262. Effect of substantial completion.

Where a contract, which does not fall within the definition of a construction contract under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 19961 or which is for work of less than 45 days' duration2, provides for a specific sum to be paid on completion of specified work, the courts lean against a construction of the contract which would deprive the contractor of any payment at all simply because there are some defects or omissions3. In the absence of a very clear stipulation that entire completion is a condition precedent to the contractor's right to payment, the contractor can claim