Cost-Plus Construction Contract Template

A cost-plus construction contract is common in the construction industry and outlines the relationship between the contractor and project owner. Work completed is done at cost plus an agreed-upon percentage or fee.

At fynk, we make it easy to get started with an agreement using our cost-plus construction contract template. Define the project scope, payments, obligations, insurance requirements, and change-order procedures right from our platform.

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Full Text Template

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Cost-plus Construction Contract

Cost-Plus Construction Contract

This Cost-Plus Construction Contract (the “Contract”) is effective on between (“Contractor”), with address at: and (“Client”), with address at:

WHEREAS Client is desirous of engaging Contractor and Contractor agrees to act as the Contractor to develop, organize, supervise, monitor and manage the construction and renovation where applicable and other scope of work as detailed in Schedule A (hereinafter referenced as “SOW”) being completed at (hereinafter referenced as the “Project”).

Contractor will also have first option to build out other Projects as Client continues its acquisition and growth.

WHEREAS, in connection with such Agreement, both parties may be given access to, generate, or otherwise come into contact with certain proprietary and/or private and/or confidential information of the other party or businesses related to the parties or of Clients of the parties; and

WHEREAS Contractor and Client desire to prevent the dissemination or misuse of such information.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:


Provided Services.

Except with respect to any issues with payment to services provider, as described and noted in the compensation section of this agreement, Contractor shall on best efforts basis meet and exceed the obligations as herein described.

Contractor shall develop and cause the full and final completion of the SOW in a good and workmanlike manner, lien free and material defect free on or before the described timelines provided in Schedule A to a qualitative standard (including, without limitation, as to construction standards and materials) at least equivalent to the standard achieved at comparable residential resort projects of similar size with similarly situated amenities located, as evidenced by issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for all applicable components of the Project, provided all capital required is received in a timely manner as required hereunder.

Contractor shall deliver to Client copies of all draw requests and related materials required by Client for the disbursement of any portion of any funds. Client and Contractor must both agree to any objection to any such draw request and related materials whether it deviates from the project budget outlined in Schedule A or not.

Contractor will obtain all necessary but not limited to architectural contracts and drawings, insurance, surveys, permits including the location of all utilities, location of all easements, physical characteristics of the property required to conduct the SOW in its entirety and any other services reasonably requested by Client and agreed to by Contractor, (“Services”).

Contractor shall establish and maintain a review process, and keep Client reasonably informed thereof, with respect to approval of shop drawings and revisions to working drawings and specifications required by reason of: (1) design omission or error; (2) field conditions; (3) governmental review; or (4) changes requested by Client.

Contractor shall distribute (or cause to be distributed by the appropriate party) weekly to Client, minutes of weekly project meetings, if any and monthly to Client, as such documents are available:

copies of all current construction schedules,

a variance report,

construction status reports,

current Project Budget with pending change orders and notations for any cost savings,

all field reports of the Architect and Engineer,

all summaries of material test reports,

all other threshold inspection reports and an open items report,

a narrative description of development and construction issues and a variance explanation,

Contractor will endeavor to protect the Project, itself, and Client from any physical harm thereto by obtaining standard commercial general liability insurance coverage pertaining to the Project.

Contractor will endeavor to protect the SOW from being halted from any potential cause by seeking out alternative plans of action offsetting any such halting of SOW, unless caused by non-payment to service provider and vendors through the explicit cause of Client.

Contractor will endeavor to protect the Project, itself, and Client from any employee or agent(s) thereof from claims due to bodily injury, and including death, to any worker on site or while in the paid employment as related to the Project or SOW by obtaining standard worker’s compensation insurance.

Contractor will endeavor to protect the Project, itself, and Client from damages to the Project property that may arise out of and during hours of the SOW or outside the hours of operation as part of this agreement, unless caused by Acts of God.

Contractor will warrant its workmanship of the service providers on the SOW and to the Project property it has been engaged to complete, for a period of 0 years following the completion of this agreement and or after the certificate of occupancy has been issued by the local building code enforcement authority, specifically the warrantee will include the habitability, occupancy, enjoyability, and intended use of the Project, notwithstanding damage or deterioration occurring from act of God or normal wear and tear.

Contractor shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless Client from and against all claims, damages, losses, expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses), liabilities, interest, obligations, court orders and judgments arising out of and/or resulting from the Project work attributable to personal injury or property damage (other than the Project work itself), but only to the extent caused by the negligent acts of the Contractor, anyone employed by it or its agents and anyone for whom the Contractor is responsible, regardless of whether such claim or damage is caused in part by any act, breaches, failure to act, omission, negligence, or fault of any of Client or Client’s agents or representatives. The foregoing indemnification shall be limited to the amount and type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the Contractor’s benefit under Contractor’s insurance obligations hereunder.

