Essential Contract Documents for Every Construction Project

This agreement is used by the contracting officer or owner and the contractor. It’s an essential component of the contract documents. It’s the main document to which most other documents attach or reference.  More 

Having a solid scope of the work involved is helpful during the bidding process and later on during the construction sequence. A well-defined scope can be used to determine the amount of work needed to complete the project.  More 

This contract document defines obligations regarding the execution of the project as well as each party’s rights. Overhead costs, what to claim, and your entitlements must be included in this portion of the contract. More 

This is usually an extension of the contract and an addendum to the general conditions. It should specify certain conditions and clauses that pertain to each particular project or job. Pay special attention to specific instructions and requirements on how to perform the work.

This document is formed by the list of diverse trades and materials that will form part of the construction. Sometimes this document is not required by the contracting officer. More 

All contracts should include a set of drawings that form part of the job to be performed. These drawings are usually the latest and most recent available and must be received by the contractor prior to the date of commencement. They must include all drawings from consultants, and they’ll constitute the entire project that’s being contracted.More 

This is the technical requirement to complete, execute, and/or perform every little task or supply every material being incorporated into the construction project. It will add intelligence to the construction drawings, specify common standards, explain deviations that have been accepted, detail materials that have been accepted, and cite the required testing for all materials. Specifications are usually made by referencing construction standards and codes. More 

The construction schedule is an important component of the document. The contracting office will know how and when the project will be completed by reviewing this part. Construction contracts sometimes require updated schedules throughout the construction progress, and they might form part of the monthly or agreed term for application for payments. More 

This is a breakdown of all items being incorporated in the construction project. It’s usually the base of the application for payment. It can be detailed per item or in a lump sum form that doesn’t specify individual items. More 

This is an essential part of the contract because it provides a guarantee to the owner that the contractor has the means and the economic backup to perform under the terms of the construction contract. It will include specific types of coverages, required bonding, and all insurance protections available to the owner, the contractor and third parties. More