Storm Doors)

Door Brand/Model/Material Size Thickness Hardware
Front
Rear
Sliding/Patio
Garage

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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:

9. 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. 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.

10. 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.

11. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party’s written consent.

12. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, drawings, and specifications are intended to supplement one another.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties.

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

15. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to due to improper framing labor techniques, except for the following allowances: floor variance shall not exceed 1/4 inch in 32 inches, bowed or out of plumb walls shall not exceed 1/4 inch in 32 inches, non-excessive floor squeaks or pops. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor.

CONTRACTOR:

Signature:

Print Name & Title:

Date:

License Number:

Name and Address of License Holder:

OWNER:

Signature:

Print Name:

Date:

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

(Enter date of transaction)

You are entitled to cancel the agreement or offer referred to above at any time prior to midnight of the third day, excluding Sundays and holidays, after the day you signed the agreement or offer.

TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION, MAIL OR DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED COPY OF THIS CANCELLATION NOTICE OR ANY OTHER WRITTEN NOTICE TO

AT

NOT LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF

I HEREBY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION.

Buyer’s signature:

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNER

I UNDERSTAND THAT EACH PERSON SUPPLYING MATERIAL OR FIXTURES IS ENTITLED TO A LIEN AGAINST PROPERTY IF NOT PAID IN FULL FOR MATERIALS USED TO IMPROVE THE PROPERTY EVEN THOUGH THE FULL CONTRACT PRICE MAY HAVE BEEN PAID TO THE CONTRACTOR.

SIGNED:

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY:

DATE:

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE SIGNATURE ABOVE IS THAT OF THE OWNER OR AGENT OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE ADDRESS SET OUT ABOVE.

CONTRACTOR:

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER

IF BILLS FOR LABOR, SERVICES, OR MATERIALS USED TO CONSTRUCT OR PROVIDE SERVICES FOR AN IMPROVEMENT TO REAL ESTATE ARE NOT PAID IN FULL, A CONSTRUCTION LIEN MAY BE PLACED AGAINST THE PROPERTY.

Enter text

What a Framing Contract Is and when it applies

A Framing Contract is a written agreement between a property owner and a contractor that defines scope, materials, schedule, payment, and responsibilities specifically for the framing phase of a construction project. It sets performance milestones, inspection points, insurance and lien-waiver expectations, and change-order procedures that cover the structural wood or metal framing work. The contract may be standalone or part of a broader prime contract; it should identify parties, site address, governing law, completion dates, payment schedule, and acceptance criteria to reduce disputes during a high-risk construction stage.

Why a clear Framing Contract matters

A precise Framing Contract reduces ambiguity about scope, cost, schedule, and inspections, lowering dispute and lien risk. It also establishes responsibilities for safety, permits, and subcontractor management and supports enforceability under general contract law and applicable electronic signing statutes.

Why a clear Framing Contract matters

Who typically completes or signs a Framing Contract

Contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and construction managers commonly prepare or sign framing contracts to document expectations and payment terms before work begins.

  • General contractors and framing subcontractors who execute and manage on-site framing work and subcontractor crews.
  • Property owners or developer representatives who approve scope, schedule, and payment milestones before mobilization.
  • Construction managers, lenders, or insurance representatives who need clear acceptance criteria and documentation for financing or coverage.

Typical signatories and their roles

General Contractor

The contractor signs to accept scope and schedule, confirm insurance and licensing, and commit to safety and quality standards. Their obligations include subcontractor oversight, supply procurement, and payment to framing crews per the agreed schedule.

Property Owner

The owner signs to approve scope, authorize payments per milestones, and confirm site access and permit procurement. The owner’s signature creates payment obligations and triggers inspection and acceptance steps.

Essential elements to include in a professional Framing Contract

A well-drafted Framing Contract balances clarity and enforceability: define scope, schedule, payment, insurance, change orders, and dispute resolution to reduce claims during the framing phase.

Scope of Work

Specify framing materials, methods, elevations, and exclusions so parties share an objective standard for completion and avoid scope creep disputes.

Schedule & Milestones

Include mobilization date, start/finish windows, milestone inspections, weather allowances, and liquidated damages or extension notice procedures.

Payment Terms

Define milestone-based payments, retainage percentage, invoicing documentation, and conditions for final payment upon acceptance.

Change Orders

Provide an approval process for scope changes with pricing methodology, written authorization, and schedule impact assessment.

Risk Allocation

Require insurance limits, indemnity language, safety obligations, and bonding where applicable to protect both owner and contractor.

Acceptance Criteria

List inspection checkpoints, required certifications, and remedial remedies for deficient work before final payment is released.

Step-by-step: completing and executing a Framing Contract

Follow these steps to prepare, approve, and archive the contract so work can proceed with clear obligations and payment triggers.

