Subcontractor Agreement for Residential Construction
What this document is
A subcontractor agreement is the written contract between a general contractor (or homebuilder) and a trade subcontractor. It defines the scope of work, price, schedule, insurance requirements, lien rights, change order process, and dispute resolution terms for a specific trade on a residential project.
Who it's for
This template is designed for:
- Custom home builders contracting framing, MEP, roofing, and finish trades
- General contractors on residential remodeling projects
- Owner-builders managing licensed subcontractors
- Insurance restoration contractors hiring subcontractors for claim work
Key sections
Parties and Project
Names, license numbers, and the project address. Establishes who the contract is between and for what property.
Scope of Work
A detailed description of exactly what the subcontractor is and is not responsible for. Vague scope is the most common source of disputes.
Contract Price and Payment Schedule
Fixed price or time-and-material, payment milestones or draws, retainage if applicable, and conditions for final payment.
Schedule
Start date, substantial completion date, and milestone requirements. Includes provisions for schedule delays and notice requirements.
Insurance and License Requirements
Minimum general liability and workers' compensation coverages. Requires the subcontractor to name the GC as an additional insured.
Lien Waiver Requirements
Conditional and unconditional lien waivers required with each payment. Protects the owner and general contractor from double-payment risk.
Change Order Process
How scope changes and price adjustments are handled. Only written, signed change orders are binding.
Indemnification
Protects the general contractor from liability arising from the subcontractor's work, employees, or negligence.
Warranty
Minimum warranty period for the subcontractor's work. Typical residential warranty is one year.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation-first clause before litigation. Jurisdiction and governing law.
How it works in River
Enter your company information, the subcontractor's details, and the project scope. The AI drafts a complete, professional agreement in the document. Review the draft, adjust any terms, and export to PDF or Word for signature.
Important
This template is a starting point. Subcontract law varies by state, and residential construction contracts often have mandatory statutory requirements. Always have a licensed construction or real estate attorney review your subcontracts before execution.
