Ready-to-Use Renovation Contract Template for Works
This renovation contract template helps property owners and contractors record the agreed scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule, completion date, change orders, insurance, warranties, and dispute arrangements. It can be adapted for residential or commercial refurbishment projects.
A renovation contract records the terms agreed between a client and a contractor before refurbishment, repair, or improvement work begins. A clear written agreement helps define the scope, price, materials, timetable, and responsibilities of each party. It also provides a practical process for approving changes and handling delays or defective work. This template is suitable for adaptation to many residential or commercial renovation projects.
What a renovation contract should cover
The agreement should identify the parties, the property where the work will be carried out, and a sufficiently detailed description of the work. Plans, specifications, quotations, schedules, and material lists should be attached or clearly referenced where relevant.
It should also state whether the contractor supplies labour only or both labour and materials. This distinction affects cost, responsibility for procurement, warranties, and the handling of substitutions.
Scope and specifications
A vague description such as “renovate the kitchen” may cause disputes. List the rooms, tasks, finishes, measurements, technical requirements, and exclusions so both parties understand what is and is not included.
Key fields to complete
Complete every blank before signing, and ensure that any annexes are dated and identified. The following table highlights common fields and risks.
| Document field | Purpose | Frequent error |
|---|---|---|
| Property address | Identifies the worksite precisely | Using an incomplete or outdated address |
| Scope of works | Sets out the agreed tasks and exclusions | Relying only on verbal descriptions |
| Contract price | Defines the total price or pricing method | Not stating whether taxes are included |
| Payment schedule | Links payments to defined stages | Paying large sums without milestones |
| Completion date | Establishes the expected timetable | Ignoring approval or supply delays |
| Variation procedure | Controls changes to price and scope | Approving extra work only verbally |
Price, payments, and variations
The contract may use a fixed price, a cost-plus arrangement, or rates for specified work. State the currency, applicable taxes, deposit amount, payment dates or milestones, and the documents required before payment.
Any variation should be recorded in writing before the additional work starts whenever possible. The written variation should describe the change, its price effect, and its impact on the completion date.
Practical payment controls
- Link each instalment to a verifiable stage of work.
- State whether the quoted price includes taxes and delivery charges.
- Require invoices or payment receipts for each amount paid.
- Keep a written record of approved variations.
- Hold back final payment until agreed completion and handover.
Do not rely on informal messages for significant changes: use a dated written variation signed or clearly accepted by both parties.
Editable template
Document template
RENOVATION CONTRACT
This Renovation Contract is made in ____________________, on ____________________.
Client: ____________________, of ____________________, identification/company number ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
Contractor: ____________________, of ____________________, identification/company number ____________________, telephone ____________________, email ____________________.
The Client and the Contractor agree as follows:
| Variable | Details |
|---|---|
| Property/worksite address | ____________________ |
| Description of works | ____________________ |
| Contract price | ____________________ |
| Taxes included/excluded | ____________________ |
| Deposit | ____________________ |
| Payment schedule | ____________________ |
| Start date | ____________________ |
| Target completion date | ____________________ |
| Warranty period | ____________________ |
- Scope of work. The Contractor shall perform the works described in this Contract and in the attached quotation, plans, specifications, and material schedule, if any. Excluded work: ____________________.
- Price and payment. The Client shall pay the Contractor the contract price stated above, subject to approved written variations. Payments shall be made according to the agreed payment schedule against invoice or receipt.
- Materials and workmanship. The Contractor shall supply the materials specified in the agreed documentation, unless otherwise stated, and shall perform the work with reasonable skill and care and in accordance with applicable requirements.
- Access and client obligations. The Client shall provide reasonable access to the worksite and shall complete the following obligations before or during the works: ____________________.
- Variations. No material change to the scope, price, materials, or completion date shall be binding unless recorded in writing and accepted by both parties.
- Timing and delays. The Contractor shall use reasonable efforts to begin and complete the works on the stated dates. The Contractor shall promptly notify the Client of any event likely to delay completion.
- Insurance and safety. The Contractor shall maintain the insurance and safety arrangements required by applicable law for the works, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
- Completion and defects. Upon practical completion, the parties shall inspect the works. The Contractor shall remedy agreed defects or incomplete items within ____________________ days, subject to reasonable access and material availability.
- Termination. Either party may terminate this Contract for a material breach not remedied within ____________________ days after written notice, subject to applicable law.
- Governing law and disputes. This Contract shall be governed by the law of ____________________. The parties shall first attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith discussion before pursuing other available remedies.
Attachments forming part of this Contract: ____________________.
Client signature: ____________________
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Contractor signature: ____________________
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
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Timing, access, and site management
The agreement should include a start date, target completion date, working hours, access arrangements, and any client obligations that could affect progress. Examples include obtaining permissions, selecting finishes, arranging access, or clearing rooms before work begins.
Address foreseeable delays, such as severe weather, unavailable materials, hidden defects, or delayed approvals. The contract should require prompt notice and explain how the timetable will be adjusted.
- Confirm the final scope, drawings, and quotation.
- Agree the start date, access rules, and payment milestones.
- Approve variations in writing before the changed work proceeds.
- Inspect the completed work and document any outstanding items.
Quality, insurance, and completion
Specify the required standard of workmanship, applicable laws, permits, and any technical standards relevant to the project. The contractor should confirm responsibility for appropriate insurance, site safety, and the lawful disposal of waste, subject to local requirements.
At completion, the parties should inspect the work, prepare a list of defects or unfinished items if needed, and agree a reasonable period for correction. Keep copies of warranties, operating instructions, certificates, and final invoices.
Frequently asked questions
Can a renovation contract be changed after signing?
Yes. Changes are commonly made through written variations that describe the revised work, additional or reduced cost, and any extension of time. Both parties should retain a copy.
Should the contract include a deposit?
It may include a deposit where permitted by applicable law and commercially appropriate. The amount, due date, refund conditions, and relationship to the total contract price should be stated clearly.
Who obtains permits for renovation work?
The contract should expressly allocate this responsibility. Local rules differ, and permits may be required depending on the nature of the work, property type, and location.