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Subcontractor Agreement โ€” Plain-English Summary

Hire a subcontractor under a prime contract: scope, price, flow-down terms, pay-when-paid, schedule, insurance, safety, backcharges and lien waivers.

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SimpleFullPlain-English Summary

Plain-English Summary: explains each section of the Full version. Sign it alongside the Full version, or use it on its own as a summary sheet.

This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state. Laws, required disclosures and signing formalities (witnesses, notarization, recording) vary by state and county.
E-Sign Auto is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

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1. Parties2. Details 1/23. Details 2/2

Parties

Signing order: Contractor โ†’ Subcontractor. Each signer is invited after the previous one signs.

1. Contractor
2. Subcontractor

Signature, date and name fields are added for every signer automatically.

Details 1/2

Details 2/2

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Signature, initials (every page) and date fields are placed for each party. You can review and adjust them before sending.

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What the sections mean (plain English)
SCOPE
Exactly what work is to be done.
PRICE AND PAYMENT
How much is paid, when, and what happens if it's late.
CHANGES
How changes to the work, price or schedule must be agreed in writing.
SAFETY
Who is responsible for keeping workers and the site safe.
INSURANCE
Coverage each side must carry.
INDEMNITY
Who pays if a third party sues because of the other side's actions.
WARRANTY
Promises about quality or condition, and what is not promised.
LIEN WAIVERS
What lien and payment-bond rights are given up, and for which payment.
TERMINATION
How long it lasts and how either side can end it.
GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
Which state's law applies and where any lawsuit must be filed.
SEVERABILITY
If a court strikes one clause, the rest still counts.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT
How this document can be changed later.
NOTICES
How the parties must officially contact each other.
COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
E-signatures are valid and each party can sign separately.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
How disagreements get handled before anyone goes to court.
Optional clauses
Extra terms you can switch on or off in step 3. Leave them off if unsure.

How to use this Subcontractor Agreement template

  1. Answer the guided questions. Your name and company fill in automatically from your profile.
  2. Pick the governing state and complete the [STATE-SPECIFIC] blanks. Switch optional clauses on or off.
  3. Check the live preview, then create the document. Signature, initial and date fields are placed for each party.
  4. Review the fields and send. Each party signs in order, and everyone gets the signed PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Subcontractor Agreement template free?

Yes. You can fill it in, download it and send it for electronic signature with a free E-Sign Auto account.

Is an electronically signed Subcontractor Agreement legally binding?

In the U.S., the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws generally give e-signatures the same effect as handwritten ones. Check your state's rules.

Does this template work in my state?

It is a generic, state-neutral starting point. Pick your governing state and complete every blank marked [STATE-SPECIFIC]. This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Who signs, and in what order?

Contractor, then Subcontractor. Each signer gets a secure link in that order, with signature, initial and date fields already placed.