Lump Sum or fixed-price contracts are simple on the surface: one price for one scope of work. But simplicity doesn’t mean risk-free. If the scope isn’t airtight, or if the site conditions aren’t what you expected, the fixed price can quickly feel very expensive.

At Elkhoury Law, I help contractors, owners, and developers draft and enforce lump sum contracts that account for the real-world complexity behind the fixed number. When scope changes, delays hit, or disputes arise, I help make sure the contract is working in your favor.

What is a Lump Sum Contract?

A Lump Sum (or Fixed Price or Stipulated Sum) contract sets a single fixed price for the entire scope of a construction project. The contractor agrees to perform the work as defined in the contract documents for that price—regardless of actual time or costs incurred.

Lump Sum contracts are common for:

• Clearly defined, competitively bid projects

• Vertical commercial or institutional buildings

• EPC Contracts

• Design-Bid-Build delivery models

• Public works contracts and municipal infrastructure

Owners get cost certainty (at least up front). Contractors take on performance risk in exchange for price control.

But when drawings change, conditions shift, or timelines stretch—someone is left holding the bag. That’s where contract clarity matters.

How Elkhoury Law Supports Lump Sum Projects and Contracts

I help ensure your contract does more than just state a price—I make sure it defines the scope, sets the rules for changes, and gives you leverage if the project veers off track.

Contract Drafting & Negotiation

• Drafting and negotiating lump sum agreements, tailored to project type and delivery method

• Addressing:

  • Defined scope and exclusions

  • Change order procedures

  • Payment schedules and retainage

  • Delay and liquidated damages

  • Site condition clauses and force majeure

• Reviewing standard forms (AIA, ConsensusDocs) or preparing custom contracts

Project Oversight & Performance Issues

• Helping document and negotiate change orders and time extensions

• Advising on scope creep, RFIs, and client-directed changes

• Preserving claims for delays, disruptions, or unexpected costs

• Monitoring notice requirements and payment deadlines

Dispute Resolution

• Representing clients in disputes involving:

  • Payment withholding

  • Delay claims and liquidated damages enforcement

  • Change directive conflicts and change order disputes

  • Termination for cause or convenience

• Handling resolution through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation

Why Work with Elkhoury Law?

Because in a Lump Sum contract, everything hinges on the scope—and the paper trail. I help clients define exactly what’s included (and what’s not), and prepare for the things that inevitably change. Whether you’re signing the contract or trying to enforce it mid-project, I bring clear legal guidance grounded in how construction really works.

Texas-Based. Construction-Focused. Always Practical.

From commercial contractors to public or private owners, Elkhoury Law provides experienced legal support for Lump Sum construction projects across Texas and nationwide.