The document that governs everything.
WHAT TO SPECIFY
The scope, in detail The specification and standard The programme The price and how it is paid What the client provides
Variations: how they are agreed and priced
Defects liability What happens on delay How disputes are resolved
WHY SCOPE IN DETAIL
Everything not excluded is assumed included.
WHAT TO EXCLUDE EXPLICITLY
Anything reasonably assumed: connections, finishes, clearance, disposal.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CLIENT OBLIGATIONS
Access Decisions, by dates Materials they supply Payments
WHY
Client delay is the commonest cause of contractor loss.
WHAT TO STATE
That client delay extends the programme and may attract cost.
WHAT PAYMENT STRUCTURE TO USE
Stages tied to defined progress.
WHAT A DEPOSIT PROVIDES
Materials, and commitment.
WHAT RETENTION IS
A portion withheld until defects are corrected.
WHAT TO NEGOTIATE
Its amount and when it is released.
WHY
Retention unreleased is a common loss.
WHAT TO DEFINE
Practical completion: when the work is usable.
WHY
It triggers payment and the defects period.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT VARIATIONS
That they are instructed in writing and priced before execution.
WHY
Verbal variations are the largest source of construction disputes.
WHAT TO HAVE PREPARED
A standard form, reviewed by a solicitor.
