Creating Contracts
Contracts in Readybuild formalize your project agreements with customers. You can create contracts directly from projects or convert estimates into binding proposals.
Creating a Contract from a Project
Follow these steps to create a contract directly from a project:
- Navigate to the project where you want to create a contract
- Click on the Contracts tab in the project navigation
- Click the New Contract button in the upper right
- Select the contract type from the dropdown (Project Proposal, Change Order, etc.)
- Choose a template that defines the contract structure and branding
- Configure the contract details:
- Enter a contract name or reference number
- Select a linked estimate (if applicable)
- Set the effective date
- Add any initial notes or terms
- Click Save to create the contract
The contract is now created and ready for detailed configuration.
Creating a Contract from an Estimate
Converting an estimate into a contract is the most common workflow:
- Open the estimate you want to convert
- Click the Create Contract button (typically in the estimate header)
- Select the contract type (usually "Project Proposal" for initial agreements)
- The estimate is automatically linked to the new contract
- Configure display options:
- Choose which estimate sections to include
- Set pricing visibility (show/hide cost breakdowns)
- Select terms and conditions template
- Click Save to generate the contract
This method ensures all estimate details flow directly into your contract, reducing manual data entry and errors.
Choosing a Template
Templates determine how your contract looks and what it contains:
- Structure: Templates define scope sections, pricing layout, and document organization
- Content: Include pre-written terms, conditions, warranties, and legal language
- Branding: Control logos, colors, fonts, and company information
- Signature Areas: Define who needs to sign and where signatures appear
Templates are configured by administrators. See Contract Templates for details on creating and managing templates.
Tip: Choose a template that matches your contract type and project complexity. For example, use a detailed template for large commercial projects and a simpler template for residential repairs.
Initial Contract Setup
When creating a contract, you'll need to configure these initial fields:
- Contract Name/Number: A unique identifier (auto-generated or custom)
- Contract Type: Project Proposal, Change Order, Service Agreement, etc.
- Template: Select from available templates
- Linked Estimate: Choose which estimate provides pricing data (optional)
- Effective Date: When the contract becomes active
- Expiration Date: When the contract offer expires (if applicable)
- Customer Contact: Verify the primary contact is correct
Additional configuration options (payment terms, schedules, signatures) are covered in Contract Configuration.
Before You Create a Contract
Ensure these prerequisites are met before creating a contract:
Estimate Preparation
- The estimate should be complete and reviewed for accuracy
- All pricing, materials, and labor should be finalized
- Any changes should be incorporated before contract creation
Customer Information
- Contact details must be accurate and up-to-date
- Verify billing and mailing addresses
- Confirm primary contact has authority to sign
Template Configuration
- The appropriate template should be selected in advance
- Ensure the template includes all required terms and sections
- Verify branding and legal language are current
Note: While you can edit contracts after creation, starting with accurate information reduces revision cycles and accelerates customer approval.
Next Steps
After creating a contract:
- Review Contract Configuration to set up payment terms, schedules, and detailed content
- Preview the contract to ensure formatting and content are correct
- Send the contract to your customer for review and signature
- Track contract status and manage revisions as needed