Subcontractor Agreement Template
A plain-English, fill-in agreement for trade-to-trade work. Add your details, then copy or download it. Not legal advice — have an attorney review before you sign.
Fill in the details
SUBCONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
DISCLAIMER: This template is provided for general informational purposes only
and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and trade. Have a licensed attorney
review any agreement before you sign it.
This Subcontractor Agreement ("Agreement") is made effective [date]
by and between [Hiring Contractor] ("Contractor") and [Subcontractor] ("Subcontractor"),
each a "Party" and together the "Parties."
1. SCOPE OF WORK
Subcontractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, and — unless stated otherwise —
tools and consumables to perform the following work on the [project]
project (the "Work"):
[describe the scope of work]
2. COMPENSATION
Contractor shall pay Subcontractor at the following rate for the Work:
[rate and pay model].
Approved change orders are billed separately per Section 7.
3. PAYMENT TERMS
Payment is due on the following terms: [e.g., Net 15 after approved invoice].
Subcontractor shall submit itemized invoices; Contractor shall pay undisputed
amounts within the stated terms.
4. SCHEDULE
The Work shall begin on or about [start date] and reach
substantial completion by [completion date], subject to
site conditions, permitting, inspections, and other reasonable delays outside a
Party's control.
5. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Subcontractor is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or partner
of Contractor. Subcontractor is solely responsible for its own crew, wages,
payroll taxes, benefits, and means and methods of performing the Work.
6. INSURANCE
Before starting the Work, Subcontractor shall maintain [required coverage]
and provide a current Certificate of Insurance naming [Hiring Contractor] as an
additional insured. Coverage shall be kept in force for the duration of the Work.
7. CHANGE ORDERS
Any change to the scope, price, or schedule must be agreed in writing and signed by
both Parties before the affected Work proceeds. Verbal changes are not binding.
8. LICENSING & COMPLIANCE
Subcontractor warrants that it holds the licenses, registrations, and permits
required to perform the Work and will comply with all applicable building codes,
OSHA requirements, and site safety rules.
9. WORKMANSHIP & WARRANTY
Subcontractor shall perform the Work in a good and workmanlike manner consistent
with industry standards and shall promptly correct non-conforming Work identified
within a reasonable period after completion.
10. TERMINATION
Either Party may terminate this Agreement for material breach upon written notice
and a reasonable opportunity to cure. Upon termination, Subcontractor shall be paid
for Work properly performed through the termination date.
11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute through direct
negotiation before pursuing other remedies. This Agreement is governed by the laws
of the state in which the Work is performed.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the Work and
supersedes all prior discussions. It may be amended only in a writing signed by both
Parties.
CONTRACTOR SUBCONTRACTOR
____________________________ ____________________________
[Hiring Contractor] [Subcontractor]
By: ________________________ By: ________________________
Name: ______________________ Name: ______________________
Title: _____________________ Title: _____________________
Date: ______________________ Date: ______________________
Lock the deal in writing — before the crew shows up
A text that says “we'll be there” isn't an agreement. Spell out scope, rate, schedule, and insurance so there's no “he said, she said” later. New to the terms? See the glossary, and request insurance with the COI request tool.
Common questions
What should a subcontractor agreement include?
At minimum: the parties, a clear scope of work, the rate and pay model, payment terms, the schedule, an independent-contractor clause, insurance and additional-insured requirements, change-order rules, licensing and code compliance, a workmanship warranty, and termination and dispute terms.
Is this subcontractor agreement template legally binding?
A signed agreement can be binding, but this template is a general starting point, not legal advice. Laws and licensing rules vary by state and trade, so have a licensed attorney review and adapt it before you rely on it.
Why require the subcontractor to name you as additional insured?
Being named as additional insured on the subcontractor's policy extends their coverage to claims arising from their work, helping protect you. Always confirm it on a current Certificate of Insurance before the crew starts — you can request one with our COI tool.
Make every commitment accountable
On SKILLS, accepting a Coverage Offer creates an immutable, audit-logged Work Agreement. Free for 3 months, then $99/year.