Building work contract template

What's in this building work contract

The full text. Words in brackets are filled in from the form above.

1. 1. The parties. This contract is between [Client name] (the Client) and [Builder or business name] (the Builder) for building work at [Property address] (the Property).
2. 2. The works. The Builder will carry out the following works, using good workmanship and suitable materials, and following any drawings and specification both parties have signed: [The works].
3. 3. Price. The contract price is [Contract price]. Any provisional sums or allowances in the quote are adjusted to the actual cost when known, and the Builder will show the Client the figures.
4. 4. Stage payments. The Client will pay as follows: [Stage payments]. The Builder will invoice at each stage and the Client will pay within seven days. The Builder may pause work if a stage payment is more than 14 days overdue, after giving written notice.
5. 5. Permissions and regulations. Before work starts, the parties will confirm in writing who is responsible for planning permission, building regulations or building control approval, party wall notices and any other consent the works need. The Builder will carry out the works in line with the approvals obtained. Each party should check what local rules require.
6. 6. Changes. The Client may ask for changes. No change will be carried out until the Builder has given a written price and time effect and the Client has agreed it in writing, for example through a signed change order.
7. 7. Start, completion and delays. The Builder will start on [Start date] and aims to complete by [Planned completion date]. The completion date moves by a fair amount for changes, bad weather, late information or decisions from the Client, problems that could not reasonably have been foreseen, or events outside the Builder's control. The Builder will tell the Client promptly about any expected delay.
8. 8. Hidden problems. If the Builder finds something that could not reasonably have been seen when quoting, such as rotten timbers, poor ground or defective existing work, the Builder will show the Client and agree how to deal with it and the cost before continuing that part of the works.
9. 9. The site. The Client will give the Builder access to the Property during working hours of 8am to 6pm on weekdays, unless agreed otherwise, and use of water, power and a toilet. The Builder will keep the site safe and reasonably tidy, protect the parts of the Property not being worked on, and remove its waste on completion.
10. 10. Subcontractors. The Builder may use subcontractors for specialist work and remains responsible to the Client for their work. Any electrical, gas or other regulated work will be done by people who hold the qualifications the law requires.
11. 11. Insurance. The Builder will hold public liability insurance and, where relevant, employer's liability insurance. The Client should tell their home insurer about the works.
12. 12. Defects. The Builder will put right, at its own cost, any defects in the works caused by faulty workmanship or materials that the Client reports in writing within [Defects period] of completion. This does not cover fair wear and tear, normal shrinkage cracks in new plaster, or damage caused by others.
13. 13. Ending the contract. Either party may end this contract if the other seriously breaks it and does not put it right within 14 days of written notice. If the contract ends, the Client will pay for work properly done and materials delivered up to that date, less any cost of putting right defects.
14. 14. Disputes. If a disagreement arises, the parties will first meet and try to settle it in good faith. If that fails, either party may refer it to mediation or adjudication before going to court.
15. 15. Governing law. This agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing law], and the courts of that place may hear any dispute about it.
16. 16. Entire agreement. This document is the whole agreement between the Client and the Builder about its subject. It replaces anything said or written before it, and any change must be in writing and agreed by both.
17. Signed by: the Client, the Builder, each with a signature, printed name and date.