Handyman contract template (free, with what to include)

By Nicholas Lipari, founder of PlainJob · Updated October 22, 2026 · 6 min read

Short answer: a handyman contract should spell out who (both parties), what (the work, and what's not included), how much (price, deposit, payment due dates), when (start and finish), how changes are handled, warranty, cleanup and cancellation, with both signatures. For small jobs, a detailed quote the customer approves in writing often does the same job. This template is a starting point, not legal advice.

This is a plain-language starting point, not legal advice. Many states have their own rules for home improvement contracts, such as required wording, license numbers or deposit limits. Check your state's rules, and ask a local attorney for larger jobs.

The template

HANDYMAN SERVICES AGREEMENT

Contractor: ____________________ (business name)
Address / phone / email: ______________________________
License no. (if required): __________   Insured: yes / no

Customer: ____________________
Job address: __________________________________________
Date: __________

1. WORK TO BE DONE
   ______________________________________________________
   ______________________________________________________
   Not included: _________________________________________

2. MATERIALS
   Supplied by: contractor / customer
   Materials allowance: $_______ (changes billed at cost + ___%)

3. PRICE AND PAYMENT
   Total price: $__________   (or $_____ per hour, estimate ___ hours,
   not to exceed $__________ without written approval)
   Deposit: $_______ due on signing
   Balance: due ________________ (on completion / within ___ days)
   Payment by: ________________   Late fee: ___________

4. SCHEDULE
   Start date: __________   Estimated finish: __________
   Delays caused by weather, materials or hidden conditions
   will be discussed with the customer before continuing.

5. CHANGES
   Any change to the work or price must be agreed in writing
   (a signed or approved change order) before the work is done.

6. HIDDEN CONDITIONS
   If rot, mold, damaged wiring or plumbing, or other hidden
   problems are found, work on that item stops until the
   customer approves a change order.

7. WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY
   Labor is warranted for _____ days/months from completion.
   Materials carry the manufacturer's warranty only.
   Not covered: misuse, normal wear, work by others.

8. SITE AND CLEANUP
   Contractor will clean up daily and haul away job debris.
   Customer will provide access, clear the work area and
   secure pets.

9. CANCELLATION
   __________________________________________________
   (Add any right to cancel your state or federal law requires.)

10. PERMITS
   Permits, if required, will be obtained by: contractor / customer

Contractor signature: ________________  Date: ________
Customer signature:   ________________  Date: ________

What each section is for

Work and "not included": most disputes are about scope. Writing what you're not doing (painting the patch, moving furniture, hauling the old vanity) heads them off.
Price and payment: say when each payment is due. A not-to-exceed amount protects both sides on hourly work.
Changes and hidden conditions: extra work gets a written change order first. Our free change order template covers it.
Warranty: a clear labor warranty builds trust and limits open-ended callbacks.

Rules you may need to follow

State home improvement laws: some states require a written contract above a dollar amount, specific wording, your license number on the contract, or limits on deposits. See the license rules by state and your state's consumer protection office.
The FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives buyers three business days to cancel certain sales of $25 or more made at their home. Repairs or maintenance the customer asked you to come out for, and emergencies, are generally not covered, but extra items you sell during that visit can be. Read the FTC's summary before you rely on it.

Do small jobs need a contract?

For a two-hour repair, a detailed written quote the customer approves before you start (with line items, price, what's not included and payment terms) usually does the job. Our estimate guide covers what to put on it. Use a full contract for bigger jobs, deposits, and anything that runs more than a day or two.

Sources

Questions

What should be in a handyman contract?

Both parties, the work and what is not included, materials, price and payment schedule, start and finish dates, how changes are approved, hidden conditions, warranty, cleanup, cancellation, permits and both signatures.

Do handymen need a written contract?

It depends on your state and the job size. Some states require written home improvement contracts above a dollar amount. For small jobs, a detailed quote the customer approves in writing is often enough.

Can a customer cancel a handyman contract?

Sometimes. The FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives three business days to cancel certain sales of $25 or more made at the buyer’s home, with exceptions for repairs the customer requested and emergencies. Some states add their own rules.