MAKE YOUR FREE Construction Contract

What we'll cover
What is a Construction Contract?
Construction Contracts are contracts covering a homeowner or occupier hiring a contractor to complete minor construction works and/or home repairs (or other handyman maintenance). This Construction Contract can be used for a range of minor domestic works, from home extensions to installing furnishings or home repairs.
When should I use a Construction Contract?
Use this Construction Contract:
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for minor construction works or repairs to residential property (ie a house or a flat)
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when the client (ie the party hiring the contractor) is a consumer (ie a private person not hiring the contractor in the course of business)
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when the client and the property are both in England or Wales
If you require a document for commercial construction projects, use our Bespoke drafting service.
Sample Construction Contract
The terms in your document will update based on the information you provide
CONTRACT FOR MINOR DOMESTIC WORKS AND HOME MAINTENANCE
This contract for the provision of minor residential construction work and home maintenance services (the Agreement) is made on the date of last signature below between:
PARTIES
- , the party that is providing the Services (the Contractor); and
- of , ,, the party that is hiring the Contractor (the Client); together the Parties and each a Party.
AGREEMENT
Definitions
- In this Agreement, the following terms are defined:
Building Regulations
the Building Regulations 2010, Building Safety Act 2022, Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023, and other legislation that amends the Building Regulations 2010 that comes into effect after this Agreement is signed;
Building Regulations Approval
the approval required by law for projects that fall under the Building Regulations 2010;
CDM Regulations
the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015;
Construction Phase
the phase of a Project where any construction work or implementation of designs takes place;
Construction Phase Plan
the key document detailing the dates, services, build stages, site rules, and health and safety risks connected to any Works taking place throughout the construction phase of the Project;
Data Protection Laws
any applicable law relating to the processing of Personal Data, including but not limited to the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018;
Health and Safety File
the key file that relates to any health and safety information needed for and relating to the Project;
Materials
any unfixed materials and goods required and obtained for the provision of the Works;
Party Wall Matters
any Works or Services that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996;
Planning Permission
the permission required from the local council when building something new, making a major change to a building, or changing the use of a building;
Premises
the entirety of the premises (including the land and any structure upon it) located at , ,;
Rectification Period
the period commencing on the date on which the Works are completed, during which time the Contractor is obliged to correct any defects or faults that occur or are found within this period;
Works
any aspects of the Services that fall under the definitions of ‘construction work' or ‘building work' within the CDM Regulations and Building Regulations.
- In this Agreement, unless the context requires a different interpretation:
- The singular includes the plural and vice versa;
- References to sub-clauses, clauses, schedules, or appendices are to sub-clauses, clauses, schedules, or appendices of this Agreement;
- A reference to a person includes firms, companies, government entities, trusts and partnerships;
- 'Including' is understood to mean 'including without limitation';
- Reference to any statutory provision includes any modification or amendment of it;
- The headings and sub-headings do not form part of this Agreement; and
- 'Writing' or 'written' will include fax and e-mail unless otherwise stated.
Provision of Services
- The purpose of this Agreement is to set out the terms of the Contractor's provision of the Services to the Client as they work to (the ‘Project').
- The Contractor shall carry out the Works as agreed upon in this Agreement for the Client to contribute to the Project.
- The Contractor shall carry out the Services for the Client. The ‘Services' are the Works and:
- Performance and delivery of the Works as stated within the Agreement in accordance with the CDM Regulations and any application health and safety regulations as part of the Construction Phase of the Project.
- Administration in relation to performance of the Works, in accordance with any relevant legislation
- Rectification of any issues with the Works that are identified within the Rectification Period.
- The Services will be provided by the Contractor and any staff that the Contractor engages to perform the Services.
- The Contractor will provide the Services at the Premises.
- Where any changes are made in relation to the Services and Works, this will be agreed upon and recorded in writing by both Parties.
- Where applicable, the Contractor can provide suggestions in relation to more affordable and/or sustainable amendments to the Services where the suggestions would improve the environmental sustainability of the Services and reduce any negative impact on the environment.
How the Services will be Provided (Overview)
- All Services and Works under this Agreement shall fall into one of the following phases:
- The first phase relates to all planning, design development, material selection and procurement, site set-up, and obtaining any permits or approvals for the Works (‘Pre-Construction Phase').
- The second phase relates to all performance of the Works and Services related to the Works (‘Construction Phase'). This may include building of structural frameworks and foundations, utilities installation, finishings, and repairs.
- The third and final phase relates to all Services and administration which take place after the Construction Phase has ended. This is inclusive of but not limited to final inspections, rectifications, project documentation, final payments and project handovers to the Client (‘Post-Construction Phase').
Contractor Obligations
- The Contractor will be responsible for the creation and implementation of the Construction Phase Plan prior to any Construction Phase of the Works beginning, which must account for any hazardous activities as referred to in Schedule 3 of the CDM Regulations.
- The Contractor shall certify the Date of Completion and ensure it is recorded within the relevant documents related to the Services and Works.