Waiver of Consequential Damages. Contractor and Client waive claims against each other for consequential damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

Contractor’s Project Scope of Work Service Fee.

Based upon the submittal of an “Application for Payment”, which shall be submitted no more frequently than every 0 weeks, Client shall pay to Contractor the amounts identified in the Application for Payment within 0 days after receipt of the Application for Payment. An Application for Payment shall be based on the estimated Project Cost (defined below) together with the fee for the period identified therein and shall be supported by a written progress report which summarizes the portion of the SOW performed during the period in question. Of the aggregated Contract Price herein described in Schedule A, % will be payable at the rate exhausting the entire %, on completion of the SOW’s Time Table notwithstanding delays caused by service providers or delays in supplies, or delays of payments to service providers and suppliers.

The remaining % shall be held as part of the contingency fund in favor of Client, who at its sole discretion will make the final distribution on determining the SOW being, in its entirety, complete and in alignment with the Time Table being met, notwithstanding delays caused by service providers or delays in supplies, or delays of payments to service providers and suppliers.

Any advances above to be incurred by Contractor shall be mutually agreed to by both Client and Contractor prior to such expense being incurred, with such expense being prepaid by Client prior to commencement of related activities.

Relationship of Parties.

It is understood by the parties that Contractor is an independent Contractor and otherwise not an employee of Client. Client is the presiding General Contractor and Contractor shall perform the Duties to carry out the SOW in accordance with this agreement’s terms and conditions and in accordance with the General Contractor’s instructions or directives. Any instructions or directives provided to Contractor shall be in writing and Contractor may modify instructions or directives with reasonableness.

Confidentiality.

Contractor recognizes and acknowledges that circumstances surrounding Client and the methods, systems, processes, and know-how which Client owns, plans, develops and/or uses, whether for its own use, the use of related businesses to Client and/or for use by Client’s Clients, are confidential and are the property of Client. Contractor further recognizes and acknowledges that in order to enable Client to perform services for and on behalf of its related businesses and/or its Clients, confidential information may be furnished including, but not limited to, circumstances, business affairs, property, tax and accounting information, methods of operation or other data; and that the goodwill afforded to Client depends upon, among other things, Client and Contractor keeping such services and information confidential (collectively, including Client, its Clients’ and/or its related businesses systems, processes and know-how, the “Confidential Information”). For clarity, related businesses of and to Client means any business that Client is involved with in any way, in concert Client agrees to keep confidential all of Contractor information confidential as it becomes known to Client.

Non-disclosure.

Contractor agrees that, except as directed by Client or in furtherance of completing the SOW (e.g., disclosing to subcontractors, material suppliers or authorities having jurisdiction over the project), Contractor will not at any time, whether during or after services have been completed with Client, disclose to any person or use any Confidential Information, or permit any person to examine and/or make copies of any documents which contain or are derived from Confidential Information, whether prepared by Contractor or otherwise coming into the Contractor’s possession or control without the prior written permission of Client, in concert Client agrees to same for the benefit of Contractor.

Termination.

This Agreement shall commence on the effective date hereof and shall remain in effect for the duration of the project and shall be extended by mutual agreement to other projects as identified by Client. In the event Contractor repeatedly fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder, repeatedly fails to pay its subContractors or material suppliers, or persistently performs non-conforming work in violation of the governing laws, or regulations or applicable safety standards, then Client may immediately order the stoppage of work on the Project. If Contractor is not then able to provide adequate assurances within 0 days to Client of its ability to timely correct all such deficiencies, then Client may terminate this Agreement. Upon termination, Client shall pay the Project Cost, including fee, incurred by Contractor through the date of the termination and no other amounts.

If Client fails to make payment as provided herein or otherwise materially breaches this Agreement, Contractor may, upon 0 days written notice with an opportunity for Client to cure during that 0 days period, terminate the Agreement and recover payment from Owner for the SOW executed, costs incurred by such termination, and reasonable profit on the SOW not executed.

Other Provisions.

Other provisions that apply to this Agreement are as follows: In the event dispute herein described, between the parties, cannot amicably be resolved, Client and Contractor hereby agree to mutually appoint, on record as arbitrator, a qualified party to arbitrate dispute matters between the parties through the or another similar, mutually agreeable arbitration organization. It is further agreed that the appointed arbitrator’s final decision on any matters unresolved by the parties and each party agrees the arbitrated decision shall be binding to both parties, and each party hereto forgoes legal presentment, in favor of binding arbitration as described. The Parties also agree that venue shall be proper in or in .

