Contract Practice Flashcards
1
Q
What is a contract?
A
- A contract is a legally binding promise (written or oral) by one party to fulfil an obligation to another party in return for consideration.
- A basic binding contract should comprise four key elements: offer, acceptance, consideration and intent to create legal relations.
2
Q
Define expressed terms
A
Express terms are the terms of the agreement which are expressly agreed between the parties.
Ideally, they will be written down in a contract between the parties but where the contract is agreed verbally, they will be the terms discussed and agreed between the parties.
3
Q
What are implied terms?
A
A contractual term that has not been expressly agreed between the parties but has been implied into the contract either by common law or by statute.
4
Q
What is tort?
A
- A tort is a civil wrong.
- Part of the civil law.
- A claim in tort is concerned with loss or harm.
5
Q
How do statutory provisions and contract provisions differ?
A
- Statutory provisions are set out by law & must be complied with regardless
- Contract provisions relate to the contract in question & therefore only apply to a specific project.
6
Q
What is your opinion of an oral contract?
A
-Whilst they are legally binding, the difficulty lies in proving the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Having a written contract is always the preferred opinion.
7
Q
What is a breach of contract?
A
- A breach of contract occurs when one party in a binding agreement fails to deliver according to the terms of the agreement. A breach of contract can happen in both a written and an oral contract.
8
Q
What is LDEDCA?
A
Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009
9
Q
What is the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009?
A
-October 2011 - the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (the “2009
Act) came into force in England and Wales.
The Act amended the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (the Construction Act).
The Act changed the way construction contracts are entered into and in particular, introduced an amended regime for payment and adiudication.
10
Q
What are key provisions under LDEDCA ?
A
Contracts
Payment
Payment notices: contractual requirements
Payment notices: payee’s notice in default of payer’s notice
Pay less notice
Suspension of performance due to non payment
11
Q
What is a letter of intent ?
A
Typically used to describe a letter from an employer to a contractor (or from a main contractor to a subcontractor) indicating the employer’s intention to enter into a formal written contract for works described.
The letter of intent typically asks the contractor to begin those works before the formal contract is executed.
12
Q
What information is typically included in a letter of intent ?
A
Detailed description of the work to be completed.
Contract sum (if agreed).
Date for possession.
Date for completion.
Insurance provisions required.
Method of payment.
Expiry date of letter.
Typically states employers’ right not to award the main contract for whatever reason.
ADR method
13
Q
What are the advantages of a letter of intent ?
A
Allows work to commence (or place orders) before the main contract is agreed/signed.
14
Q
What are the disadvantages of a letter of intent?
A
May lead to complacency and disincentivise both parties from signing the main contract.
Contractually less robust than the main contract.
The employer loses incentive in negotiations of the main contract.
15
Q
Who issues the letter of intent?
A
The employer
16
Q
In what circumstances might you need a letter of intent?
A
Where the employer needs to commence works before a certain date.
17
Q
Who signs a letter of intent
A
Employer and contractor
18
Q
What would you say if the client asked you to draft a letter of intent?
A
It is a legally binding agreement like a contract; therefore, we would NOT draft those.
19
Q
What are the different types of letters of intent?
A
Comfort letter
A comfort letter is a letter expressing a party’s intention to act in a particular way at some point in the future, or at the time of issuing the letter.
Instruction to proceed with consent to spend
A letter with instructions to proceed and consent to spend is sometimes referred as an “iP” contract.
This type of letter allows work to proceed up to a certain value while the contract itself is being finalised.
Recognition of contract
This type of letter is also referred to as a letter of acceptance and is used by some forms of contract (such as FIDIC) to formally execute the contract itself. Generally, such a letter will be issued only once the contract has been substantially agreed and usually marks the completion of negotiations between the parties.
20
Q
Are you aware of any case law relating to letters of intent?
A
Ampleforth Abbey Trust v Turner & Townsend.
The defendant project managers were retained by the Trust in relation to a project to build new accommodation at a school. The defendant’s retainer included obligations ‘facilitating, assisting and being involved in the procurement of the building contractor and the building contract’. The contractor never signed the building contract and the whole of the works (which were completed late) were procured using letters of intent. The effect of this was that the Trust was not able to claim liquidated damages under the building contract for the late completion of the works.
HHJ Keyser QC held that the defendant had been negligent in failing to take the steps reasonably required of a competent project manager for the purpose of finalising the building contract between the Trust and the contractor.
