Navigating the complexities of construction contracts requires a keen understanding of prevalent issues that can arise, from variations and delays to payment disputes and defect liabilities. This resource offers essential tools and insights for practitioners to mitigate risks, resolve conflicts, and ensure smooth project execution. Equip yourself with practical guidance tailored to address common challenges and foster successful client outcomes within the construction sector.
On 16 July 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a consultation entitled ‘Time-limited relief from the Community...
Planning analysis: The government has published a consultation seeking views on whether recent procedural reforms applying to judicial review...
Construction analysis: Mr Justice Constable enforced an adjudicator’s award arising from a hospital construction dispute in which the parties advanced...
The Master of the Rolls and the Minister of State have approved the 196th Practice Direction update to the Civil Procedure Rules. The update...
What are preliminaries in a construction contract?What are prelims?‘Preliminaries’ in a construction contract, or ‘prelims’, is typically taken to...
What is a variation on a construction project?A variation (sometimes referred to as a change) is an alteration to the scope of work originally...
Time of the essence—construction contractsWhat does time of the essence mean?Where time is 'of the essence' it means that the stated time for...
Product liability insurance for the construction industryThis Practice Note looks at product liability insurance from the perspective of those engaged...
What is practical completion?Practical completion marks the end of the construction period of a project, when the works are 'finished' and the employer can occupy and/or use them. Practical completion also typically marks the start of the defects liability period/maintenance period.As explained
Liquidated damages in construction contractsThis Practice Note explains what liquidated and ascertained damages (LADs/LDs) are and their purpose in a building contract. It considers the difference between liquidated damages and general (or unliquidated) damages and looks at the enforceability of
Escrow accounts and escrow agreementsThis Practice Note examines why parties involved in a construction project may enter into an escrow agreement (or escrow deed) to set up an escrow account. It looks at the benefits of paying funds into escrow, how an escrow account operates and the provisions
Quantum in construction claimsThis Practice Note looks at some of the key considerations that may need to be taken into account when a party to a construction contract is formulating the quantum aspects of a claim. It looks at considerations for common claims made under the contract (for example, in
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