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Open your PDF
Choose it from Mail or Files.
Why the signature never happens
The paperwork is easy. The timing isn't. The homeowner is standing next to you when they say yes to the bigger tile. That's the moment to get it in writing. Once you're back in the truck, it's emails, reminders, and a signature you're still chasing when the invoice goes out.
Contractors say the same thing in app reviews: there's no internet connection at the client's house, or the price changed and new signatures are needed. Any signing step that needs signal, a login or the customer's email breaks right there.
Customer wants to sign later from home? That's a sending job; see eSign PDF vs SignNow. Running the business side too? See small business document signing.
The papers that need a signature on a job
- ✓Estimate. The customer OKs the price and the work before you buy materials.
- ✓Contract. For bigger jobs, yours or theirs.
- ✓Change order. Anything added, removed or swapped after you start. Get it signed before the extra work. Use our free change order form.
- ✓Lien waiver. Usually signed when you get paid. Many states have their own wording, so use the form your state or the general contractor gives you.
- ✓Sign-off sheet. The customer confirms that you finished the work. That makes the last invoice easier to collect.
Get it signed on site, even with no signal
1
Put the paper on your phone first
Save your estimate, contract or blank change order to Files before you leave the shop. Once it's on the phone, you don't need signal at the job.
2
Fill in the job details
Use the text tool for the customer's name, the address, the work and the price. Add today's date with the date tool.
3
Hand the phone to the homeowner
Tap the signature tool and add a new signature. They sign with a finger. Afterwards, delete their signature from your saved signatures so your phone doesn't keep it.
4
Sign and send their copy
Add your own signature. Export the PDF. eSign PDF flattens it, so both signatures show in any PDF viewer. Text or AirDrop it to the homeowner before you leave, and keep a copy in Files.
What this doesn't do
eSign PDF doesn't email the customer a link to sign later, and it doesn't track who signed. If the homeowner isn't there, send them the PDF to sign themselves, or use a sending tool like DocuSign for that job.
eSign PDF vs a full contractor app
Joist, Billdu and similar apps do estimates, invoices and payments. If you need all that, use them. If you only need the signature, you don't need another monthly bill.
| Feature | eSign PDF | Contractor app (estimates + invoices) | Sending tool (DocuSign, SignNow) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer signs on your phone | Yes | Usually, inside their own estimate | Yes, with in-person signing |
| Works with no signal | Yes, on the phone | Varies; some need a connection | Mostly needs a connection |
| Signs any PDF (your form, a GC's waiver) | Yes | Mostly their own documents | Yes |
| Account needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $59.99 one-time (US) | Monthly subscription | Monthly subscription |
Other apps change their plans; check before you choose.
Already use Joist or Billdu?
Keep them for estimates and invoices. They're good at that. The weak spot is the signature: no signal at the house, or the price changes and you need a new signature on the spot.
If your app can save the estimate or invoice as a PDF, save it to Files before the job. At the house, open that PDF in eSign PDF and get it signed, with no signal needed. Send the signed copy to the customer and keep one with the job. Need someone to sign who isn't there? A sending tool is the better fit. See eSign PDF vs SignNow.
Is a finger signature on a phone legal?
In the US, the federal ESIGN Act says a signature or contract can't lose its legal effect just because it's electronic. That covers most estimates, change orders and sign-offs. Some papers have extra rules, like lien waivers that a few states want notarized, or a contract that says how you must sign changes. This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, check your contract and your state's rules.
Cost next to your monthly contractor apps
eSign PDF: $59.99 one-time (US). No account, no subscription needed, works offline. Other plans and local prices are in the App Store.
FAQ
Can the homeowner sign on my phone?+
Yes. Open the PDF in eSign PDF, add a new signature, and hand them the phone. Delete their signature from your saved signatures afterwards.
Does it work with no cell signal?+
Yes. Opening, filling, signing and exporting all happen on the iPhone. You only need signal to email the copy, and you can text or AirDrop it instead.
Can I send the customer a link to sign later?+
No. eSign PDF is for signing in person, or signing papers someone sent you. For remote signing links, use a sending tool such as DocuSign.
Do I need a subscription?+
No. $59.99 one-time (US) unlocks it. Other plans are in the App Store if you prefer them.
Is an electronic signature on a change order binding?+
Under the US ESIGN Act, a signature can't lose its legal effect just because it's electronic. Your contract or state may add rules, so check them. This is general information, not legal advice.