Entire Agreement and Governing Law.

Except with respect to any applicable mechanic’s lien statutes, which shall be governed by the law of the project’s location, the Agreement is the entire agreement as between the parties and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of .

Notice.

Any notice to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if it is in writing and is sent by certified or registered or electronic mail to Contractor at his/her/its residence address or email address as the same appears on the books and records of Client or to Client at its principal office or email address or otherwise as directed by Client, from time to time.

Survival and Severability.

The provisions of this Agreement relating to confidentiality and non-disclosure shall survive the termination of this Agreement, however caused. Any part, provision, representation, or warranty of this Agreement, which is prohibited, or which is held to be void or unenforceable, shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.


AGREED TO, SIGNED AND EXECUTED, the undersigned has put into effect this Agreement as of the effective date first written above.

Client:

Pending


Contractor:

Pending


Schedule A

Scope of Work

Project:

[List of project deliverables, e.g., Completion of Building 1 – [Description of Building 1]]


Project Fees:

The Contractor shall receive as compensation a fee equal to % of the Project Cost, as defined below.

The term “Project Cost” as used herein, shall apply after Acquisition pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and shall include, without limitation, all Services, general conditions, general requirements, materials costs (including without limitation furniture, fixtures and equipment), subcontract costs, architectural, design and/or engineering costs, labor costs, wages and salaries of supervisory and administrative personnel assigned to the Project, equipment, licenses, temporary protection and facilities, taxes, insurance, fees, laboratory or other testing, legal or related costs other than those arising from disputes between Client and Contractor, costs incurred during emergencies to protect persons or property, deposits necessary to secure labor or materials, supervision costs, costs to repair or correct the Work, permit costs, and any other costs (whether incurred by Contractor, its subContractors, its sub-subcontractors, material suppliers or otherwise) necessary to complete the SOW.

Prior to the beginning of construction, the Contractor shall provide Client with an estimate of the projected Project Cost (hereinafter the “Estimated Project Cost”). Client hereby understands and acknowledges that the Estimated Project Cost is merely a good faith estimate for use in budgeting and for determining the amount of the Construction Deposit and the Contractor shall in no way be bound thereto.

Client agrees to provide Contractor with copies of any invoices for material or labor which contributed toward the completion of the Project and paid for by the Client.

% of the Estimated Project Cost, shall contemporaneously herewith be deposited with Contractor to be applied towards the construction of the Project, as that term is defined herein below (hereinafter “Construction Deposit”). The Construction Deposit will be used during the project and may be applied towards any costs of labor or materials used during the construction of the Project, at the sole discretion of the Contractor. The Construction Deposit shall be applied as a credit to Client in equal installments in the final Applications for Payment or shall be returned to Client to the extent any funds are due to Client following the Audit Process (defined below). In the event of non-payment by Client or termination of the Agreement, Contractor shall be entitled to deduct any amounts due from the Deposit(s) and seek replenishment of the Deposit(s) from Client before proceeding with additional SOW.

Once Substantial Completion has been achieved, “Final Payment” shall only be due upon (i) final completion of all SOW in accordance with the plans and specifications (including all punch-list items), (ii) delivery of a final Certificate of Occupancy permit with all required sign offs from all applicable officials/agencies governing the Project, and (iii) delivery of all applicable manufacturers’ warranties and operating manuals.

Client shall pay each invoice, remitting the entire Invoice Amount to the Contractor, within 0 days of the receipt of each such invoice (“Payment Date”).

No later than with Contractor’s request for Final Payment, Contractor shall provide evidence sufficient to demonstrate that cash disbursements made by Contractor, or to be made, on account of the Project Cost equal or exceed payments already received by Contractor. Within 0 days of Contractor providing such evidence (“Final Accounting”), Client will review and report in writing on Contractor’s Final Accounting. Based upon the Final Accounting, Owner will either (a) approve the Final Payment, which shall be deducted from the Deposit(s) or paid separately to Contractor within 0 days, or (b) notify Contractor in writing that the payments already received by Contractor exceed the Project Cost plus fee, which, if correct, overpayments shall be returned by Contractor to Owner within 0 days upon such notification (collectively, “Audit Process”).

Substantial Completion:

Upon Substantial Completion (defined below), Client shall prepare a “punch list” within business days. Upon receipt of the “punch list” from Client, the Contractor shall make every reasonable effort to substantially complete the items contained on the punch list to the extent that said items fall within the Plans and Specifications, or any amendments thereto, within 0 days of the receipt thereof.

