Web development contract

What this document does

This is a contract document for a coder or software house to use for a small website or one that is comparatively simple technically, as draw using one of the popular applications. It is also suitable for any changes or additions to a website. You can present this contract to your client as a final version or for negotiation. It is flexible and easy to edit.

It covers graphic design, records, testing and all other areas of your work. No professional can afford to risk the misunderstandings and possible disputes that arise so commonly in this area of work.

This agreement is in plain English so that your client can never say it was not clear.

This document will protect you from many legal pitfalls, but does not attempt to provide technical input for your specification of work. Technical material will be entered into the specification by you, the technical expert.

Extensive drafting notes explain even more.

What is in this website design and coding agreement

Here are some of the most important provisions. Of course there is much more:

• Your customer will approve the website design in stages but pay for additional work on an agreed basis.
• Regulating customer changes to the agreed specification.
• Providing concisely for responsibility for search engine strategy and other matters where you require certainty.
• Lists excluded matters for client's separate attention - e.g. names, hosting; payment service provision.
• Testing and acceptance.
• Alternative payment arrangements.
• Clear and strong identification and protection of your intellectual property.
• Appropriate legal provisions - exclusions, indemnities, etc.
• Regulating customer changes to the website design specification so that it is clear what work is "extra".

Alternatives to this website coding agreement

There is an even more comprehensive agreement for original coding of a complicated website look at Website design and coding agreement: coder's version; major work.

We also have a wider set of associated documents at Web design agreements.