21
Q
What is a parent company guarantee?
A
A parent company guarantee (PCG) is a form of security that may be required by clients to protect them in the event of default on a contract by a contractor that is controlled by a parent company (or holding company). Typically, such a default might be caused by the insolvency of the contractor
22
Q
In what circumstance may a Parent company guarantee be required?
A
Parent company guarantees can be particularly useful where a small contractor is part of a large, financially stable group of companies. The guarantee is given by the parent company to the client and in the event the contractor defaults on their obligations, the parent company is required to remedy the breach, meeting all the contractor’s obligations under the contract (and / or covering loss and expense incurred by the client).
23
Q
Are there any Acts which govern third party rights?
A
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
24
Q
What is the overarching purpose of the third party rights Act?
A
The Act allows third parties to enforce terms of contracts that they are not a party to, but which benefit them in some way, or which the contract allows them to enforce.
It also gives parties access to various remedies if those contract terms are breached.
25
What are the advantages of third-party rights act?
Time and cost
Since no separate document (i.e. a collateral warranty) is being entered into, using the Act cuts down on the time and cost associated with warranties being drawn up, signed and circulated
Certainty
Once the rights to be conferred on third parties are negotiated and agreed by all parties, there is limited room to revisit the wording when protection is required as is often the case when new collateral warranties are circulated for signature.
Subcontractors
The third-party rights process can also be extended onto subcontracts, so that (provided the relevant building contract and subcontract are drafted accordingly) an employer can confer third party rights in relation to work done by subcontractors unilaterally. This avoids the need to chase large numbers of individual warranties.
26
What are the disadvantages of third-party rights?
Lack of flexibility
Once the schedule of third-party rights being conferred has been agreed, there is limited room for negotiation. While this can be an advantage as it will help to keep costs down, in some circumstances the inflexibility could cause a problem if a specific provision is required for a particular party, such as an incoming tenant or purchaser.
Need for careful drafting
Recent cases have shown the importance of drafting provisions relating to the enforcement of third-party rights very clearly to ensure that all the necessary rights are conferred on the third party, for example the right to commence adjudication proceedings if this is required.
27
Why might third-party rights be used instead of collateral warranties?
If a lot of collateral warranties are required, it can involve a lot of administration and cost.
Third-party rights are easier to get in place because there is no separate document required.
28
What is a collateral warranty?
A collateral warranty is a formal contractual agreement which runs alongside another contractual agreement- its purpose is to create a contractual relationship between two parties (e.g. companies: individuals) where one would not otherwise exist.
29
Can you provide a working example how a collateral warranty could be used?
The employer places a contract with a contractor, the contractor then places several subcontracts with its suppliers to actually do the works, the employer has a direct contractual relationship with the contractor, but he has no contractual relationship with any of the subcontractors (this is known as
'privity of contract').
In these circumstances the employer may wish to have a direct contractual relationship with the subcontractor so that it can enforce the obligations that the subcontract owes directly, or to create other obligations and rights between them. This might be considered as a security measure if the contractor should become insolvent or if its employment were to be terminated for any reason.
30
Who might want a collateral warranty?
Any third party with a financial or inherent interest in the project but is not party to the main contract.
E.g. funding institution, future tenants, purchasers, etc.
The employer may want a collateral warranty with key subcontractors or suppliers, if the contractor were to go into liquidation, otherwise they would have no contractual link with them for redress in case of defective workmanship etc
31
What is the difference between a bond and collateral warranty?
A bond is usually a financial commitment backed up by a third party, a collateral warranty passes on contractual obligations.
Bonds are contained within the contract.
Collateral warranties are a side agreement to the contract.
32
Are there any alternatives to collateral warranties?
An alternative method to confer such rights is provided by the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 which allows third parties to obtain the benefits from contracts, which are entered into by others
33
What are the three ways that benefits can be transferred under a building contract?
Collateral warranties.
Third party rights.
Assignment
34
Are you aware of any case law relating to collateral warranties?
Parkwood Leisure v Laing O'Rourke.
In light of the particular wording used in the collateral warranty, there was no doubt that it should be treated as a construction contract under section 104 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
35
There is a high probability that collateral warranties will be needed under a D&B contract, can you explain why?
The design team typically sit below the contractor under a D&B contract; therefore, the employer will need to retain a contractual link with the design team (using a collateral warranty).