- The Contractor shall perform the Services with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with:
- Generally recognised commercial practices and standards in the applicable industry; and
- All laws and regulations applicable to the Services, including all laws and regulations related to (i) anti-bribery and corruption and (ii) data protection.
- The Contractor shall deliver the Services in an appropriate manner and in compliance with the CDM Regulations, Building Regulations, all health and safety rules and regulations, and any other statutory requirements that apply.
- The Contractor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any staff or other contractors under their control have any relevant and necessary qualifications needed for the performance of the Works.
- Under this Agreement, there will be a Rectification Period included as part of the Services. The Rectification Period will be months starting from the certified date on which all Works are completed (the ‘Date of Completion'). Where any defects or faults occur or appear during this time due to workmanship or Materials not being in accordance with this Agreement, the Contractor shall rectify these defects and faults providing the Client has notified the Contractor no later than 14 days after the Rectification Period ends.
- Where the Contractor intends to sub-contract the whole or any part of the Works, they will provide the Client with reasonable notice prior to any sub-contracting agreements being entered into. The Contractor will be responsible for the supervision and conduct of any sub-contractors they engage with that are carrying out the Works. Any sub-contracting of the Works will not in any way affect the Contractor's obligations under this Agreement.
Client Obligation's
- The Client will be responsible for all Party Wall Matters in relation to the Works and will make reasonable endeavours to ensure any neighbours have been notified of any building works that may affect a shared property boundary, including obtaining any party wall consent from neighbours where necessary.
- The Client shall:
- Ensure the Contractor has reasonable access to the Premises in order to carry out the Works.
Term
- The Project will begin on . The Services will be carried out by the Contractor starting from this date. The Services will be carried out on days agreed upon between the Contractor and the Client.
- The Agreement is effective from the date of signature and will continue until the completion of the Services, or until ended in accordance with a procedure set out in this Agreement or in accordance with the law.
Fees
- In exchange for the Services, the Client will owe the Contractor
- The remainder of the are due.
- If the Contractor causes any damage to the Premises which is not in accordance with this Agreement, the Client may deduct from the Fees the amount required to rectify the damage. So long as the Client can legally demonstrate that the Contractor is the material cause of the damage to the Premises.
- Where the Contractor fails to comply with the clauses surrounding rectification, the Client is entitled to deduct a penalty from the Fees up to the cost of rectifying any defects or faults.
- Without prejudice to any other right or remedy that it may have, if the Client fails to make any payment due to the Contractor under this Agreement by the date payment is due, then the Client shall pay interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 2% per annum above the Bank of England base rate from time to time. Such interest shall accrue on a daily basis from the due date until actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgment. The Client shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount. This clause will not be applicable in any case where a date of payment has been passed yet the Client is awaiting an updated invoice from the Contractor.
- Unless explicitly agreed otherwise in this Agreement or elsewhere, the Client is not responsible for any additional charges that the Contractor incurs in carrying out the Services, including but not limited to utility costs, council tax or rent payments, taxes, Materials and equipment costs, licensing costs, and legal fees or payments due to third parties being impacted by delivery of the Services; except where such are incurred due to the Client behaving in breach of this Agreement.
- The Contractor and the Client shall pay all amounts due under this Agreement in full without any deduction except regarding any deductions required by law. Neither Party shall be entitled to assert any credit, set-off, or counterclaim against the other in order to justify withholding payment of any amount due, in whole or in part
- All sums payable to the Contractor under this Agreement shall become due immediately on its termination, despite any other provision.
Expenses
Equipment and Materials
- Materials required for the provision of Works will be discussed and agreed upon in writing between the Client and the Contractor. The will be responsible for resourcing and obtaining the Materials necessary to carry out and perform the Works. Where any changes are made in relation to the Materials or Works, this will be agreed upon and recorded in writing by both Parties.
- It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient and appropriate equipment for the provision of the Works. Any equipment supplied by the Contractor shall remain the property of the Contractor. In the event of loss or damage to the Contractor's equipment used when providing the Works, the Client is not responsible for the provision, maintenance, replacement or repair of such equipment unless the loss or damage was caused by the Client or guests of the Client.
- Any equipment or Materials provided to the Contractor by the Client will remain the Client's property.
- In relation to the equipment or Materials provided by the Client, the Contractor must:
- Use these for the provision of Works to the Client only.
- Take reasonable care of these.
- Notify the Client of any faults with the equipment or Materials.
- Make these available to the Client for collection at any time if requested to do so.
- The Contractor will be responsible for any damage to the equipment or Materials that goes beyond ordinary wear and tear.
Waste
- The Contractor shall be responsible for disposing of any waste related to the provision of Works.
Return of Property
- At the end of this Agreement, all equipment, Materials, and property (including documentation, keys, and any alarm or building codes) given to the Contractor by the Client must be returned to the Client in the state that these were given in.
Circumstances Beyond the Control of Either Party
- Neither Party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations where such failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond the reasonable control of that Party.
