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4 Types of Construction Contracts

December 20, 2022

There are several types of construction contracts that may be used in the construction industry. Here are four common types:


  1. Lump sum contract: In a lump sum contract, the contractor is paid a fixed price for all of the work specified in the contract, regardless of the actual cost of the work. This type of contract is often used when the scope of work is well defined and the project is relatively small.
  2. Cost-plus contract: In a cost-plus contract, the contractor is paid the actual cost of the work plus a fixed percentage or fee as profit. This type of contract is often used when the scope of work is not well defined or when the owner wants to retain more control over the project.
  3. Unit price contract: In a unit price contract, the contractor is paid a fixed price for each unit of work specified in the contract. This type of contract is often used for projects that involve a large amount of repetitive work, such as paving a road or installing pipes.
  4. Time and materials contract: In a time and materials contract, the contractor is paid for the actual time spent on the project and the materials used. This type of contract is often used when the scope of work is not well defined or when the owner wants the flexibility to make changes to the project as it progresses.



It's important to carefully review the terms of any construction contract before signing it to ensure that it meets the needs of all parties involved.