A contract for services (works contract) governs the provision of a defined service or piece of work by a contractor to a client for an agreed price. Use it for building, repair, design, IT, consultancy or similar work carried out by an independent contractor. The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 implies terms as to skill and care; for construction works the Construction Contracts Act 2013 may also apply.
📄 Contract for Services
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [date]
BETWEEN
Client: [full name / company name and registered number], of [address] ("the Client")
AND
Contractor: [full name / company name and registered number], of [address] ("the Contractor")
1. THE SERVICES
The Contractor shall carry out the following services / works: [detailed description of the work, scope and specification] ("the Services"), in accordance with the specification and any drawings attached to this Agreement.
2. TIME
The Contractor shall commence the Services on [date] and complete them by [date], subject to any agreed extension of time.
3. PRICE AND PAYMENT
The price for the Services is EUR [amount] [plus VAT where applicable], on a [fixed price / time and materials] basis. Payment is due [in stages as set out below / within [X] days of invoice]. [Payment schedule / milestones: ________.]
4. CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATIONS
The Contractor shall carry out the Services with due skill, care and diligence, using suitable materials, and in compliance with the term implied by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 that a service supplier will act with proper skill and care. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable safety and building requirements.
5. CLIENT'S OBLIGATIONS
The Client shall provide access, information and any materials it has agreed to supply, and shall pay the price in accordance with clause 3.
6. VARIATIONS
Any change to the Services must be agreed in writing, together with any adjustment to the price and the completion date.
7. DEFECTS AND WARRANTY
The Contractor shall, for a period of [X] months after completion, remedy at its own cost any defect in the Services caused by faulty workmanship or materials.
8. INSURANCE
The Contractor shall maintain adequate public liability and, where relevant, professional indemnity insurance for the duration of the Services.
9. TERMINATION
Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach not remedied within [X] days of written notice. On termination the Client shall pay for Services properly carried out up to the date of termination.
10. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the law of Ireland.
Signed by the Client: ______________________ Date: __________
Signed by the Contractor: ______________________ Date: __________
Frequently asked questions
What standard of work can the client expect?
Where a supplier acts in the course of business, the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 implies a term that the service will be provided with due skill, care and diligence and, where relevant, with suitable materials. This template restates that standard.
Do I need a written contract for building works?
A written contract is strongly recommended and, for many construction works, the Construction Contracts Act 2013 sets out rules on payment and dispute resolution, including a right to refer payment disputes to adjudication. Clear scope, price and milestones reduce disputes.
How are changes to the work handled?
Any variation to the scope should be agreed in writing before the extra work is done, together with its effect on the price and the completion date. This template requires written agreement for variations under clause 6.