- Such causes include, but are not limited to: power failure, internet service provider failure, acts of God, epidemic, pandemic, civil unrest, fire, flood, droughts, storms, earthquakes, collapse of buildings, explosion or accident, acts of terrorism, acts of war, governmental action, any law or any action taken by a government or public authority (including without limitation imposing an export or import restriction, quota, or prohibition), or any other event that is beyond the control of the Party in question.
- The Party affected by a circumstance beyond its control shall use all reasonable endeavours to mitigate the effect of the force majeure upon the performance of its obligations.
- The corresponding obligations of the other Party will be suspended to the same extent as those of the Party affected by a force majeure event.
- If the delay continues for a period of 90 days, either Party may terminate or cancel the Works to be carried out under this Agreement.
Ending the Agreement
- This Agreement shall continue until the Parties' obligations under the Agreement are discharged, unless it is terminated earlier in accordance with the following clauses of this section (i.e. the section headed ‘Ending the Agreement').
- The Client has a statutory right to cancel this Agreement within 14 days without needing to provide a reason for cancellation.
However, if the Works start less than 14 days after the Agreement is formed, by signing and agreeing to this Agreement the Client is making an express request that the Contractor starts the Services within the cancellation period and the Client acknowledges that, in making such a request, they waive their statutory right to cancel as described in this clause if the Services are fully delivered within the cancellation period.
To cancel in accordance with this clause, the Client should fill out the model cancellation form found at the bottom of this Agreement under the heading 'Schedule 1 - Model Cancellation Form'. This model cancellation form should then be emailed to .
This form must be sent to the Contractor within the 14-day period to comply with the 14-day deadline; subsequent actions need not yet to have taken place.
If the Agreement is cancelled in accordance the Client's statutory right to cancel as set out in this clause, the Contractor will refund all payments received from the Client, except if the Client requested via this Agreement that the Contractor start the Services during the cancellation period, in which case the Client must still pay for the Services provided up until the time they informed the Contractor or their right to cancel (or the full Fees, if the Agreement has been fully performed). Any such refunds will be issued via the same payment method as the payment was made without deductions and within 14 days of the day on which the Contractor was informed of the cancellation.
If the Services start less than 14 days after the Agreement is formed, by signing and agreeing to this Agreement the Client is making an express request that the Contractor starts the Services within the cancellation period and the Client acknowledges that, in making such a request, they waive their statutory right to cancel as described in this clause if the Services are completed within the cancellation period.
- The Client may immediately terminate this Agreement by giving the Contractor written notice of their intention to do so if the Contractor breaches any of their obligations under this Agreement and the Contractor has not or cannot put right that breach within a reasonable period (unless agreed otherwise, 14 Working Days).
- Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice to the other Party if that other Party:
- Does not pay any sum due to it under the Agreement within 14 Working Days of the due date for payment;
- Commits a material breach of the Agreement which, if capable of remedy, it fails to remedy within 7 Working Days after being given written notice specifying full particulars of the breach and requiring it to be remedied;
- Persistently breaches any term(s) of the Agreement;
- Is dissolved, ceases to conduct substantially all of its business, or becomes unable to pay its debts as they fall due;
- Undergoes a change of control (within the meaning of section 1124 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010); or
- (If that Party is an individual) dies or, as a result of illness or incapacity, becomes incapable of managing their own affairs.
- The Client may terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice to the Contractor if the Contractor:
- Is a company over any of whose assets or property a receiver is appointed;
- Makes any voluntary arrangement with its creditors or (if the Contractor is a company) becomes subject to an administration order (within the meaning of the Insolvency Act 1986);
- (If the Contractor is an individual or firm) has a bankruptcy order made against it or (if the Contractor is a company) goes into liquidation; or
- Is convicted of any criminal offence.
- All sums owed to the Contractor under this Agreement shall become due immediately on the Agreement's termination, except where provided otherwise within the Agreement.
- Termination or expiry of the Agreement shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities of the Parties that have accrued up to the date of termination or expiry, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Agreement which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry.
- Other than as set out in the Agreement, neither Party shall have any further obligation to the other under the Agreement after its termination or expiry.
Insurance
- The Contractor must maintain appropriate business insurance (eg business equipment insurance or tools insurance) with regard to the Works and other Services.
- The Client shall maintain appropriate insurance with regard to the Works and other Services taking place more broadly.
Liability
- Nothing in this Agreement limits or excludes either Party's liability in any way for:
- Death or personal injury caused by its negligence;
- Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
- Breach of the terms implied by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Works Act 1982 (title and quiet possession); or
- Any other losses that cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law.
- Except for as set out in the first clause of this section (i.e. the section headed 'Liability') or as a direct consequence of any breaches of the commitments provided by the Parties in the sections headed 'Provision of Services', 'How the Services will be Provided (Overview)' and 'Contractor Obligations', neither Party shall have any direct or indirect liability to the other Party, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with this Agreement for:
- Loss of profits;
- Loss of revenue;
- Loss of sales or business;
- Loss of agreements or contracts;
- Loss of savings or discounts (actual or anticipated);
- Loss of or damage to goodwill or to reputation;
- Loss of use or corruption of software, data or information;
- Any indirect, special or consequential loss.
