Start with scope and payment
Define included work, exclusions, allowances, owner responsibilities, payment milestones, and the process for approving work outside the original agreement.
Contract planning checklist
Construction Contract Template
Start with change orders first, then build cleaner construction paperwork around scope, payment, and approvals.
A full construction contract needs more review than a quick template page can provide. For now, use this checklist to think through the clauses that usually matter before sending work to a client or attorney.
Create change order for extra work
How to use it
Build a change order that is easy to review
Connect every change to the contract
A change order should reference the original contract and change only the affected scope, price, or schedule—not quietly replace the rest of the agreement.
CO-014
Contract section checklist example
Example- Scope
- Kitchen cabinet replacement per drawing A-3, with explicit demolition, installation, and finish exclusions.
- Payment
- 10% scheduling deposit, 40% at cabinet delivery, 40% after installation, 10% at punch-list closeout.
- Allowances
- $1,200 hardware allowance; owner pays approved overage by change order.
- Changes
- No extra work proceeds until scope, price, schedule impact, and approval are documented.
- Review
- Warranty, dispute, termination, lien, and local compliance terms go to qualified counsel.
What to include
Parties and project location
Scope of work and exclusions
Payment schedule and late-payment terms
Change order process
Warranty and cleanup expectations
Dispute and termination language for attorney review
Common questions
Can this replace a construction contract?
No. This page is a practical checklist. Full contracts should be reviewed with qualified counsel.
How do change orders relate to contracts?
A contract should explain how changes are approved. A change order documents a specific approved change to scope, price, or schedule.
What should I document before extra work starts?
Document the changed work, cost, schedule impact, exclusions, and client approval.
Keep the project moving
Related contractor templates
Important note
This page is a practical paperwork guide, not legal advice. Review important construction documents with qualified counsel before use.