Construction Contract Solicitors
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The demand for new buildings, properties, and homes in the UK has never been higher.
This is amazing news for construction contractors, businesses and individuals.
However, for these projects, it is crucial to have a solid contract that covers every aspect of the project that you’ll be working on. Without one, you run the chance of getting ripped off without legal recourse.
When offering your services, you never want to settle without a formal agreement.
Not having a formal agreement means that if a legal problem arises, such as the client not paying you, it is much harder to recover all you believe that you are owed or intended to charge for. You always want a construction contract that outlines everything the project will consist of and how to deal with additions, omissions and variations.
A few things it should include are:
- Agreed cost or rates
- Who is to design the works
- The scope of the works
- Payment schedule
- Time for completion and programme
- Provisions for unexpected circumstances or delays
- Any consumer rights clauses including notice of the right to cancel
Moreover, it needs to describe the rights, liabilities, and obligations of all parties involved.
If you have not made your contract terms clear and your project is not on someone’s home you may well be protected by the statutory contract terms contained in the Construction Act (Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996)
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Common Mistakes
If you are a novice in the world of construction, it’s a good idea to hire a legal expert. Helix’s construction law experts can help you with the construction contract process.
Even experienced contractors make mistakes and can end up losing out on money. A frequent mistake is not including all the essential provisions and clauses necessary for a construction contract – following the standard rules for a commercial contract, for instance, won’t properly protect you should issues arise.
Other mistakes we see a lot include: vagueness around additional works; varied works; completion dates; uncertain contract hours for workers; and taking cash as payment. Accepting cash means that you and your client could receive no protection if an issue ends up in court. There are hundreds of ‘little’ things that can be forgotten when drawing up a contract that end up as big problems later down the line. When drawing up a construction contract it’s advisable to get legal advice to make sure it covers every eventuality, as construction work can become increasingly complex.
How Helix Law Can Help
The construction or refurbishment of a building is complex regardless of the size of the project. Each project is unique and therefore unpredictable. For this reason, you want to be sure you have a solid construction contract. This should cover all legal concerns for your business and your customer. When you run into a problem, our construction contract lawyers can advise on the best course of action.
We can also help you to draw up your contract in the first instance. Failure to get your contract checked by an expert in construction law can leave you open to losses.
When there is a construction dispute or legal issue, call Helix. Our construction contract lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to carry out cases like these efficiently, or prevent disputes reaching adjudication or court at all. Whether you are being denied what you’re owed or need help settling a building dispute, we work diligently to bring you the best outcome possible.
Contact Us
Helix Law is able to give initial advice and work on a payment plan that works for you. For any additional questions or information about our services, don’t hesitate to give our construction contract lawyers a call.
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People frequently tell us that we’re approachable and offer great advice.
They also tell us most solicitors are hard to get hold of whereas we’re happy to listen. The reason for this is that we value long term relationships and we’re happy to speak with business people, to invest our time in understanding your business and whatever your concerns are. Only at that point can we understand whether we’re the right people to help you.