- For purposes under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, the Client is considered to be the occupier of the Premises. However, the Contractor will be deemed liable under any claims brought under the aforementioned legislation for any damage sustained in any part of the Premises where the Works are being carried out for the duration of the Works, insofar as the Client can demonstrate that:
- It was reasonable to engage the Contractor due to the technicality of the Works;
- They took reasonable steps to ensure that the Contractor was competent to complete the Works; and
- To the extent the Client is able to, the Client has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the Works have been carried out properly.
- Subject to the third clause of this section (i.e. the section headed 'Liability'), the Contractor shall not have any liability for loss or damage to property belonging to the Client or a third party that is present at the Premises by the Client's election, unless such loss or damage is due to the Contractor's negligence or the negligence of the Contractor's agents, sub-contractors, consultants, workers, or others working on its behalf.
- Except for as set out in the first clause of this section (i.e. the section headed 'Liability'), the total liability of the Contractor for any loss experienced by the Client in respect of any one event or series of connected events due to the Contractor's breach of the Agreement shall not exceed £.
- Except for as set out in the first clause of this section (i.e. the section headed 'Liability'), the total liability of the Client for any loss experienced by the Contractor in respect of any one event or series of connected events due to the Client's breach of the Agreement shall not exceed £.
- The terms implied by sections 3 to 5 of the Supply of Goods and Works Act 1982 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from this Agreement.
Communication Between the Parties
- The best method of contacting the Contractor is via email at . Any issues with or concerns about the Works provided will be made known to the Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable within the Rectification Period via this communication method.
- The best method of contacting the Client is via email at
- Any notice (other than in legal proceedings) to be delivered under the Agreement must be in writing and delivered by pre-paid first class post to or left by hand delivery at the other Party's registered address or place of business, sent by email to its main business email address, or sent by fax to its main fax number. Notices:
- Sent by post will be deemed to have been received, where posted from and to addresses in the United Kingdom, on the second Working Day and, where posted from or to addresses outside the United Kingdom, on the tenth Working Day following the date of posting;
Delivered by hand will be deemed to have been received at the time the notice is left at the proper address; - Sent by email will be deemed to have been received on the next Working Day after sending, provided they were sent to the correct email address and no notice of delivery failure is received; and
- Sent by fax will be deemed to have been received on the next Working Day after transmission.
- Sent by post will be deemed to have been received, where posted from and to addresses in the United Kingdom, on the second Working Day and, where posted from or to addresses outside the United Kingdom, on the tenth Working Day following the date of posting;
- The Contractor is committed to avoiding disputes and ensuring that the Client is satisfied with the Services. As such, any complaints should be dealt with as follows: .
Privacy
- The Contractor respects the Client's privacy and complies with UK Data Protection Laws with regard to the Client's personal information and the personal information of any other individuals that it deals with in the course of delivering the Services.
- This Agreement should be read alongside and is in addition to the Contractor's Privacy Policy, a copy of
- Where the Client supplies Personal Data relating to the Client or to any other individual (including but not limited to guests and other contractors) to the Contractor in relation to the provision of the Services, and the Contractor Processes that Personal Data in the course of providing the Services to the Client, the Contractor will comply with the obligations imposed by Data Protection Laws.
- For any enquiries or complaints regarding data privacy, the Client can email the Contractor at .
- For the purposes of this Agreement, 'Personal Data' and 'Processing' shall have the same meaning as in the UK General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR').
General
- This Agreement contains the whole agreement between the Parties relating to its subject matter and supersedes all prior discussions, arrangements, or agreements that might have taken place in relation to the Agreement. Nothing in this clause limits or excludes any liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
- Neither Party may assign, novate, transfer, sub-licence, or sub-contract to any third party the benefit and/or burden of the Agreement or of any of the rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) of the other party, except as otherwise allowed in this Agreement. Any assignment that takes place must be a legal assignment. Any novation that takes place must be legally valid as a formal novation of the Agreement and the Parties must enter into a tripartite novation agreement. No variation of the Agreement will be valid or binding unless it is recorded in writing and signed by or on behalf of both Parties.
- The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 does not apply to the Agreement and no third party has any right to enforce or rely on any provision of the Agreement.
- Unless otherwise agreed, no delay, act, or omission by a Party in exercising any right or remedy available in relation to this Agreement will be deemed a waiver of that, or any other, right or remedy.
- A provision which by its intent or terms is meant to survive the termination of the Agreement will do so.
- If any court or competent authority finds that any provision (or part) of the Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision will, to the extent required, be deemed to be deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of the Agreement will not be affected.
- Unless specifically provided by the Parties, nothing in the Agreement will establish any employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture between the Parties, or mean that one Party becomes the agent of the other Party, nor does the Agreement authorise any Party to enter into any commitments for or on behalf of the other Party.
- Nothing in the Agreement should be construed as granting the Contractor an exclusive right of occupation or any other right in the land or property that constitute the Premises or in any part of these; except for the temporary right to use of the Premises for duration of the Works only on the terms set out in this Agreement.
Jurisdiction
- Except where an exception applies as required by law (e.g. in relation to disputes under consumer law):
- This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of England and Wales.
