Building Works Agreement — Word & PDF Template

This building works agreement sets out the terms on which a contractor carries out extension, renovation or similar works for a homeowner. It records the scope, price and timetable and sets out payment, variation and defects provisions for both sides.

Who is this template for?

It is a domestic contract for homeowners and the builders or contractors working for them in England and Wales. Use it for extensions, renovations, refurbishments and similar household projects where a clear written contract is needed. It is not written for developer or commercial projects.

What does the template include?

The agreement is organised into clearly numbered clauses covering the works:

• Parties — identifies the client and the builder.
• The works — description of the works to be carried out.
• Planning and building regulations — tick boxes for planning permission and building regulations approval.
• Start date and completion — estimated dates; time is not of the essence unless agreed.
• Contract price — the agreed price.
• Payment schedule — stage payments against milestones, with the deposit capped at 25% of the price.
• Variations — changes to the works.
• Materials — supply and quality of materials.
• Subcontractors — use of subcontractors.
• Site safety and insurance — safety and cover.
• Defects liability period — the contractor fixes defects appearing within 12 months of practical completion.
• Practical completion — when works are complete.
• Termination — 14 days’ notice for uncured material breach.
• Dispute resolution — negotiation, then adjudication where that right applies, or the courts.
• Right to cancel — the homeowner’s 14-day right to cancel where the agreement is signed away from the contractor’s premises or made at a distance, and where it does not apply.
• Governing law — England and Wales jurisdiction.
• Signatures — execution by both parties.

Easy to customise

The template works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice. Fill in the highlighted fields, tailor the scope and payment clauses to the project and remove anything that does not apply.

Format and scope

Supplied as an editable Word (.docx) file and a PDF, formatted to A4. Written in plain British English with light, general references to England & Wales law.