Generate a comprehensive construction contract with scope of work, payment schedules, change orders, insurance requirements, bonds, warranties, and lien waivers. Customize for fixed price, cost-plus, or time and materials projects.
I built this construction contract generator to help property owners, general contractors, and builders create comprehensive agreements that protect all parties in a construction project. Whether you are building a new home, renovating a commercial space, or managing a large-scale industrial project, a well-drafted construction contract is essential to define the scope of work, payment terms, timeline, and responsibilities of each party.
This generator produces a detailed construction contract covering all critical areas: scope of work and project specifications, contract price with support for fixed price, cost-plus, and time and materials structures, comprehensive payment schedules with retainage provisions, project timeline with liquidated damages for late completion, change order procedures, insurance and bonding requirements, warranties, lien waiver provisions, dispute resolution, and force majeure clauses.
Every field updates the live preview instantly, allowing you to see exactly how your contract will read before downloading. The generator includes conditional sections that adapt based on your selections, such as different payment language for fixed price versus cost-plus contracts, and optional bonding requirements for larger projects.
Key features include: contract type selector with appropriate payment language, milestone and progress payment options, retainage percentage configuration, performance and payment bond provisions, lien waiver requirements, liquidated damages calculations, comprehensive insurance requirements, and dual signature blocks for owner and contractor.
The best contract type depends on your project. Fixed price contracts work well when the scope is clearly defined. Cost-plus contracts are ideal when the scope is uncertain. Time and materials contracts suit smaller projects or repair work where the extent of work is unknown.
Retainage is a percentage of each progress payment withheld by the owner until the project reaches substantial or final completion. Typical rates range from 5% to 10%. It ensures the contractor completes all work, including punch list items.
Performance bonds are mandatory for most public works projects but optional for private projects. They guarantee the contractor will complete the work according to the contract. The cost typically ranges from 1% to 3% of the contract price.
Liquidated damages are a pre-agreed daily amount the contractor pays for each day beyond the agreed completion date. They must be a reasonable estimate of anticipated losses to be enforceable and cannot serve as a penalty.
A lien waiver is a document where a contractor or subcontractor relinquishes their right to file a mechanic's lien for payment received. They prevent double payment situations and should be required with every payment application.
At minimum, contractors should carry commercial general liability, workers' compensation, and automobile liability insurance. The owner should be named as an additional insured. Builder's risk insurance is recommended for larger projects.