- All disputes and claims arising under the Agreement (including non-contractual disputes or claims) will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
The Parties have signed this Agreement on the date(s) below:
_________________________________ | _________________________________ |
Schedule 1 - Model Cancellation Form
To :
I hereby give notice that I cancel my contract for the sale of the supply of the following service:
Ordered on/received on:
Name of consumer(s):
Address of consumer(s):
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper):
Date:
About Construction Contracts
Learn more about making your Construction Contract
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How to make a Construction Contract
Making your Construction Contract online is easy. Just answer some questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. If you have all the information about the construction services prepared in advance, creating your document is a quick and simple process.
You’ll need the following information:
The parties
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What is the main contractor’s name, address, and legal structure? If it’s a company or LLP, what is its company or LLP number?
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Who is the main contractor’s signatory, if it’s a company, LLP, or partnership? This is the person who will sign the Contract on the company, LLP, or partnership’s behalf.
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What is the main contractor’s email address and phone number?
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What is the client’s name and home address?
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What is the client’s email address and phone number?
Overall project
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What is the purpose of the main contractor’s services?
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What home project will the main contractor’s services contribute to?
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Will they be the whole project or only a part of it?
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How many contractors will be part of the overall project?
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If there are other contractors, who will be the principal designer for the overall project?
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If the principal designer is another contractor, what is their name, address, and legal structure?
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If there are other contractors, who will be the principal contractor for the overall project?
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If the principal contractor is another contractor, what is their name, address, and legal structure?
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Works and services
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What minor construction works will the main contractor carry out? This can range from building works (eg extensions and renovations) to home repairs.
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What other services will the main contractor provide?
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Will the construction works or services require any building works approval or planning permission?
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If they do, who will be responsible for obtaining the building regulations approvals and/or planning permissions?
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When will the main contractor’s services start?
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Will the main contractor’s services start on the same day as the project or later in the middle of the project?
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Will the client or main contractor be responsible for resourcing and obtaining the relevant materials for the works and services?
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If the main contractor is responsible for obtaining the materials, when will the ownership of the materials transfer to the client?
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Are there specific requirements the client must follow? If so, what are they?
Fees and payments
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Will the client pay a fixed fee or a particular rate per unit for a particular time period (eg per hour/day)?
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How much are the fees?
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When must the fees be paid by?
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Are fees inclusive or exclusive of VAT, or is VAT not applicable?
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Does the client need to pay a deposit?
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If so, how much must they pay?
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When must the deposit be paid by?
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Can the main contractor make a deduction from the deposit if the client damages the main contractor’s equipment? If so, how much can they deduct?
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Will the main contractor issue an Invoice before a payment is due?
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If not, which payment methods can the client use to pay the main contractor:
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Bank transfer? If so, what are the account details?
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Cash?
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Cheque?
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PayPal? If so, what is the email address for the account to be paid?
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What expenses will the client reimburse the main contractor?
Liability and insurance
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What is the main contractor's maximum liability for a loss the client experiences due to the main contractor's breach of the Contract?
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Is the main contractor required to hold any specific types of insurance during the performance of the works and services?
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If so, which types of insurance must they hold? For example, product liability and professional liability? For each type, what is the insurance cap (ie maximum for a claim or a series of connected claims)?
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Will the main contractor request the client hold any specific types of insurance during performance of the Contract?
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If so, which types of insurance must they hold? For example, home insurance and renovation insurance?
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Information for the client
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How can they access the main contractor's privacy policy? If online, what is the policy’s URL?
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How will the main contractor deal with any complaints from the client?
Ending the Construction Contract
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Can the main contractor end the Contract by choice (ie without having to provide a reason)?
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If so, when can they do so? Eg within how many days after the Contract is made, or up until how many days before the services start?
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Can the client end the Contract by choice?
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If so, when can they do so?
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Will the main contractor return the client's deposit if the client ends the Contract by choice?
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Can the client reschedule the main contractor’s services instead of ending the Contract?
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Common terms in a Construction Contract
Construction Contracts help to manage the risks involved in the provision of minor construction works and services for residential property. To do this, this Construction Contract template includes the following terms and sections:
This contract for the provision of minor residential construction work and home maintenance services is made…
The Construction Contract starts by clearly identifying the parties to the contract and the date on which the Contract is made.
Definitions
This table sets out the meanings of key terms used within the Contract. When these terms are used capitalised throughout the Contract, they carry the meaning they’re given in this table. For example, ‘premises’, ‘works’, and ‘services’ are defined here.
Provision of services
This section sets out the key parameters of the services and works that the main contractor will carry out. It identifies which construction works and services will take place and sets out how any changes relating to the works and services should be expressed.
How the services will be provided
Next, the Contract lays out the high-level structure of how the services will be provided. It sets out the different phases of the works and services (eg pre-construction phase, construction phase, and post-construction phase). Where the main contractor is not the principal designer and/or contractor, this section will also explain which parts of the project the principal designer and principal contractor will be responsible for.
