Property request template

Building contract signing request template

A building contract sets out the agreed scope, price, and timing for construction or renovation work between a property owner and a builder.

Send a building contract request Browse all templates

What is a building contract?

A building contract is the agreement between an owner and a builder that governs construction or renovation work. It records the scope of works, the contract price and how it is paid, the timeframe, and the responsibilities of each party, so the project has a clear, agreed foundation before work starts.

This document matters because building projects involve significant money and risk, and most disputes trace back to unclear scope, pricing, or timing. A signed contract gives both the owner and builder a shared reference point and, in many states, signed building contracts are required by law above certain value thresholds.

When to use a building contract

An owner and builder are agreeing terms before a new build begins.
A renovation or extension project needs scope, price, and timing locked in.
A builder wants signed acceptance before ordering materials or starting work.
Both parties want a documented record before progress payments commence.

What to include in a building contract

Parties: the full names of the owner and the builder, plus the site address.
Scope of works: a description of what will be built or renovated and any exclusions.
Contract price and payments: the total price and the schedule of progress payments.
Timeframe: start and completion dates and how delays are handled.
Signatures and date: signing blocks for owner and builder with the date agreed.

Pros and cons of sending a building contract as a signing request

Pros

Both owner and builder review the same document via private links.
Track opens and signatures so you know when the contract was agreed.
Reminders keep a slow party moving so work can start on time.
A completion receipt records exactly when both parties signed.

Cons and things to watch

Cosign sends and tracks the contract; it does not draft compliant terms.
Building contract rules and warranties vary by state, so use a compliant form.
Significant projects may warrant legal review before either party signs.
Both parties need email access and a device to review and sign.

How to send a building contract with Cosign

Upload the building contract and preview it to confirm the scope, price, and timing are correct.
Add the owner and the builder as signers so each receives their own private link.
Set a 14-day expiry, and apply a password given the contract holds financial detail.
Send the request, track opens and signatures, and keep the completion receipt before work begins.

Building contract request details

Email subject

Building contract signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this building contract if the scope, price, and timing are agreed.

Signer setup

Owner and builder

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign building contract

Best fit

Property teams

Building contract FAQs

Is an electronically signed building contract valid in Australia?

Electronic signatures are generally recognised under Australian electronic transactions laws when signers consent and are identifiable. Building contracts can have state-specific requirements, especially above value thresholds, so check local rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Who needs to sign a building contract?

Usually the property owner or owners and the builder. Where there are multiple owners, each is typically added as a separate signer so everyone signs.

Is the building contract kept private when sent through Cosign?

Yes. Cosign delivers the contract through a private link that is not indexed by search engines, so only the owner and builder with the links can open it.

Should I get legal advice before signing a building contract?

For significant projects, many owners and builders seek legal or industry advice before signing, since the contract governs scope, price, and risk. A signing tool sends and tracks the document but does not replace professional advice.

How long should a building contract request stay open?

A window of around 14 days is common, giving both parties time to review while keeping the project on schedule. You can set the expiry and send reminders to prompt signing.