There shall only be one (1) punch list. Client acknowledges that it is Client’s responsibility to diligently, carefully and completely prepare the “punch list” for delivery to the Contractor. Client further acknowledges that the Contractor has no obligation, whatsoever, to accept multiple amendments or counterparts to said “punch list” once it has been submitted to the Contractor.

Insurance:

Insurance on the Property and the existing structure is to be maintained by the Client, the cost of such will not be a part of and is excluded from the Project Cost.

Builder’s Risk or similar insurance policy may be taken out by the Contractor and paid for by the Client, as part of the Project Cost.

Risk of loss or damage to the Property by fire or other hazard is assumed by Client.

Client waives any rights or claims for damage to persons or property that it or any of its successors in interest or insurers may have against Contractor for any claim or action arising out of Contractor’s operations related to the Project or this Contract, but only to the extent that such rights or claims for damages are covered by a policy of liability, casualty, property or other insurance, regardless of who procures such insurance.

Construction:

Contractor agrees to begin construction within 0 days of receipt of the necessary permits or approvals of governmental authorities to proceed with the Project and to continue such construction to substantial completion with due diligence, with said construction to be completed within 0 weeks after commencement of construction, delays due to acts of God, government, war, pandemic, epidemic, supply of materials, subcontracted labor, wind, water, rain, or force majeure excepted. The term “Substantial Completion” shall mean when the Project is sufficiently complete in accordance with the plans and specifications so that Client can occupy the project for its intended use.

Contract Documents:

The Contract Documents consist of this Agreement, and any written amendments thereto, the plans and project specifications, all modifications, and change orders, all of which must be in writing and signed by both Contractor and Client to be deemed valid and enforceable.

This Agreement contains the complete agreement of the parties hereto and cannot be modified or amended except in writing and signed by both the Contractor and the Client.

No waiver by a party of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made unless in writing and signed by such party.

Time is of the essence with respect to all time requirements set out in this Agreement.

Client acknowledges that any on-site inspections or entry upon the construction site by the Client, his guests, invitees, licensees, family or pets is done expressly at the Client’s risk.

All workmen, subcontractors, laborers or any person working on the Project shall only have contractual privity with the Contractor and not Client, and Client understands and agrees that Client shall have no right of control over any such workmen, subcontractors or laborers. Contractor has complete discretion over all material purchased for the Project, so long as same is consistent with the plans and specifications. All purchases made by Client must be coordinated through the Contractor.

All changes in the plans and specifications shall be made only by a written change order agreement, signed by both Client and the Contractor at the time of the execution of such change. Subcontractors, laborers, or salespersons representing the Contractor do not have authority to authorize changes to this construction job.

Change Order Summary with the Revised Contract Amount, Revised Project Fee and Updated Completion Date will be supplied with each new Change Order.

Change Orders unexecuted as of the Project Completion Date shall be deemed null and void.

No oral change orders shall be binding on the Parties hereto.


AGREED TO, SIGNED AND EXECUTED, the undersigned has put into effect this Agreement as of the effective date first written above.

Client:

Pending


Contractor:

Pending


Use this template

Disclaimer: The original creator, the author of this template, and fynk GmbH are not responsible for any damages or liabilities that may result from using this template. This template should not be considered a substitute for legal advice, and consulting with a legal professional is recommended before use. fynk GmbH, the original creator, and the author do not provide legal advice and will not be held accountable for any legal consequences arising from its use.

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Background Information

A contract that defines cost-plus construction responsibilities and payment structure

This agreement outlines how project costs are calculated, how fees are added, and how responsibilities, reporting, and approvals are managed throughout the construction project.

What is a cost-plus construction contract?

In simple terms, a cost-plus construction contract is a legal relationship between multiple parties:

  • Project owner
  • Contractor
  • Subcontractor
  • Supplier

An agreement of this type sets the expectations for the project’s delivery, costs, fee calculations, reporting, liability, insurance, confidentiality, termination rights, dispute resolution, governing law, and reimbursement.

Schedule A’s are also part of the agreement and define the scope of the work to be completed, completion milestones, documentation requirements, and cost components.

For example, a cost-plus construction contract may be necessary when a developer renovates a historic building. Due to the structure’s age, there are a lot of unknowns as pertains to the electrical and plumbing - among other areas - so the contractor cannot know the extent of the repairs before demolition begins.

Contractors turn to these types of contractors because they allow them to:

  • Bill for equipment, labor, and materials
  • Add a percentage or fee for the overhead
  • Proceed with work that may not have a full scope yet

Who needs a cost-plus construction contract?

