What a Contractor Contract Should Include: A Checklist

What a Contractor Contract Should Include

Updated November 6, 2026

What Should a Contractor Contract Include?

A contract should name the contractor, license number and address, describe the scope and materials, and give the price, payment schedule and start and finish dates. It should also cover permits, change orders, warranty, cleanup, insurance, lien waivers and your right to cancel, where that right applies.

Updated November 6, 2026 · Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission advice on hiring a contractor; construction.broker planning notes.

The Twelve Items

Names, address and license number
Detailed scope
Materials and brands
Total price
Payment schedule tied to milestones
Start and finish dates
Who gets permits
Change-order process
Warranty
Insurance
Lien waivers
Cleanup and disposal

Read These Twice

Allowances that may run low.
“Time and materials” with no cap.
Dispute clauses.

For large jobs, a local attorney can review the contract. This is general information, not legal advice. Use the hiring checklist.

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