  • 01
    Draft terms: Assemble scope, schedule, and payment items.
  • 02
    Review internally: Legal and project teams confirm insurance and lien terms.
  • 03
    Obtain signatures: Have authorized signers execute in the prescribed order.
  • 04
    Store records: Retain executed copies per retention policy.

How digital execution fits the Framing Contract workflow

Electronic workflows streamline signing, audit trails, and distribution while preserving legal enforceability when ESIGN and UETA requirements are met.

  • Upload document: Prepare a final PDF or DOCX for signing.
  • Place fields: Add signature, date, and initial fields for each signer.
  • Send to signers: Route via email link or direct invites.
  • Capture audit trail: Record timestamps, IP, and authentication events.

Recommended eSignature workflow settings for framing contracts

Configure these settings to match common construction signing patterns: sequential approvals, authentication where required, and optional notarization.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link | SMS code optional
Routing Order Sequential signer order preferred
Reminders Auto-remind every 3 days
Notarization Enable RON when a notarized signature is required

Technical requirements for digital completion and sharing

Choose a platform that supports common file types, SSO, and integration with your project systems to reduce manual steps.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Procore
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA available

eSignature vendor comparison for executing Framing Contracts

Compare common vendor pricing and capabilities to align platform choice with volume, authentication, and compliance needs; signNow appears first for side-by-side comparison.

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 (Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 env/user/yr Varies Varies Varies

Security and compliance features to verify

In-Transit Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
At-Rest Encryption: AES-256
Audit Trails: Comprehensive timestamped logs
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001
Regulatory Support: ESIGN, UETA, 21 CFR Part 11
Health Data: HIPAA support with BAA

Penalties and risks of an incomplete or incorrect Framing Contract

Late Information Filings: $60–$330 per form (IRS §6721)
Intentional Disregard: $660+ per form, no cap
I-9 Violations: $281–$2,789 per violation
Unenforceable Terms: Poorly drafted clauses risk non-enforcement
Payment Delays: Missing payment terms invite disputes and liens
Invalid Signatures: Improper eSigning can weaken attribution and defenses

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a Framing Contract

  • Vague scope descriptions that omit specific deliverables and materials often lead to change-order disputes and cost overruns.
  • Failing to define milestone inspections and acceptance criteria creates ambiguity about when payment obligations are triggered.
  • Using unsigned or partially signed documents in the field risks payment refusals and creates evidentiary gaps at claim time.
  • Not confirming authorized signers and corporate authority can render the contract voidable or delay enforcement.

Key dates commonly specified in a Framing Contract

Set clear deadline fields for performance, inspections, and payments to reduce disputes and align project scheduling.

Contract Effective Date:

Date work obligations and notice windows begin (MM/DD/YYYY).

Start of Work:

Mobilization date for crews and material delivery.

Substantial Completion:

Date when framing is substantially complete and inspections begin.

Final Payment Due:

Specify days after acceptance (e.g., Net 30).

Record Filing / Notarization:

Deadline for any required filings or notarized attachments.

Milestones from contract signing to final acceptance

A straightforward milestone sequence keeps stakeholders aligned and ties payments to verifiable progress.

01

Proposal Accepted

Agreement executed and mobilization plan finalized.

02

Site Mobilization

Materials ordered and crews begin work on site.

03

Framing Completion

Structural framing finished and ready for inspection.

04

Inspection & Acceptance

Punch items addressed and final payment released.

Real-world examples of online contract execution

These examples show how organizations used online signing and templates to speed execution while preserving compliance and auditability.

Martin Properties — Founder

Martin Properties moved framing approvals online to avoid in-person signings and reduce delays.

  • Team found mobile and offline signing essential during site work.
  • "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."

Optica Ventures LLC — COO

A small investment firm standardized vendor contracts to reduce review cycles.

  • Standard templates cut negotiation time on routine scopes.
  • "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Best practices to reduce disputes and accelerate payments

Adopt these practices to improve clarity, speed approvals, and reduce downstream legal exposure in framing projects.

Use clear, itemized scope language
Draft the scope with measurable deliverables, materials lists, and tolerances so inspections objectively determine acceptance and minimize change-order disagreements.
Tie payments to verifiable milestones
Define milestone inspections and required documentation (photos, signed inspection reports) so payors release funds promptly after objective completion checks.
Confirm authorized signers in writing
Include a signatory authority clause or certificate to verify that the signing representative has binding authority for the entity to avoid later ratification disputes.
Retain an auditable execution trail
Keep signed PDFs, certificate of completion, IP and timestamp logs, and any RON recordings to support enforcement or defend against claims.

Frequently asked questions about Framing Contracts and eSigning

Answers to common legal and practical questions about validity, notarization, signer identity, and correcting executed contracts.


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