Free Template

Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

A plain-language contract template built around Ohio law — deposit caps, excess cost disclosure, mechanics' lien protections, and cancellation rights.

Ohio ORC Ch. 4722 v1.0 — March 2026

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Instructions — not part of the agreement

How to Use This Template

This template was built by jaspector.com to help Ohio homeowners protect themselves when hiring a contractor. It covers the key provisions required by Ohio law, including deposit limits, cancellation rights, mechanics' lien protections, and the Home Construction Service Suppliers Act requirements.

Before You Start

Verify the contractor's credentials. Ohio does not have a single statewide general contractor license. Check your local building department for the contractor's municipal registration or license. For specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration), verify the OCILB license at elicense.ohio.gov. See our Ohio license lookup guide at jaspector.com/resources/contractor-license-requirements/ohio/ for step-by-step help.
Download and print this document. Fill in all blank fields -- do not leave any section empty. Ohio law requires a written contract for home construction services of $25,000 or more.
Review the Ohio Legal Notes below. These notes highlight state-specific legal protections. Read them carefully -- they explain your rights as a homeowner.
Both parties sign. You and the contractor each get a signed copy before any work starts.
Consult an attorney. This template is a starting point. For large projects or complex scopes, have an Ohio-licensed attorney review the agreement.

Field-by-Field Guide

›Section 1 (Parties): Fill in the legal names exactly as they appear on official documents. Include the contractor's taxpayer identification number and any applicable OCILB license number or local registration number as required by ORC 4722.02.
›Section 2 (Scope): Be as specific as possible. "Kitchen remodel" is not enough -- list materials, dimensions, finishes, and what is excluded.
›Section 3 (Payment): Ohio caps your down payment at 10% of the contract price for home construction service contracts of $25,000+ (ORC 4722.04). Tie every payment to a completed milestone, not a calendar date. Designate whether you want written or oral excess cost notifications.
›Section 4 (Timeline): Get start and completion dates in writing. Fill in the delay penalties -- these protect you if the contractor falls behind.
›Section 7 (Warranties): Fill in the warranty period. One year is common; negotiate for more on major work.
›Section 14 (Exhibits): Attach all plans, specs, the contractor's certificate of insurance (required by ORC 4722.02), and any license printouts. Check each box for what you are including.

About Jaspector

Jaspector is an AI-powered property advisory service that helps homeowners navigate construction projects, verify contractors, and resolve disputes. If a dispute arises during your project, we can help you document the issue and build a resolution strategy.

Learn more at jaspector.com — or email hi@jaspector.com to get started.

The instructions above are provided by jaspector.com as an educational resource. They are not part of the agreement, do not constitute legal advice, and do not create an attorney-client or endorsement relationship.

Before You Begin: This template helps you understand what a strong Ohio contractor agreement looks like. It is an educational starting point provided by jaspector.com — not a finished contract, and not legal advice. Ohio law imposes specific requirements on residential construction contracts, and local jurisdictions may add further obligations. Have this document reviewed by a Ohio-licensed attorney before use. Use of this template does not create an attorney-client relationship, and jaspector.com assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from its use.

Parties

Homeowner (Property Owner)

Name(s)
Property Address
Mailing Address
Phone
Email

Contractor

Business Name (Legal Entity)
Taxpayer Identification Number
OCILB License Number (if applicable)
OCILB License Trade(s)
Local Registration / License Number
Issuing Municipality
Business Address (Physical)
Phone
Email
Workers' Compensation Policy #
General Liability Policy #

Ohio Requirement: Ohio does not have a single statewide general contractor license. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration) under ORC Chapter 4740. General contractors and remodelers are typically licensed or registered at the city or county level. Verify the contractor's credentials through your local building department AND the OCILB eLicense portal at elicense.ohio.gov for any specialty trade work.

SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Project Description

Describe the work in specific, measurable detail. Include materials, methods, dimensions, and reference any plans, drawings, or specifications attached as exhibits.