36
What is assignment?
Assignment is the process whereby the benefit of a contract is transferred from one party to another, but the burden of the contract remains with the original party to the contract.
37
Can you provide a working example to explain how assignment might be applied?
Assignment can arise where a party to a construction contract, collateral warranty or consultant's appointment wants to assign the benefit under that contract to a third party, such as a purchaser or tenant of a building.
Banks and other funders will also frequently take an assignment of the benefit of a suite of construction documents in respect of a development, as an additional part of the security package for their loan to finance the development. A bank will want to acquire the benefit of such documents to be able to assume the position of the employer under them in the event of the employer defaulting on its financial obligations during the works.
38
What are some of the typical clauses of assignment?
It is standard to allow assignment of rights twice without consent.
The assignment should be notified in writing to the other party.
39
What is a bond?
Construction bonds are protection for the owner against non-payment, lack of performance, company default and warranty issues.
An arrangement where a contractual duty owed by one party to another is backed up by a third party.
40
Can you list 5 different bonds which might be used on a project?
Performance bond.
Retention bond.
Off-site materials bond.
Advance payment bond
Tender bond.
41
What is a performance bond?
A Performance Bond is a form of security provided by a contractor to a developer or employer.
It consists of an undertaking by a bank or insurance company to make a payment to the employer in circumstances where the contractor has defaulted under the contract.
42
When might the employer want a performance bond?
If the contractor is new or unapproved.
If there is concern over the contractor's finances/commercial standing.
The economy might be heading into recession.
The employer simply wants to protect their commercial exposure.
43
What is the difference between on-demand and conditional performance bonds?
On-demand bonds - Money set out in the bond is immediately available on demand without needing to satisfy any preconditions whatsoever (including establishing the contractor's liability) unless the
demand is fraudulent.
Conditional bonds - Requires the employer to provide evidence that the contractor has not performed their obligations under the contract and that they have suffered a loss consequently.
44
What is the typical value of a performance bond?
Usually 10% of the contract sum.
45
What is the typical cost of a performance bond?
The cost largely depends on the financial stability of the contractor and the number of previous claims (if any).
46
What is the risk of not having a performance bond?
In the event a contractor goes into insolvency and there is no bond in place, the employer will be liable to pay all costs to deal with the insolvency.
Costs include sourcing a new contractor to complete the works and any premium that will attract.
The employer will not be able to pursue the contractor as the company will be in the process of liquidation
47
Are there any alternatives to a performance bond?
If the contractor is part of group of companies, then the employer may wish to consider a Parent Company Guarantee (PCG).
If the smaller company breaches the contract, the parent company is obligated to step in and remedy the breach
48
What is a tender bond?
Requested by the employer when inviting contractors to tender for a contract.
A tender bond provides security against the risk of the successful bidder failing to enter the contract.
It should help to prevent idle tendering.
49
What is an off-site materials bond?
Covers an employer against the risk of paying the contractor for materials being manufactured off-site.
If the contractor or subcontractor becomes insolvent, the employer can claim on the bond for goods paid for (in the event they are not delivered to site).
50
What is a retention bond?
A retention bond is a type of performance bond. Like all surety bonds, it involves three parties:
Contractor.
Employer.
Bond provider (surety company).
In the bond agreement, the surety will act as guarantor between the two parties. The surety will pay the employer up to the full amount (like they would have in place of cash retention) if the contractor fails to perform the obligations or remedy defects immediately after contract completion.
51
What are the disadvantages of a retention bond?
The employer will ultimately have to pay the premium for taking out the bond (usually through the contract sum).
May reduce the contractor's incentive to complete the works promptly and to the desired standard.
52
Why might a retention bond be used?
May be used in difficult market conditions to aid the contractor's cash flow.
53
What is an advanced payment bond?
An advanced payment bond is required to protect and support payments to contractors by the employer in advance of works being done.
Some contracts require the purchase of materials in advance of a contract commencing, there is always a risk to the employer in advancing money to a contractor who may not be well known to them to allow the purchase of goods to enable the contract to commence.
An advanced payment bond protects the payment being advanced in exchange for a bond underpinned by a suitable guarantor to give peace of mind to both parties.
54
What are antiquities?
Items as:
Historical artefacts, pottery and coins.
Bones or fossils.
Something of historical interest or value.
Archaeology.