Contractor obligations
The following section details the main contractor’s responsibilities when carrying out the construction works and services. There are clauses explaining which regulations the main contractor must comply with throughout the provision of their services and how rectification of any works should take place.
Where the main contractor is also the principal designer and/or contractor, this section will contain explanations of the requirements under these specific roles. For example, they’re generally responsible for ensuring the works comply with the law (eg health and safety laws).
As the client will always be a consumer, this section also contains some of the information that the main contractor must give the client in order to comply with consumer law.
Client obligations
The client’s responsibilities whilst the main contractor carries out the construction works and services are briefly set out in this section. The client will always be responsible for:
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any party wall matters (ie notifying neighbours and obtaining consent where necessary for any construction works which will affect a shared property line)
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ensuring that the main contractor has reasonable access to the client’s property
The Contract allows for any other client obligations to be specifically added, as agreed upon between the client and the main contractor.
Term
The duration of the Contract will be set out here. It will state when the client’s overall home project will begin and whether the main contractor’s services will start on this date or on a subsequent date. The term will last until the main contractor’s services are completed or ended in accordance with the termination clauses in the Contract.
Fees
This section gives details of the various payments that may be due under the Contractor. It covers:
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the main fees and when they’re due
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whether a deposit is required and, if so, how much it is, when it’s due, and how it will be dealt with
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whether the main contractor can deduct from the deposit if the client damages any of the main contractor’s equipment
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how payment should be made (either following the instructions issued in an Invoice or by specified methods, such as bank transfer)
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whether fees are inclusive or exclusive of VAT (or whether VAT is not applicable)
Expenses
This follows on from the fees section and lays out whether the client is responsible for any extra charges (eg the main contractor’s expenses). If the client is responsible for any of the main contractor’s expenses, then there will be details of which expenses the client will reimburse the main contractor. This could be all of the main contractor’s extra expenses or only reasonable ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses incurred in connection with the Contract.
Equipment and materials
This section sets out how any materials and equipment obtained or used for the main contractor’s services should be handled. It lays out:
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whether the client or the main contractor will be responsible for obtaining the required materials
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if the main contractor is responsible for obtaining the materials, when the materials will transfer ownership to the client
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that the main contractor is responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate equipment for any works and services which take place
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where the client provides the main contractor with any materials or equipment to be used in the works or services, that they will remain the client’s property and the main contractor’s responsibility when using them
Waste
The main contractor will be responsible for disposing of any waste (including hazardous substances) which results from the services and works.
Return of property
The main contractor’s responsibilities surrounding the return of the client’s property (including keys and alarm codes for property access) are outlined in this section.
Circumstances beyond the control of either party
This section contains a force majeure clause that specifies what happens if the services cannot take place due to events outside of the parties’ control. Where any of these events happen, neither party will be held responsible for any delay in obligations or failure to meet obligations under the Contract. For example, this could include power failures, fire, local authority enforcement, or any other circumstances that are beyond the control of the client or main contractor.
Ending the agreement
This section explains when and how the Contract can end.
Various situations are set out that allow one party or either party to end the Contract (eg if a party seriously or persistently breaches the contract, does not pay fees owed, or is dissolved).
If you choose to give the main contractor, client, or both the option to end the Contract by choice (ie without needing a reason), this is set out, and the timeframes within which a party must give notice to exercise this right are identified. If the client can end the Contract early, the section also identifies whether any deposit paid will be returned and how the cancelling party could reschedule.
As the client will always be a consumer, this section also sets out their consumer cancellation rights.
The section also deals with what happens after the Contract ends (eg all fees or other sums owed will become due immediately).
Insurance
The main contractor’s general obligation to maintain appropriate insurance in relation to the works and services, and any equipment they are using for the works. Any specific types of insurance that must be held are identified and minimum caps specified.
This section also details whether the main contractor would like the client to hold any particular insurance in relation to their home (eg renovation insurance), in case the main contractor is undertaking a job specifically requested by the client, which the main contractor’s insurance may be unable to cover.
Liability
This section contains various limitations on liability (ie restrictions on when one party is responsible for losses it causes to the other in relation to this Contract). For example, a cap is set on each main contractor’s liability in most circumstances and types of loss that the parties generally won’t be liable for are set out (eg indirect loss or loss of profits).
Situations in which the main contractor cannot limit their liability are also highlighted. For example, liability for death or personal injury caused by their negligence. Instances where liability relates to the condition of the property causing visitor damage are also included in this section, and who will be responsible in specific situations.
Communication between the parties
The best method of contacting the main contractor is identified here. The requirements for serving legal notices related to the Contractor are also set out. The main contractor’s procedure for handling client complaints may also be set out here.
Privacy
This section deals with the main contractor’s adherence to data protection laws. It sets out the main contractor’s obligation to protect the client’s privacy and identifies where the contractor’s privacy policy can be found.