2.2 Work NOT Included

Explicitly list work that is excluded from this contract to prevent scope disputes.

2.3 Permits and Inspections

Contractor is responsible for obtaining all required building permits

Contractor is responsible for scheduling all required inspections

Permit costs are: [ ] Included in contract price / [ ] Billed separately at cost

Ohio Note: Ohio building permits are issued at the local level. The contractor should pull permits under their own credentials. If a contractor asks the homeowner to pull the permit, that is a red flag – it may indicate the contractor lacks proper local registration.

2.4 Plans and Specifications

Attached as Exhibit A (architectural/engineering plans)

Attached as Exhibit B (material specifications)

No formal plans – scope defined by Section 2.1 above

CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

3.1 Total Contract Price

Item Total Contract Price$ Sales Tax (if applicable)$ Permit Fees (if billed separately)$ Total Amount Due**$ **

3.2 Payment Schedule

Ohio Law (ORC 4722.04): For home construction service contracts of $25,000 or more, the down payment may not exceed 10% of the contract price before the contractor's performance begins. Exception: the contractor may collect up to 75% of the cost of any special-order item that is not returnable or reusable. This limit does not apply to cost-plus contracts.

Payment Down Payment$ Progress Payment 1$ Progress Payment 2$ Progress Payment 3$ Final Payment$ Total**$ **

3.3 Payment Terms

›Payments are due within ___ days of written invoice

›Acceptable payment methods: ________________________________

›No payment shall be due for work not yet performed or materials not yet delivered to the job site

›Final payment is due only after: (a) all work is complete, (b) final inspection is passed (if applicable), and (c) Homeowner has had reasonable opportunity to inspect

3.4 Excess Cost Disclosure

Ohio Law (ORC 4722.03): If the total amount of reasonably unforeseen but necessary excess costs at any time exceeds $5,000 over the course of the entire contract, the contractor must provide the homeowner with a written or oral estimate (as designated in this contract) before performing the work related to the excess costs.

Homeowner designates: [ ] Written estimate / [ ] Oral estimate for excess cost notifications.

PROJECT TIMELINE

Milestone Estimated Start Date Estimated Completion Date

4.1 Delays

›Contractor shall notify Homeowner in writing within 48 hours of any event that may delay the project

›Excusable delays include: weather, permit delays, material shortages, acts of God, government orders

›Non-excusable delays exceeding ___ business days entitle Homeowner to a daily credit of $ _________ (liquidated damages), not to exceed _____% of the total contract price

›If the project is not substantially complete within ___ days of the estimated completion date (excluding excusable delays), Homeowner may terminate this contract under Section 9

CHANGE ORDERS

Any changes to the scope, price, or timeline of this contract must be documented in a written Change Order signed by both parties before the changed work begins.

Each Change Order shall include:

Description of the changed work

Addition to or deduction from the contract price

Impact on the project timeline

Signature of both Homeowner and Contractor

No verbal agreements will modify this contract.

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

6.1 Materials

›All materials shall be new unless otherwise specified in writing

›Specific materials, brands, and grades are listed in: [ ] Section 2.1 / [ ] Exhibit B

›Substitutions require prior written approval from Homeowner

›Contractor warrants that all materials comply with applicable building codes

6.2 Workmanship Standards

›All work shall be performed in a professional, workmanlike manner

›All work shall comply with applicable Ohio building codes and local ordinances

›All work shall conform to the plans, specifications, and scope described in this contract

›Contractor shall maintain a clean and safe job site

6.3 Subcontractors

›Contractor [ ] will / [ ] will not use subcontractors

›If subcontractors are used, Contractor remains fully responsible for their work, licensing, and insurance

›All subcontractors performing OCILB-regulated trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration) must hold a valid, active OCILB license

›All subcontractors must hold any required local registration or license

›Homeowner may request license or registration numbers for any subcontractor working on the project

WARRANTIES

7.1 Contractor Warranty

Contractor warrants all labor and workmanship for a period of ___ year(s) from the date of completion. During this period, Contractor shall repair or correct, at Contractor's expense, any defects in workmanship or materials furnished by Contractor.

