Construction Contract Template

A construction contract records the scope of work, the price, and the schedule agreed between an owner and a contractor before work begins.

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how to create a construction contract

Build your agreement in three simple steps.

1

Open the contract template

Start with a printable construction contract template listing all standard sections.

2

Fill in project details

Add the scope of work, price, payment schedule, and both parties' contact information.

3

Download the contract

Save your finished construction contract template PDF and send it for signature.

what is a construction contract?

A construction contract is a written agreement between a property owner and a contractor, or between a general contractor and a subcontractor, that sets out the work to be done, the price, and the timeline. It protects both sides by defining what counts as finished, when payments are due, and how changes to the project are handled once work is underway.

Key Takeaways

  • A construction contract sets the project scope
  • Both parties agree on price and schedule
  • Signed terms protect owner and contractor

what does a construction contract look like?

The document opens with the names and addresses of the owner and contractor, followed by a description of the work and the property involved. Next come the contract price, the payment schedule, and the estimated start and completion dates. Later sections cover change orders, warranties, and dispute resolution, ending with space for both signatures and the date.

what should a construction contract include?

A complete construction contract includes a detailed scope of work, the total price, and a construction contract payment terms template section spelling out deposits, milestones, and final payment. It should also name the parties, the project address, start and completion dates, and how change orders will be priced and approved. A simple construction contract template can still cover all of this without extra pages.

does a construction contract need to be notarized?

Most construction contracts do not need to be notarized to be valid; a signature from each party is usually enough to create a binding agreement. Some states or larger commercial projects may call for notarization on related documents, such as lien waivers, so it's worth checking local requirements before finalizing a residential construction contract template or a commercial one.

Contract vs. subcontractor deal: what's the difference?

A construction contract usually sits between the property owner and the general contractor, covering the whole project. A construction subcontractor contract template instead governs the relationship between that general contractor and a specialist, such as an electrician or plumber, and ties their payment and deadlines to the progress of the larger job rather than the owner's schedule directly.

Frequently asked questions

Our printable construction contract template gives you a ready sample to work from, with sections for scope, price, and schedule already laid out. You can fill it in for a small residential job or adapt it into a commercial construction contract template for a larger build, then download it as a construction contract template PDF.

A liquidated damages clause states a fixed amount the contractor owes the owner for each day the project runs past the agreed completion date, such as a set dollar figure per day of delay. It's meant to cover the owner's likely losses without either side having to prove exact damages in court.

A construction contract payment schedule template typically breaks payment into stages tied to progress, such as a deposit at signing, installments at agreed milestones, and a final payment on completion. Structuring payments this way keeps cash flow steady for the contractor while giving the owner assurance that work matches what's been paid.