55
What should the contractor do if they discover antiquities?
Cease work and seek advice prior to proceeding.
Take necessary measures to preserve in existing location and condition.
Inform the contract administrator or project manager of the discovery and the location.
56
In regards to Antiquities - When obiects of interest are discovered, who is liable for the delay and expense incurred?
This depends on how the risk is allocated within the contract.
Significant delays and cost can arise - can be a serious event for the employer and/or contracior,
57
What are defects?
Broadly defined as a defect in workmanship, design, materials, or systems used. The result is a failure of the building project or structure that causes damages to people or property. This, in turn, leads to financial losses or harm to the owner.
The NEC contract defines a defect as:
A part of the works which is not in accordance with the works information or,
A part of the works designed by the contractor which is not in accordance with the applicable law or the contractor's design which the project manager has accepted.
58
What are patent defects?
Patent defects are those which can be discovered by reasonable inspection.
Patent defects would include wall cracks, sagging gutters, broken windows, missing tiles etc.
59
What are latent defects?
Latent defects are those which cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection, for example problems with foundations which may not become apparent for several years after completion when settlement causes cracking in the building.
60
Why is the defect rectification period typically 12 months?
12 months will allow the building to go through all seasons of the year; therefore, most defects (with exception to latent defects) will become apparent within this period.
61
What is novation?
Under a design & build contract, novation normally refers to the process by which design consultants are initially contracted to the client, but are then 'novated' to the contractor.
The contractor will then go on to manage the remaining design process with the existing design team, rather than bring their own consultants onboard.
62
Are novation agreements required under traditionally procured projects?
Not usually, this is because the designers are typically retained by the employer.
63
What are some of the advantages of novation?
Reduced learning curve
- working with the client at an early stage, the design team can gain a strong understanding of the project requirements. If the design team are not novated, this learning is potentially lost and parts of the process will need to be replicated with a new design team
Reduced contractual risk for the employer - the process of novation and the transfer of responsibility to the contractor means the employer assumes minimum risk contractually.
64
What are some of the disadvantages of novation?
Following novation of consultants, the employer will generally require collateral warranties.
The client may need to employ a shadow team for compliance purposes.
There is potential for conflict-of-interest, particularly in relation to services that remain to be performed.
65
What is retention?
A percentage of the sums certified for payment under the construction contract (typically 3-5%) is held by the employer during the construction phase.
66
Are you aware of any guidance issued by RICS associated with retention?
Retention - 1st edition 2012.
67
What is the purpose of retention?
It is used as an assurance of project completion and is intended as a safeguard against subsequent defects that the contractor may fail to remedy.
68
What can the employer use retention monies for?
- If the contractor does not return to correct the defects, then the retention held may be used to fund the payment of others to correct the defects.
The project manager / contract administrator will need check the contract on the ability to do this and the relevant notices that should be given to the contractor prior to appointing others to undertake the works.
69
How is retention released to the contractor?
Typically, retention monies are released in 2 stages:
At the time of issuing the completion/practical completion statement, the first half of retention monies will be certified and released.
The second half of retention monies will be certified and released upon the expiry of rectification period.
70
Who typically benefits from interest accruing on retention money?
Usually, the employer.
71
Are there any alternatives to holding retention?
It is posible to procure a rotention bond to cover retention that would otherwise have been deducted
72
What is professional negligence?
Professional negligence is when a professional fails to perform their responsibilities to the required standard or breaches a duty of care. This poor conduct subsequently results in a financial loss, physical damage or injury of their client or customer.
73
How can the employer/client recover a loss if the consultant or contractor is professionally negligent
Make a claim on their professional indemnity insurance (PII).
74
What is product liability insurance?
Manufacturers and/or suppliers of products incorporated in construction works are at risk of claims being made against them for damages if defects in those products result in damage or injury.
Product liability insurance protects the policy holder against liability resulting from these defects.
75
What is public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance protects against liabilities for injury to third parties or their property.
For example, a member of the public could make a claim if a fallen brick damaged their car, or if a supplier trips over an unsecured cable.
76
What is employer liability insurance?
Employers' liability insurance can pay the compensation amount and legal costs if an employee claims compensation for a work-related illness or injury.
77
What is Contractor Designed Portion (CDP)?
Typically used on traditionally procured projects, design responsibility for specific elements of the building is transferred to the contactor.