7.2 Manufacturer Warranties

Contractor shall provide Homeowner with all manufacturer warranties for materials and equipment installed. Contractor shall ensure installations comply with manufacturer specifications to preserve warranty coverage.

7.3 Warranty Exclusions

This warranty does not cover:

›Normal wear and tear

›Damage caused by Homeowner negligence or misuse

›Damage caused by third parties or acts of God

›Items specifically excluded in writing

INSURANCE AND BONDING

8.1 Contractor Insurance Requirements

Contractor shall maintain, at minimum, the following coverage for the duration of the project:

Coverage General Liability$ Workers' Compensation Automobile Liability (if applicable)$

›Contractor shall provide certificates of insurance upon request

›Homeowner shall be named as additional insured on the general liability policy

Ohio Requirement (ORC 4722.02): For home construction service contracts of $25,000 or more, the contractor must provide a copy of their certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage of not less than $250,000. This certificate must be attached to the contract.

8.2 Contractor Bond

Ohio Note: Many Ohio municipalities require a contractor license or registration bond, typically $25,000. Verify bond requirements with your local building department. OCILB-licensed specialty trade contractors may have separate bonding requirements.

TERMINATION

9.1 Homeowner's Right to Terminate

Homeowner may terminate this contract at any time by providing written notice to Contractor. Upon termination:

›Homeowner shall pay for all work satisfactorily completed and materials delivered to the job site as of the termination date

›Contractor shall provide an itemized accounting of all work completed and materials delivered within 10 business days of termination

›Contractor shall not charge a cancellation penalty exceeding the actual costs reasonably incurred

9.2 Contractor's Right to Terminate

Contractor may terminate this contract if:

›Homeowner fails to make a payment due under this contract within ___ days of written notice of default

›Conditions at the job site make the work unsafe or illegal to continue

9.3 Three-Day Right to Cancel (Home Solicitation Sales)

Ohio Law (ORC 1345.21-1345.28 – Home Solicitation Sales Act): If this contract was solicited at the Homeowner's residence or at a location other than the Contractor's fixed place of business, the Homeowner has the right to cancel this transaction until midnight of the third (3rd) business day after the day on which the Homeowner signs the agreement. The Contractor must inform the Homeowner orally of this right at the time of signing. The following notice must appear clearly and conspicuously on the contract in boldface type of at least 10 points: "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction." Cancellation must be in writing, delivered by certified mail (return receipt requested), personal delivery, facsimile, or email to the Contractor's address stated in this agreement. Within 10 business days of receiving a valid cancellation notice, the Contractor must refund all payments.

10.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10.1 Informal Resolution

The parties agree to attempt informal resolution of any dispute by written notice describing the issue. The other party shall respond in writing within 15 business days.

10.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to non-binding mediation before a mutually agreed mediator. Mediation costs shall be shared equally.

10.3 Ohio Attorney General Consumer Complaint

Ohio Resource: Homeowners may file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section regarding violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act (ORC Chapter 1345) or the Home Construction Service Suppliers Act (ORC Chapter 4722). File at: ohioattorneygeneral.gov. Filing a complaint does not prevent the homeowner from also pursuing legal remedies.

10.4 Legal Action

If mediation fails, either party may pursue legal action in the county where the property is located. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

11.

MECHANICS' LIEN NOTICE

Ohio Law (ORC Chapter 1311): Ohio allows contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to place a mechanics' lien on your property if they are not paid for work or materials. This lien can affect your ability to sell or refinance.

