Both involve the meeting of minds and exchange of promises, but a contract typically entails a more formalized arrangement, often documented in writing, and carries legal enforceability. Conversely, an agreement can be informal and may not always be legally binding.
Definition. A contract where the contractor recovers actual costs incurred for completed work.
Ing to Boundy (2012), typically, a written contract will include: Date of agreement. Names of parties to the agreement. Preliminary clauses. Defined terms. Main contract clauses. Schedules/appendices and signature provisions (para. 5).
Generally, a contract is binding when the following is true: the parties intend to make a contract. there is an offer and an acceptance. the parties receive something in return for their promises.