Do I Need a Written Contract for Building Work?
You should always have the agreement in writing. On many home jobs, a detailed written quotation with terms, accepted in writing, does that job.
The short answer
Yes, you should always have one. It doesn't have to be long, but it does have to be clear.
You should always have a written agreement for building work. In general, a contract does not have to be written down to exist, and a verbal agreement can still be binding. But without it in writing, it is very hard to show what was agreed about the work, the price, the timing or the warranty if a question comes up later.
On smaller home jobs, the contract is often a detailed written quotation with terms and conditions that you accept in writing. On larger projects, a standard-form contract is worth considering. Either way, the aim is the same: both sides can point to the same document. If more than one company is named, the paperwork should also make clear which of them you are contracting with for the work.
What it should cover
Six things your written agreement should settle
Who the parties are
The full name of the business carrying out the work, and who your contract is with if more than one company is involved.
The work
What will be done, the materials and the finish, and anything specifically excluded.
The price and payments
Whether it is a fixed quote, what is included, the deposit, any stages and when the balance is due.
Timing
An expected start date and roughly how long the work should take.
Changes
How extra work or changes will be priced and agreed. See variations and extra costs.
The warranty
Who provides the workmanship warranty, how long it lasts and when it starts.
Quote or contract?
When a written quote is enough
For many domestic jobs, a clear written quote is the contract once you accept it. That works well if the quote is a fixed price rather than an estimate, describes the work properly and comes with terms setting out payments, timing and the warranty. Estimate vs quote explains why the difference matters, and what a building quote should include lists what to look for. Whichever form you use, record changes made during the job in writing too, or the paperwork stops matching the work.
For bigger projects such as extensions, the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) publishes standard contracts written for homeowners. They cover the ground in a balanced way and save drafting from scratch.
Consumer law also requires businesses to give you certain information before you are bound, including about any right to cancel where the contract is agreed in your home or at a distance. Citizens Advice and GOV.UK both explain these rules.
This is general information, not legal advice. For a large or unusual project, consider having the contract reviewed before you sign.
A quick read-through
Paperwork in good shape, and paperwork that needs more
In good shape
- The contractor's full business name and address
- A description of the work you recognise
- A fixed price with inclusions stated
- Payment terms tied to the work
- Warranty terms in writing
Needs more work
- A first name and a mobile number only
- "Work as discussed"
- A price with no detail behind it
- Payments due by date, with no stages
- No mention of a warranty
Afterwards
Keep the paperwork together
Once you have accepted, keep the quote or contract, the terms, any written changes and every receipt in one place. Add photographs of the work and the warranty terms at the end. If you ever need to raise a problem, the first question anyone will ask is what was agreed. A complete file answers it in minutes.
It helps in ordinary ways too: checking what was agreed about a start date, confirming a payment schedule, or showing a buyer what work was done if you sell. Note the date you accepted, as quotes are only valid for a set period. How long is a building quote valid? explains why.
The quotes and payments guide covers each document from first quote to final receipt.
With Mortaro
Your quotation sets it out in writing
When Mortaro coordinates your project, you receive a written quotation prepared by us on our template. It names your appointed main contractor, sets out the work as priced by them, the payment terms of a 25% deposit and the balance on completion, and your contractor's warranty terms. It is valid for 30 days.
The terms you accept state that the construction contract is between you and the named main contractor, with Mortaro acting as payment administration agent. How quotations work explains each part.
Straight answers
Questions about building contracts
Is a text or email exchange a contract?
It can be evidence of an agreement, but it is rarely clear enough on the details. Ask for a proper written quote that you accept in writing.
What should I do before signing?
Read every page, check the names and the figures, and ask about anything unclear. What to do before accepting a quote has a checklist.
Do small jobs need a written contract too?
A short written quote with clear terms is usually enough for small work. The point is not length. It is having the price, the work and the payment terms written down.
Start here
Tell us about the work you have in mind
We will confirm we cover your postcode, arrange a site visit with a contractor from our network and send you a written quotation. No charge, no obligation.