We’ve outlined the parties involved in these types of contracts, and as a refresher, they include:

  • Project owner: A person or group who is paying the contractor and needs cost visibility.
  • Contractor: The company or person who is performing the construction work.

Subcontractors and suppliers may also be part of the contract. Legal teams formalizing cost-plus arrangements and developers needing a contract that outlines verified payments often use templates like ours to speed up projects.

Common industries where cost-plus contracts are often used are:

  • Real estate development
  • Commercial construction projects
  • Renovation or expansion projects
  • Construction involving historical buildings
  • Resort and hospitality construction

Large-scale projects or those involving conditions where a lot of unknowns exist, such as restoring an old building that may have extensive plumbing work that is only found after demolition begins, are ideal for cost-plus construction projects.

Your agreement will have multiple clauses that safeguard the best interest of both the project owner and contractor.

What clauses should a cost-plus construction contract have?

Below are some of the clauses that you can easily add into your contract on the fynk platform:

Provided services

A list of the services that the provider (in this case, the contractor) is responsible for fulfilling. The terminology within this clause is often extensive, covering things, such as:

  • Standard of the work to be completed.
  • Contractor responsibilities for project plans
  • Warranty period for all work performed

Project scope of work services fees

Project scope or scope of services fees include when payments are to be made and how the application for such payments is made. Mutual agreements for advances also fall under the scope of this clause.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality clause protects sensitive or private information shared during the project. Neither party is allowed to share or misuse information the other provides.

Non-disclosure

Prevents parties from sharing specific information, such plans, pricing, or business details.

Termination

Outlines the situations in which the agreement can be terminated. It lists the reasons for termination and what happens next, such as final payments.

Governing law

The governing law clause decides which state’s law will govern the contract. If there’s a lawsuit or disagreement, the jurisdiction’s rules will apply.

Notices

The notices clause explains how official communication must be delivered and where. For example, by email or certified mail.

Survival and severability

Ensures that some parts of the contract still apply even after the agreement ends. If one part of the contract is found to be invalid, the remainder of the contract still stands.

Cost-plus construction contract template

A cost-plus construction agreement gives a project more flexibility while ensuring transparency in spending.

But to protect all parties, the terms must be clear, and the agreement must include essential clauses that outline responsibilities and other circumstances that may arise during the project.

You could create a new agreement. Or, you can save time and use a template that already has the most important clauses in place. That’s where fynk comes in. Our template can be customized to meet your needs and project.

Here’s what makes our sample cost plus construction contract different.

  • Implement strict change-order requirements. Require changes to be written, signed, and delivered prior to execution to prevent disputes and miscommunication.

  • Set detailed contractor obligations. Outline your requirements for reporting, construction standards, site protection, and insurance.

  • Implement a cost-plus payment structure. Base your fees on a percentage of the total project cost.

  • Include a deposit mechanism with strict rules for advances.

  • Implement a defined progress payment system that includes a retainage structure.

  • Set weekly and monthly reporting requirements. Set the terms for variance reports, schedules, field reports, and budgets.

  • Create a one-time punch list rule to prevent endless revisions.

  • Include confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses to protect sensitive cost data and encourage transparency.

  • Set clear termination paths for both parties.

  • Include an arbitration requirement with jurisdiction defined.

Our platform makes it easy to adjust and track changes to the agreement while giving you access to valuable features, like:

  • Activity logs. Keep track of who viewed or edited the contract for full transparency – crucial when multiple stakeholders are involved.
Activity log in fynk app
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Activity log (Audit trail) in fynk app

  • Audit trail. Maintain a secure, legal-grade record of approved changes and signatures. Detailed records are a must-have for construction projects involving heavy regulatory, permitting, and financial verification requirements.

  • Version history. Track revisions as construction plans evolve to ensure every change order or update is documented and recoverable.

Version control in fynk
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Version control in fynk

  • Bulk send options. Send related documents, such as insurance attestations, subcontractor agreements, or compliance forms, to multiple parties at once.

Protect your project from scope creep, establish clear payment procedures, and avoid disputes with a comprehensive cost-plus construction contract.

Try fynk today to customize this agreement and start managing your contracts.

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FAQs

How does a cost-plus contract differ from a fixed-price contract?
With a cost-plus contract, the owner pays actual costs plus a fee, meaning the final price is not fully known upfront. In a fixed-price contract, the contractor completes the project for a predetermined amount.
What expenses are considered allowable costs?
Allowable costs usually include materials, labor, equipment, subcontractor expenses, permits, and inspections. The contract should clearly identify what is reimbursable.

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Clause Library: learn more about the clauses in this template

Learn more about the clauses appearing in this template and find other clauses that are used in real contracts.

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