Standard Construction Contract for the United States

Standard Construction Contract Template for United States

This Standard Construction Contract is a comprehensive legal agreement designed for use in the United States construction industry. It establishes the rights, responsibilities, and obligations between property owners and contractors for construction projects. The document incorporates federal regulations including OSHA requirements, state-specific construction laws, and local building codes. It covers essential elements such as scope of work, payment terms, project timeline, quality standards, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution procedures, while ensuring compliance with U.S. construction industry standards and regulations.

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What is a Standard Construction Contract?

The Standard Construction Contract serves as a fundamental legal instrument in the U.S. construction industry, designed to protect the interests of all parties involved in construction projects. This document is essential when undertaking any significant construction work, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. It incorporates critical elements required by U.S. federal, state, and local laws, including safety regulations, labor requirements, and building codes. The contract addresses key aspects such as project scope, payment terms, timelines, quality standards, and risk allocation, while providing mechanisms for change orders and dispute resolution. This standardized format helps ensure consistency and compliance across the construction industry while allowing for customization based on specific project needs and jurisdictional requirements.

What sections should be included in a Standard Construction Contract?

1. Parties: Identifies and defines all parties to the contract, including legal entity details

2. Background: Outlines the context and purpose of the construction project

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the contract

4. Scope of Work: Detailed description of the construction work to be performed

5. Contract Price and Payment Terms: Details of compensation, payment schedule, and payment conditions

6. Project Timeline: Project schedule, milestones, and completion dates

7. Materials and Workmanship: Quality standards and specifications for materials and work

8. Insurance and Bonds: Required insurance coverage and bonding requirements

What sections are optional to include in a Standard Construction Contract?

1. Change Orders: Procedures for modifying scope, price, or timeline - used for complex projects likely to require modifications

2. Subcontractors: Terms governing subcontractor relationships - used when subcontractors will be involved

3. Environmental Compliance: Environmental protection requirements - used for projects with significant environmental impact

4. Government Compliance: Special provisions for government contracts - used for public projects or government contracts

What schedules should be included in a Standard Construction Contract?

1. Schedule A - Construction Drawings: Detailed architectural and engineering drawings

2. Schedule B - Technical Specifications: Detailed material and construction specifications

3. Schedule C - Project Timeline: Detailed project schedule with milestones

4. Schedule D - Bill of Quantities: Itemized list of materials and quantities

5. Schedule E - Insurance Requirements: Detailed insurance specifications and requirements

6. Schedule F - Safety Requirements: Safety protocols and OSHA compliance requirements

7. Schedule G - Payment Schedule: Detailed payment terms and milestone payments

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Industries

Federal Contract Common Law: Basic principles governing contract formation, performance, and enforcement at the federal level

OSHA Requirements: Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations ensuring workplace safety and health standards in construction

ADA Compliance: Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for accessibility in construction projects

Davis-Bacon Act: Federal law requiring payment of prevailing wages on federally funded construction projects

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards

EPA Regulations: Environmental Protection Agency requirements for environmental protection during construction

Federal Acquisition Regulation: Regulations governing federal government construction contracts

State Construction Lien Laws: State-specific laws governing mechanics liens and payment security rights

State Licensing Requirements: State-specific contractor licensing and certification requirements

State Building Codes: State-specific construction and building safety standards

State Environmental Regulations: State-level environmental protection requirements for construction projects

State Workers' Compensation: State-specific insurance requirements for worker injury protection

State Insurance Requirements: State-mandated insurance coverage for construction projects

State Prompt Payment Acts: State laws governing timing and terms of construction payments

Municipal Building Codes: Local construction standards and requirements

Local Zoning Regulations: Municipal zoning and land use requirements

Local Permit Requirements: Municipal construction permit and approval processes

Local Labor Laws: Municipal-specific labor requirements and standards

AIA Contract Standards: American Institute of Architects standardized construction contract documents

AGC Guidelines: Associated General Contractors of America industry standards and best practices

EJCDC Standards: Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee standard construction contract documents

Construction Insurance: Required insurance coverage including liability, builder's risk, and professional liability

Bonding Requirements: Performance and payment bond requirements for construction projects

Dispute Resolution Procedures: Legal framework for handling construction disputes and claims

Warranty Obligations: Legal requirements for construction warranties and guarantees

Payment Terms: Legal requirements and standard practices for construction payment terms and conditions

Change Order Procedures: Legal framework for managing changes to construction scope and requirements

Project Timeline Requirements: Legal considerations for construction scheduling and milestone management

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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