Construction Contracts: Questions and Answers

Construction professionals of all kinds frequently need legal advice that is straightforward as well as authoritative and legally rigorous. Building on the success of two previous editions, David Chappell returns to provide answers to 225 FAQs from his experience as Specialist Advisor to the RIBA. With 50 new questions, and thorough updates to address changes to the law and contracts, this is an invaluable first port of call for any construction law problem.

Questions range in content from extensions of time, liquidated damages and loss and/or expense to issues of practical completion, defects, valuation, certificates and payment, architects' instructions, adjudication and fees. Among the new questions are:

Is the contractor bound by its price even if there is an error?

How do terms about working in a spirit of trust affect other clauses?

Can architects lose their rights to certify under JCT 2011 contracts?

Every question included has been asked of David Chappell during his career, and he uses his vast experience to provide clear, easy to follow advice in this book. Most were originally asked by architects, but the answers will be of wide interest to everyone involved in construction.

Preface 1. Tendering 2. Pre-contract Issues 3. Possession of the Site 4. General Contractual Matters 5. Warranties, Bonds and Novation 6. Contractor's Programme 7. Contract Administration 8. Architects 9. Fees 10. Design 11. Architect's Instructions 12. Inspection 13. Defects During Progress 14. Defects After Practical Completion 15. Valuation and Payment 16. Certificates 17. Sub-contracts 18. Extensions of Time 19. Liquidated Damages 20. Loss and/or Expense 21. Sectional Completion 22. Practical Completion and Partial Possession 23. Termination 24. Disputes