General
This section deals with various other points of law that govern how this Contract operates. For example:
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stating that this Contract is the entire agreement between the parties, ie the Contract contains all of the Contract terms between the main contractor and the client (ie there are no additional terms). This helps avoid confusion if, for instance, other terms were in contemplation during negotiations
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restricting how the parties can deal with the Contract (eg preventing them from assigning or novating their rights or obligations under the Contract to others without the other party’s permission)
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requiring that any variations to the Contracting be in writing and signed
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excluding the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. This essentially means that third parties (ie not the main contractor or the client) that would otherwise be able to enforce obligations under this Contract under the relevant Act cannot do so
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clarifying that the Contract does not create an employment relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency arrangement between the parties
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clarifying that the client does not grant a lease (ie tenancy) or other ongoing right to occupy the client’s property
Jurisdiction
This section sets out that the legal system of England and Wales must be used to resolve any disputes arising in relation to the Contract (ie the Contract’s jurisdiction). This is necessary as the law and legal systems of this area of law are different between England and Wales and those of other jurisdictions (eg Scotland).
A consumer’s ability to enforce some consumer rights within the legal system of other countries of the UK is also noted.
The Parties have signed this agreement on the date(s) below…
The Contract ends with spaces for the main contractor and client to both sign the Contract to make it legally binding.
Schedule 1 - material required for the works
Where the main contractor is responsible for resourcing and obtaining any material relating to the works they are carrying out, this schedule allows them to upload an itemised list of the materials and prices agreed upon so far. This will ensure that the client is kept informed of the main contractor’s expenses in relation to the materials.
Schedule 1 - model cancellation form
As the client will always be a consumer, this schedule provides a form that the client may use to exercise their right to cancel the Contract in accordance with their statutory cancellation rights, should they wish.
If you want your Construction Contract to include further or more detailed provisions, you can edit your document. However, if you do this, you may want a Legal Pro to review the document for you (or to make the changes for you) to make sure that your modified Construction Contract complies with all relevant laws and meets your specific needs. Use Rocket Lawyer’s Ask a lawyer service for assistance.
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Legal tips for carrying out construction services
Manage your risks
Risks are a major consideration in construction works, whether it’s health and safety risks or the risk of delays due to external factors. You should consider utilising contingency plans to mitigate as many risks as possible, to avoid large financial and other losses that could occur (eg if regulations change requiring costly amendments to design plans and works). For more information, read Managing home construction projects.
The Construction Contract helps ensure you have identified these risks and that you will manage them. For example, the Contract encourages you to decide which types of insurance the main contractor and client must hold, and how they want to limit their financial liability to each other in potential disputes.
Understand when to seek advice from a lawyer
Construction is a heavily regulated industry; as such, it’s good practice to Ask a lawyer for advice to ensure that you’re compliant with the law and that you are well protected from risks. You should consider asking for advice if:
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the main contractor provides any unique after-sale services alongside the construction works
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you need to make alterations to the fee structures (eg if the main contractor want to client to pay after different phases of the Contract have been completed)
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the main contractor needs to confirm if they’ve provided the client with all legally required information
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you require a Construction Contract that complies with the laws of Scotland
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you would like this Construction Contract to cover additional provisions, or it doesn’t meet your needs
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Construction Contract FAQs
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What is included in a Construction Contract?
This Construction Contract template covers:
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the works and services which the main contractor will perform
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information on the client’s overarching main project and how the main contractor’s services will be incorporated into this
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the main contractor and any client responsibilities for the duration of the Contract
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the length and duration of the main contractor’s services
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fees, deposits, bonds, penalty fees, and payment methods
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how the client might reimburse the main contractor for any expenses
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the client and main contractor’s responsibilities relating to any equipment and materials used
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the handling of any waste resulting from the construction works
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the return of any client property that the main contractor might use
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circumstances beyond either party’s control
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ending the Contract
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communication between the parties
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privacy considerations
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providing information about the main contractor’s business and the client’s rights, as required by consumer law
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general legal provisions, such as the main contractor’s jurisdiction
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spaces for the parties to sign the main contractor
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Why do I need a Construction Contract?
Home construction projects can get really complicated, really quickly! With all the different stages of a construction project and potentially having multiple contractors to deal with, having a comprehensive contract in place will help manage the risks involved in the provision of contractor services. It covers the specific responsibilities of whichever contractor is party to the Contract, to ensure that there is no confusion and to avoid disputes from arising later. For example, the Contract sets out rules that either party must follow to protect the other’s interests.
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What kinds of home works can this Contract be used for?
This Construction Contract can be used for a wide variety of home works and projects. This includes:
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larger construction and building works (eg extensions and renovations)
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smaller construction works and installations (eg bathroom fixings)
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home repair and maintenance work (eg handyman services such as fixing a tap)
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What is defined as construction work?
Construction work is defined by the CDM Regulations as any work that is considered to be building work, civil engineering work or engineering construction work. Some examples of this are:
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the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance, and demolition of a building structure
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preparing a site for a new structure, including site exploration, clearance, and excavation
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the removal of a building structure or the removal of any waste products resulting from the demolition of a building structure
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installing, maintaining, repairing or removing any mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer or similar systems in a building
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What counts as a project in construction works?
Construction works cover a broad range of phases, including a pre-construction phase, a construction phase, and a post-construction phase. For more information on each of these phases, read Managing home construction projects.
