Free Service Agreement Template for General Contractors
A Service Agreement spells out exactly what work will be performed, when it will be delivered, and how much it costs. It protects both client and service provider from scope creep, late payments, and miscommunication. This version is tailored for general contractors — covering the specific clauses and considerations that matter most in the industry.
Service Agreement — Template Preview
For General ContractorsService Agreement
For use in General Contractors
1. Services
[SERVICE PROVIDER] will perform the services described in Exhibit A ('Services') for [CLIENT] in the field of general contractors. Any changes to Services require a written change order signed by both parties.
2. Timeline
Services will commence on [START DATE] and be completed by [END DATE], subject to timely Client review and approvals. Delays caused by Client extend the timeline day-for-day.
3. Fees & Payment
Client agrees to pay total fees of $[AMOUNT] according to the milestone schedule in Exhibit B. A non-refundable deposit of [DEPOSIT %] is due upon signing. Final payment is due upon delivery of final deliverables.
4. Revisions
Fees include [NUMBER] rounds of revisions per deliverable. Additional revisions are billed at $[HOURLY]/hr.
5. Ownership
Upon full payment, Client owns all final deliverables free and clear. Service Provider retains the right to display deliverables in its portfolio unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6. Termination
Either party may terminate this Agreement with fifteen (15) days written notice. Client will pay for all work completed through the termination date.
7. Independent Contractor
Service Provider is an independent contractor, not an employee. Service Provider is responsible for all taxes, insurance and benefits.
Industry-specific considerations for general contractors
Beyond the standard service agreement clauses, here are the specific items general contractors typically need to address before signing:
- Workers' comp and liability insurance
- Permits and code compliance
- Lien waivers from subs
- Change order process and pricing
Typical pricing in general contractors
Cost-plus 15–25% or fixed bid.
How to use this template — 3 steps
Customize
Use our eSign tool to drop in your real names, dates, scope and fees. The template handles the legal scaffolding; you fill in the specifics for your general contractors engagement.
Add signature fields
Drag-drop signature, date, initials, and text fields onto the document. Assign each field to the correct signer (yourself, the client, or both).
Send for signature
Enter the other party's name and email, hit Send. They receive a signing link via email — no account required. You get notified the second they sign.
Customization tips before you send
- • Replace every [BRACKETED] placeholder with real values — names, dates, dollar amounts, percentages.
- • Set the governing law to your state — usually where you live or do business.
- • Confirm the project-based term length matches your project.
- • If this is a high-stakes contract (over ~$50K, or anything involving regulated activity), have a licensed attorney in your state spend 30 minutes on a review.
FAQ — Service Agreement for General Contractors
Do general contractors really need a Service Agreement?+
Yes — and especially in general contractors, where the liability stakes are high. A signed service agreement protects both sides if something goes wrong — and most disputes can be solved by simply pointing at the signed contract.
What's different about a Service Agreement for general contractors?+
Compared to a generic service agreement, the general contractors version typically adds clauses around: Workers' comp and liability insurance; Permits and code compliance; Lien waivers from subs.
Is this Service Agreement legally binding once signed?+
Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws, an electronic signature is just as legally binding as a wet-ink signature for almost all commercial contracts. Our eSign tool produces a SHA-256 audit trail proving who signed, when, and from where — so the contract is defensible in court.
Can I edit this template?+
Yes — and you should. The template covers the typical scope, but every general contractors engagement has unique details (rates, scope, deadlines). Use our eSign tool to drop in your actual project details before sending the contract for signature.
How do I sign this online?+
Click "Edit & sign online — free" below. Our eSign tool opens with a blank document; upload your customized contract PDF, drag-drop signature/date fields, and email it to the other party. They sign from any device — no account needed for signers.
Are there specific regulatory requirements for general contractors?+
Yes. General Contractors are subject to industry-specific regulations that affect contract terms. Always confirm your version complies with applicable licensing rules, disclosure requirements, and consumer protection laws in your state. When in doubt, have a licensed attorney review.
Other contracts general contractors commonly need
Ready to sign?
Open the Service Agreement in our free eSign tool, customize it for your general contractors engagement, and send it for signature in under 2 minutes.
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