AIA Contract

Standardized construction contract documents published by the American Institute of Architects, widely used on commercial projects.

AIA contracts (A101, A102, A201, etc.) are the construction industry's standard forms for owner-contractor and contractor-sub agreements. They're updated regularly and used as the starting point on most commercial work.

Contractors should know the document family even if their work is residential — many architect-led residential remodels use AIA forms too.

Related

• Fixed-Price (Lump-Sum) Contract — A contract where the contractor agrees to a single total price for the defined scope, taking the risk on cost overruns.
• Cost-Plus Contract — A contract where the customer pays actual costs plus a fee — either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of costs.
• Compare contractor CRMs — FieldKrew against Jobber, Housecall Pro and ServiceTitan
• Lien Waiver — A signed document where a contractor (or sub or supplier) gives up their right to file a mechanic's lien on the property — usually in exchange for payment.
• Mechanic's Lien — A legal claim a contractor can file against a property when they haven't been paid for work or materials provided to that property.
• Preliminary Notice (NTO / 20-day notice) — A notice the contractor or supplier sends early in a job, preserving the right to later file a mechanic's lien if they aren't paid.