Common claims under construction contracts

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Practice notes

Common claims under construction contracts

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Practice notes

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The nature of construction projects, construction contracts and the law surrounding them, means that claims are commonly made by one or more parties. This Practice Note highlights the claims that construction practitioners are likely to encounter most frequently, such as those relating to defects, additional time to complete the works (or claims by employers for late work), Variations and payment. Other less common claims that may arise, but are not covered here, include claims relating to Copyright Infringement, nuisance, Trespass and health and safety.

Claims against contractors and consultants

Claims may be made against one or more of the construction team by the employer, during or after a construction project has finished. Common claims, as discussed below, include:

•
Defects in the works or Design flaws
•
Delay to completion of the works

Claims may also be brought against one or more of the construction team by third parties. If, for example, a project is sold after completion, third parties (such as purchasers or tenants) may take an assignment of the benefit of the construction contract, receive

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Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Variations definition

What does Variations mean?

The formal way of instructing a contractor within a contract to change the scope or nature of the works.

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