78
What is the difference between traditional procurement with CDP and design & build?
Traditional procurement with CDP- the design responsibility lies with the employer except for certain elements that are transferred under CDP
Design & build - all responsibility for the design rests with the contractor.
79
How are CDP elements executed?
A performance specification is provided at tender stage which the contractor provides the design proposals in response. These proposals are then reviewed by the design team and either accepted, commented upon, or rejected
80
Can you list typical CDP elements which the employer may wish to transfer?
Steelwork connections.
Cladding.
Roofing.
Temporary works.
MEP elements.
81
What are domestic subcontractors?
Domestic subcontractors are chosen by the contractor to execute a package of works.
The employer's consultants (e.g. architect, PM, QS etc,) nor the employer themselves influence the appointment or the conditions.
82
What are named subcontractors?
The employer provides a list of named subcontractors which are pre-approved.
The contractor selects one from the list through the tendering process.
Once appointed by the contractor, they then become a domestic subcontractor.
83
What are the advantages of naming subcontractors?
Naming a subcontractor provides the employer with more control to the selection of a subcontractor by the contractor, while still leaving them with the element of choice and the responsibility of monitoring their performance.
84
What are nominated subcontractors?
A nominated subcontractor is selected by the employer to carry out an element of the works (still employed by the contractor).
Nominated subcontractors are usually imposed upon the contractor.
85
What are the disadvantages of nominated subcontractors?
As the subcontractor is being imposed on the contractor, the contractor will generally be allowed the right to object under certain conditions (safety reasons for example).
The contractor and subcontractor may have conflicting procedures, ethics, attitudes etc.
86
What are the advantages of nominated subcontractors?
On the basis the employer has nominated them in the first instance, their work should be of high quality and acceptable to the employer.
87
Are you aware of any guidance issued by RICs associated with subcontracting?
Subcontracting, 1st Edition, April 2021.
88
What is insolvency?
Insolvency is concerned with the inability to pay debts.
89
What can be done at tender stage to identify potential contractor insolvency?
Thoroughly check financial accounts for stability.
Check for front loading of the tender submission.
Bank refences.
Use credit checking agencies (Dun & Bradstreet report).
Previous references (from consultants and employers).
Request a bond and / or parent company guarantee - this will not prevent insolvency but will give the employer comfort in the event of default.
90
What is termination?
When a contract is terminated, the parties to the contract are no longer obliged to perform their obligations under the contract.
91
Can the contractor suspend works for non-payment?
If the notified sum is not paid by the final date for payment, the Construction Act 2009 puts the payee in a stronger position than before. The contractor can now suspend performance of any or all its obligations, not just the work.
The contractor can stop insuring the works, postpone applying for a necessary consent or refuse to implement a variation instruction.
The payee will be entitled to a "reasonable amount" for its re-mobilisation costs, as well as an extension of time
92
What are delay damages / LDs?
A genuine pre-estimate of loss suffered by the employer because of late completion of the works. The damages are inserted into the contract prior to signing by the contracting parties.
Key points:
LDs should not be a penalty.
Quick remedy to avoid having to prove actual loss due to the breach.
The contractor knows their liability.
The employer should the calculate the figure (consultants should not do this on their behalf).
93
What sort of expenses/costs can employer include the damage calculation?
Loss of rent or other income.
Additional professional fees.
Expected costs incurred by other parties.
Cost of not having facility (storage, rent, abortive costs etc).
Capital salaries.
Associated legal costs.
The figure should not be construed as a penalty; thus the employer needs to be realistic when identifying potential costs.
94
What if your client tells you the damages are £100,000 per week?
Exercise due diligence - check they do believe £100,000 per week is genuine pre-estimate of likely loss.
If there is a concern - explain the dangers that the damages might be construed to be a penalty (they may not be enforceable).
95
Under JCT contracts, what contractual documents should be in place before damages can be deducted?
A non-completion notice/certificate is in place.
The contractor is formally notified that the employer intends to levy liquidated damages.
A pay less notice is served
96
What is a LD holiday or LD free period?
This is essentially just a grace period during which the contractor has no commmerical liability for delav.
For example, if the contractor has a two-week LDs holiday, LDs will only begin accruing after the delay has continued for two weeks.
97
What is the implication of inserting 'nil' or £0 against the damage clause?
Placing 'nil' or £0 against the clause effectively means there are no liquidated damages. This action may also prevent the employer from pursuing the contractor for unliquidated damages.
