Official Pennsylvania Construction Contract Form | Step-by-Step Guide

Agreement for construction or renovation work

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $5Witnesses: 1

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CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
State of Pennsylvania

This Construction Contract is entered into on [DATE] between:

OWNER:
Name: [OWNER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], PA [ZIP]

CONTRACTOR:
Name/Company: [CONTRACTOR NAME]
License Number: [LICENSE #]
Address: [ADDRESS], PA [ZIP]

PROJECT LOCATION: [ADDRESS], PA [ZIP]

1. SCOPE OF WORK:
[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED]

2. CONTRACT PRICE:
[  ] Fixed Price: $[AMOUNT]
[  ] Time and Materials: $[RATE]/hour + materials
[  ] Cost Plus: Cost + [PERCENTAGE]%

3. PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deposit: $[AMOUNT] due upon signing
Progress Payments: $[AMOUNT] at [MILESTONES]
Final Payment: $[AMOUNT] upon completion

4. START DATE: [DATE]
5. COMPLETION DATE: [DATE]
6. PERMITS: [  ] Owner [  ] Contractor shall obtain required permits.

7. CHANGE ORDERS: Any changes must be agreed in writing and may adjust price and timeline.

8. WARRANTY: Contractor warrants workmanship for [DURATION] from completion date.

9. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability insurance of at least $[AMOUNT].

10. LIEN WAIVER: Contractor shall provide lien waivers with each payment per Pennsylvania law.

This contract is governed by Pennsylvania construction law (PA Statutes).

OWNER: _____________________ DATE: _____
CONTRACTOR: _____________________ DATE: _____

Where to File Your Construction Contract in Pennsylvania

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Construction Contract.

Philadelphia County Clerk

Philadelphia

City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Allegheny County Clerk

Pittsburgh

436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Dauphin County Clerk

Harrisburg

101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Construction Contract Costs in Pennsylvania

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Pennsylvania standard rate: $5
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Pennsylvania
Sales Tax6%Pennsylvania base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Pennsylvania-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.
JRJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Construction Contract template for Pennsylvania has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Pennsylvania Construction Contract Legal Guide

According to Pennsylvania laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania State Code in Pennsylvania, this Construction Contract must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6%. Notarization, which costs $5 in PA, is strongly recommended. 1 witness is needed.

Using this template ensures you're protected under Pennsylvania law while saving time and money on legal fees.

contractorscope of workchange orderconstruction lienwarrantybuilding permit
Navigating Pennsylvania's legal landscape for a Construction Contract doesn't have to be complicated. This guide breaks down everything PA residents need to know — from required fields to filing procedures — so you can complete your document with confidence.

Your Pennsylvania Filing Guide

After downloading, take your time filling in each section. PA statutes require that all information be accurate and current. Once signed by all parties, determine whether Pennsylvania requires you to file the document with a government office, record it with the county, or simply retain it for your records.

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Construction Contract is legally binding in Pennsylvania and enforceable in PA courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. Pennsylvania courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable PA statutes.

Smart Practices for PA Compliance

Pennsylvania has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current PA statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Pennsylvania may need updating for 2026.

What Pennsylvania Law Requires

Pennsylvania's statutes are clear: a valid Construction Contract must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under PA law can render the document unenforceable.

FAQ: Construction Contract in Pennsylvania

Is a Construction Contract required in Pennsylvania?

Yes, in Pennsylvania, a Construction Contract is required for most transactions of this type. Under Pennsylvania State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Construction Contract may result in legal complications.

Does a Construction Contract need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?

Notarization requirements in Pennsylvania (PA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Construction Contract in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Construction Contract, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Pennsylvania tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What should a construction contract include?

A construction contract should include: detailed scope of work, contract price and payment schedule, start and completion dates, change order procedures, warranty terms, insurance requirements, lien waiver provisions, and dispute resolution methods.

What is a change order in construction?

A change order is a written agreement to modify the original construction contract. It can change the scope of work, price, or timeline. All change orders should be documented in writing and signed by both parties before work begins.

Do I need a written contract for home renovations?

While not always legally required, a written contract is strongly recommended for any construction or renovation project. Many states require written contracts for projects over a certain dollar amount. It protects both the homeowner and contractor.

Pennsylvania Construction Contract Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Construction Contract is legally valid in Pennsylvania.

Scope of work detailed
Contract price specified
Payment schedule included
Start and completion dates stated
Change order procedures defined
Warranty terms included
Insurance requirements stated
Lien waiver provisions included
Permit responsibilities assigned
Both parties must sign

Pennsylvania Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Pennsylvania, it is recommended. Fees range from $5.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Pennsylvania, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Pennsylvania law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Pennsylvania Filing Deadlines

Check Pennsylvania deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Document Information

Document
Construction Contract
State
Pennsylvania (PA)
Category
Contractors
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$5

Pennsylvania Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Pennsylvania may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.