The amount stated in the building contract as payable for the agreed work, subject to the contract's adjustment rules.
Why it matters
It becomes the commercial baseline for valuations, variations and the final account.
Example in practice
The signed contract records the accepted tender total as the contract sum before later adjustments.
Use the term carefully
State the scope, amount, adjustment method or contract meaning whenever this term could change who carries cost or risk.
Compare related terms
Use the price-review checklist to keep the client wording and approved basis consistent.