98
What is the implication of leaving the damage clause blank?
If the clause is left blank then the employer can pursue the contractor for unliquidated damages if they choose to do so.
99
What is the difference between liquidated and unliquidated damages?
Contracting parties might agree to pay a certain amount on breach of the contract. When such provisions are created in the contract, they are known as liquidated damages.
Unliquidated damages are granted by the courts based on an assessment of the loss or injury caused to the party suffering such breach of contract.
100
If the date for completion is adjusted, what affect would this have on delay damages?
Damages cannot be deducted from the original date; damages are levied from the revised practical completion / completion date.
101
Can the employer levy liquidated damages if they do not actually incur the loss identified in the initial calculation?
In essence yes, provided that:
The damages levied are not deemed to be a penalty on the contractor.
The original calculation is a genuine pre-estimate of loss.
102
What is a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA)?
A contract between the employer and contractor for pre-construction services.
The PCSA documents the services that the contractor is to perform before signing the building contract and identifies the terms and conditions under which these services are to be performed.
103
When might a PCSA be used?
In a two-stage tender approach to facilitate early contractor involvement.
104
How can a PCSA benefit the project?
Early involvement of the contractor should improve the buildability and cost-certainty of the design as well as creating a better integrated project team and reducing the likelihood of disputes.
105
What sort of activities can the PCSA be used for?
Contribute to the design process.
Advise on buildability, sequencing and construction risk.
Advise on the selection of specialist subcontractors.
Help develop the cost plan and construction programme.
Help develop the method of construction.
Assist with any planning application matters or other approvals.
106
What should be considered when drafting the PCSA?
Arrangements do not commit the employer to enter into the building contract. It is important that the employer have means of securing an alternative bid if second-stage negotiations fail.
The scope of service for the contractor is clearly defined and unambiguous.
Usual programme and delay damage clauses are carefully drafted by the legal team.
107
What are the main forms of building contract?
JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal).
NEC (New Engineering Contract).
FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers).
Bespoke contracts are also used
108
What are some of the considerations when selecting the appropriate construction contract?
Nature of the client.
Priorities - cost, time, quality and risk allocation.
Procurement choice.
Value of work.
Type/nature of work.
Public or private employer.
Complexity of work.
Size and location of work.
109
What is a bespoke contract?
Bespoke contracts are contracts that are tailored to fit the specific requirements of a project.
Bespoke contracts are often used when standard forms are not suitable.
110
What the advantages of standard forms over bespoke contracts?
Written by legal experts.
Rights and obligations of each party are clearly set out to the required level of detail.
Parties should be familiar with the provisions in the form - greater consistently in application and fewer unforeseen anomalies.
111
What are the disadvantages of bespoke contracts?
Familiarity is decreased as they are rarely used.
Expensive to draft (legal fees).
May be poorly drafted and lead to ambiguity.
Not familiar to the party administering the contract.
Clauses / provisions might be untested in court
This type of contract could be unappealing to the contractor.
112
When would a bespoke contract be appropriate to use (rather than a standard form)?
When amending a standard contract will not do, the most efficient means of achieving a client's requirements might be to create a bespoke contract.
113
Have you amended a standard contract? Can you explain exactly how you did this?
As consultants, we do not have legal training, so we do not amend the contract ourselves.
All amendments should be drafted by the legal team.
114
What are some risks associated with amending a standard contract?
Amendments can spoil the delicate balance of risk allocation.
Can create legal uncertainty.
Can attract a cost premium to tenders.
Amendments must be reasonable and comply with legislation.
Courts can strike out amendments if contrary to good faith
115
What are relevant events?
A relevant event is an event on or off site that causes a delay to the completion date of the works.
For example, a relevant event could be something that happens during the design and manufacture process to delay things, or a site event that prolongs the installation works.
116
Can you provide examples of relevant events in the contract?
Variations and instructions.
Deferment of possession of the site.
Suspension by the contractor for non-payment.
The carrying out of work by statutory undertakers.
Impediment, prevention, or default by the employer.
Loss or damages occasioned by a Specified Peril (fire, flood etc).
Exceptionally adverse weather conditions.
Strike or lockout.
Civil commotion or terrorism.
The exercise of any statutory power after the base date by the UK Government or Local or Public Authority.
Force majeure.
117
What is force maieure?
