Trusted AI built on 175 years of Thomson Reuters knowledge. Meet The CoCo

Fixed Price Construction Contracts: Contractor's Drafting Checklist

by Levi W. Barrett and Nathan A. Cohen, Peckar & Abramson, P.C., with Practical Law Real Estate

Maintained | USA (National/Federal)

This Checklist identifies key drafting considerations for contractors to mitigate contract disputes and obtain payment in full for work performed under fixed price construction contracts. It provides guidance on defining the scope of work, addressing payment risks, and clarifying payment terms. The Checklist also covers the contractor's rights to stop work for nonpayment, mechanics' lien rights, and retainage. Additionally, it addresses terms related to differing site conditions, project delays, indemnification, insurance requirements, changes in the work, notice and dispute resolution procedures, and termination rights. This Checklist will guide contractors in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating fixed price construction contracts and can also assist contractors regarding cost-plus and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) construction agreements.

Get access to this document with Practical Law

Why Practical Law?

Gain a built-in attorney network

Practical Law’s resources are written and maintained by over 650 dedicated, full-time attorney-editors globally. They’re highly qualified, having practiced at the world’s leading law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies, so they understand the challenges you face. They dedicate themselves to creating resources to help you navigate the new legal realities, legislative changes, and practice areas impacting your clients or organization.

See how to leverage the expertise of Practical Law’s attorney-editors to help you practice more efficiently.

Expert guidance

650+ full-time, experienced attorney-editors keep you up to date globally

Total resources

118,000+ total resources across 17 practice areas ensure comprehensive coverage

Timely updates 

150,000+ hours spent in 2025 maintaining and updating resources

Experience Practical Law