Retainer Template
Updated 2026

Stop losing money on General Contractor projects.

One bad handshake leaves you footing a fifty-thousand dollar lumber bill while the homeowner ghosts your calls. You're one lawsuit away from losing the truck, the tools, and your house because you trusted a 'good guy' instead of a signed paper.

Pro Contractor Tip

Include a 'Right to Stop Work' clause so you can pull your crew off the site the second a payment milestone is missed without being sued for abandonment.

Client Ghosting

Without upfront financial commitment, clients can disappear mid-project.

Infinite Revisions

Without a documented scope of work, you risk doing unpaid tweaks forever.

Chasing Checks

Waiting 30 days for a paper check severely impacts freelance cash flow.

Why use a written agreement?

Handshake deals are risky. As a General Contractor, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone understands the deliverables before work begins.

🛡️ What this retainer covers:

  • Deliverables List
  • Payment Terms
  • IP Rights
  • Revision Limits
  • Cancellation Policy

Platform Features

  • ESIGN-Compliant Workflow

    Digital signatures built directly into the platform.

  • Upfront Deposits

    Clients can pay immediately upon signing via Stripe integration.

READ ONLY PREVIEW

Statement of Work

REF: 2026-001

1. Project Background

This Agreement is entered into by and between the Client and the Contractor. The Client wishes to engage the Contractor for professional General Contractor services.

2. Scope of Services

The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

  • Site Demolition and Debris Removal
  • Foundation Excavation and Concrete Pour
  • Structural Framing and Subflooring
  • Mechanical Rough-in and Inspection
  • Insulation and Vapor Barrier Installation
  • Drywall Hanging and Level 4 Finishing
  • Final Punch List Completion

3. Performance Standards

The Contractor agrees to perform the General Contractor services in a professional manner, using the degree of skill and care that is required by current industry standards.

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Legal Disclaimer: MicroFreelanceHub is a software workflow tool, not a law firm. The templates and information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do when the client keeps adding 'quick favors' to the job list?

You stop the hammer and pull out a Change Order; a written agreement ensures every extra nail and hour is documented and paid for before the work happens.

How do I stop chasing my tail for the final payment at the end of the job?

Tie your money to hard milestones in the contract so you're getting paid as you go, leaving only a small, manageable retention for the final walkthrough.

What happens if the client’s 'budget' materials fail after I install them?

Use your contract to explicitly exclude warranties on owner-provided materials; if their cheap fixtures leak, the written terms prove you aren't liable for the hardware failure.