Force majeure events are usually defined as certain acts, events or circumstances beyond the control of the parties, for example, natural disasters or the outbreak of hostilities.
118
Can you provide some examples of a force majeure event?
War, hostilities, invasion, act of foreign enemies.
Rebellion, revolution, insurrection, civil war.
Contamination by radioactivity.
Riot, commotion, strikes, go slows, lock outs or disorder.
Acts or threats of terrorism.
119
What happens when a relevant event occurs?
Upon it becoming reasonably apparent that a delay will occur, the contractor notifies the contract administrator in writing, stating the particulars and extent.
The contractor must state one of the relevant events and detail of how and why the delay is occurring or likely to occur.
The contractor should give an estimate of delay in his notice so that the contract administrator can form his/her own opinion.
The contract administrator responds within 12 weeks stating whether a relevant event has or has not occurred.
If the event has occurred, the contractor administrator assesses the delay.
A new completion date is then fixed (extension of time).
120
Assuming the relevant event has occurred and is accepted by the contract administrator, is the contractor entitled to loss and expense?
Relevant events entitle the contractor to claim an extension of time only.
The contractor will need to demonstrate a relevant matter has occurred to claim loss and expense.
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What are relevant matters?
A matter for which the employer is responsible that materially effects the progress of the works.
This may enable the contractor to claim direct loss and / or expense that has been incurred
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Can you give some examples of relevant matters?
Failure to give the contractor possession of the site.
Failure to give the contractor access to and from the site.
Delays in receiving instructions.
Disruption caused by work carried out by the employer.
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What is the difference between a relevant event and relevant matter?
Relevant events entitle the contractor to claim additional time.
Relevant matters entitle the contractor to claim additional costs (loss and expense).
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What is a loss and expense claim?
Loss and expense claims are often associated with delays but can be for any event where the Contractor incurs loss due to the failure of the employer (relevant matter).
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What is the key thing to remember when assessing loss and expense claims?
It should be actual loss incurred by the contractor.
The prices in the contract bill of quantities, contract schedule of rates or preliminaries should not be used (actual costs may be more or less than these).
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What are the common heads of claim in loss and expense?
Prolongation (extra site overheads i.e. preliminaries).
Thickening of preliminaries (extra site supervision).
Disruption (causing plant and labour to be underutilised / unproductive).
Increases in labour and material costs during the period of delay.
Finance charges (i.e. interest).
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What are prolongation costs?
Prolongation costs are a type of financial claim made by contractors in respect of late running projects.
They typically include claims for the cost of time related resources such as site management, site accommodation and key items of plant and machinery.
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What partial possession?
A building contract may allow the employer to take partial possession of part of the works, before they have been formally completed
Partial possession often requires the agreement of the contractor but allows the employer to use part of the works for its intended purpose (prior to completion of the whole of the works).
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What are the key points of partial possession?
Not agreed in advance (prior to signing the building contract).
Usually, completion is deemed to have occurred for that section.
A voluntary agreement between employer and contractor.
Contractor must give consent.
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Can the contractor refuse to give partial possession?
Partial possession can only be taken with the consent of the contractor, but that consent may not be unreasonably withheld
The contractor would be entitled to withhold if occupation of completed areas would hinder their ability to complete the remaining areas.
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What are the typical implications of partial possession (for both the contractor and employer)?
Half retention is released (proportionate to the area of possession).
The contractor's responsibility for insuring the works (for the relevant part) ends.
The contractor's liability for liquidated damages ends (proportionate to the area of possession).
The employer becomes responsible for any damages to the works.
The defect rectification period commences.
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What is sectional completion under a JCT contract?
Sectional completion refers to a provision within the building contract which allows different completion dates to be set for different sections of the works.
Once it is in the contract, the contractor has an obligation to achieve the sectional completion date.
Liquidated damages are agreed up front should the section be delivered late.
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What is difference between sectional completion and partial possession?
Sectional completion differs from partial possession in that it is pre-planned and defined in the contract documents.
Typically, if an employer knows in advance that it wants one part of the works finished ahead of the rest, it should provide for sectional completion.
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What are the benefits of sectional completion over partial possession?
Sectional completion leaves less to chance, because the parties have agreed many of the practical consequences of that completion in advance.
If something does go wrong (a delay to practical completion for example, it is easier for the contract administrator to deal with delays, changes or even acceleration with sections in place.