11.1 Protecting Against Mechanics' Liens

›Request lien waivers from the contractor and all subcontractors with each progress payment

›Request a final lien waiver upon final payment

›An original contractor must file an affidavit of mechanics' lien within 60 days of the date the last labor was performed or materials were furnished (ORC 1311.06)

›Subcontractors not in privity with the owner must serve a Notice of Furnishing within 21 days of first providing labor or materials (ORC 1311.05)

›If you pay the original contractor in full before receiving a copy of a subcontractor's affidavit of mechanics' lien, the subcontractor's lien may not attach (ORC 1311.011)

›Consider requiring Contractor to provide a list of all subcontractors and material suppliers at the start of the project

11.2 Owner's Right to Demand Suit

Under Ohio law (ORC 1311.11), if a mechanics' lien affidavit is filed against your property, you may serve the lienholder with a written notice demanding that they commence suit to enforce the lien within 60 days. If the lienholder fails to do so, the lien is forfeited.

12.

ADDITIONAL OHIO REQUIREMENTS

12.1 Contract Requirements Under ORC 4722.02

For home construction service contracts of $25,000 or more, Ohio law requires that the contract include:

The contractor's name, physical business address, business telephone number, and taxpayer identification number

The homeowner's name, address, and telephone number

The address or location of the property where the work is to be performed

A general description of the home construction service, including the goods and services to be furnished

The anticipated date or time period the work is to begin and be completed

The total estimated cost of the home construction service

Any cost of installation, delivery, or other cost not covered by the total estimated cost

A copy of the contractor's certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage of at least $250,000

12.2 Ohio Licensing Statement

Ohio does not issue a statewide general contractor license. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), a division of the Ohio Department of Commerce, licenses specialty trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, and refrigeration under ORC Chapter 4740. General contractors and home remodelers are licensed or registered at the municipal or county level. Verify credentials through your local building department and the OCILB eLicense portal at elicense.ohio.gov.

12.3 Home Solicitation Sales Notice

If this contract is a home solicitation sale under ORC 1345.21, the following notice must appear in boldface type of at least 10 points: "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction."

13.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

13.1 Entire Agreement

This contract, including all exhibits and change orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No prior verbal or written representations shall be binding unless incorporated herein.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of this contract is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13.3 Governing Law

This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

13.4 Notice

All notices under this contract shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed in Section 1, by personal delivery, certified mail, or email with confirmed receipt.

13.5 Assignment

Neither party may assign this contract without the prior written consent of the other party.

14.

EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS

Exhibit A: Plans and Drawings

Exhibit B: Material Specifications

Exhibit C: Cancellation Notice (Home Solicitation Sales)

Exhibit D: Contractor's Certificate of Insurance (required by ORC 4722.02)

Exhibit E: Contractor's OCILB License Printout (if applicable)

Exhibit F: Contractor's Local Registration / License Printout

Additional: _________________________________

Signatures

By signing below, both parties acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to all terms of this contract.

Homeowner

Signature

Printed Name
Date

Homeowner (if jointly owned)

Signature

Printed Name
Date

Contractor

Signature

Printed Name
Title
OCILB License # (if applicable)
Local Registration #
Date

Ohio Pre-Signing Checklist

Before signing, confirm each item:

Verified contractor's local registration/license with your municipal or county building department
Verified OCILB license for any specialty trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) at elicense.ohio.gov
Workers' compensation status confirmed (if contractor has employees)
Certificate of insurance provided showing general liability of at least $250,000 (required by ORC 4722.02 for contracts of $25,000+)
Down payment does not exceed 10% of the contract price (ORC 4722.04)
Three-day cancellation notice provided (if signed at your home or away from contractor's office)
Cancellation notice appears in boldface type of at least 10 points
All blank fields in this contract are filled in – no blank spaces
Received a signed copy of the complete contract before work starts
Payment schedule tied to work milestones, not calendar dates
Plans, specs, and material lists are attached or described in detail
Excess cost notification preference designated (written or oral)

Next step

Verify your contractor's Ohio credentials

Look up OCILB trade licenses, local registration, and complaint history before you sign.

Ohio License Lookup

This template was prepared by jaspector.com as an educational resource for Ohio homeowners.

It is not legal advice. Consult a Ohio-licensed attorney before executing any construction contract.

Template Version 1.0 — March 2026

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