A project is the culmination of everything within the construction phases of an overall home works project. This will include all planning, design, management, construction work or other work carried out by any and all contractors working on a client’s home during the project’s duration. The project will also include the aim and purpose of all the works (eg a loft renovation).
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Who is a contractor under the Contract?
A contractor will be any legal entity (from an individual to a company) that carries out, manages or controls any type of construction work as part of a business. This could include a builder, sub-contractor, architect or design consultant, designer (ie any individual or organisation that plans or modifies any designs in the course of business), management contractor, construction manager, or even a client.
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Who is the main contractor?
The main contractor is the contractor who is party to this Contract. This is the contractor performing the construction works and services as set out in the Contract.
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Why might there be a ‘principal designer’ or ‘principal contractor’?
Under the CDM Regulations, where there is more than one contractor on a project, the project will need to appoint:
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a principal designer responsible for planning, managing and coordinating the pre-construction phase
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a principal contractor responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the construction phase of the project
If a principal designer and a principal contractor have not been appointed for a domestic project with multiple contractors, then the roles will be appointed by default. By default, the principal designer will be the designer who has the most control over the pre-construction phase, and the principal contractor will be the contractor who has the most control over the construction phase.
Where the main contractor is the only contractor working on the project, they will be responsible for all phases of the project and the duties that are required under those phases.
For more information on the roles of the principal designer and principal contractor, including their responsibilities relating to health and safety, read Managing home construction projects.
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What are the works and services?
This Construction Contract covers both construction works and services. The construction works will be the actual construction tasks which are performed by the main contractor as part of the Contract. These will be smaller individual construction tasks which are required as part of the project. For example, this could be fixing a leaking tap valve, installing a stair case, or building the foundation for an extension. You can add in the specific construction works when making the Contract.
The construction services are the tasks completed that are related to the construction works. For example, this will include the administrative tasks (eg recording health and safety documentation), any design work which the main contractor is obligated to do, and resolving any defects or issues arising from the works in the rectification period. The Contract can include other specific construction services at the parties’ discretion, you can add these in when making your Contract.
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Does the client have any legal duties in relation to the construction works?
Domestic clients (as consumers) are not required to undertake any legal duties under the CDM Regulations. Their legal duties are instead automatically transferred to either:
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the main contractor - where there is only one contractor on the project,
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the principal contractor (who may also be the main contractor) - where there is more than one contractor on the project, or
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the principal designer (who may also be the main contractor) - if there is a written agreement in place that the principal designer will carry out these duties
Whilst clients do not have duties under the CDM Regulations, they may still have other legal responsibilities in relation to the construction works that they should be aware of. For example, as the owner or occupier of the home where the project is taking place, they will likely have duties in relation to guest safety at their home under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
For more information, read Managing home construction projects.
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What are building works approval and planning permission?
Some building works legally require consent before they can be undertaken. For example, consent from a local council. Common types of consent required are:
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building regulations approval – where a building control body needs to consent to building works that fall under certain building regulations
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planning permission – where the local planning authority needs to give permission before you make major changes to your building
Some major and minor building works will require building regulations approval. This can include:
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extensions
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installation or extension of a fitting that falls under the building regulations
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inserting insulation into a cavity wall
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certain changes to energy elements within a home
Planning permission is required if you intend to make major changes to a building (eg an extension). For more information, read Planning permission.
Always check which approvals you need. You can check whether you need planning permission by contacting your local planning authority. If you fail to obtain the correct permissions you could be penalised by the relevant authority.
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Who has ownership of the materials bought for the construction works?
Where the client resources and procures the materials for the construction works, the client will always be the owner of those materials.
Where the main contractor is required to procure the materials, then they will be the original owner of the materials. Transfer of ownership of the materials can sometimes be tricky, so it is best to have the exact time of ownership transfer written into your Contract.
If the client and main contractor have not agreed on when the materials will pass ownership, common law rules will apply. This means that the transfer of ownership will pass to the client once the materials have been affixed (ie secured or fastened) to the property, whether the client has yet paid for those materials or not.
This can be a problem for both the main contractor and the client. The main contractor will likely not want the ownership of the materials to pass to the client before they have been paid for the materials. On the other hand, the client will only own the materials which have been affixed to the land. This can be an issue if the contractor has completed works on affixed (ie movable) items. Therefore, it is best to get this agreement in writing within the Contract.
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What is a rectification period?
A rectification period, also known as a defects liability period, is a specific time period during which the main contractor is responsible for fixing any defects or issues which might arise from the completed construction works and any products installed in the client’s home.
It starts after the date of completion of the construction works and generally lasts between six to 12 months.
The client must notify the main contractor within the rectification period, or any extended rectification period, in order for the main contractor’s duty to take effect. If the client does not notify the main contractor before the end of the rectification period, the main contractor will not be required to fix the defect.
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Why might the contractor require the homeowner client to hold insurance?
Construction works on residential properties can vary in scope. In general, a contractor would expect a client to have general home insurance.
The client may request specific home works not covered by the main contractor’s insurance. If this situation arises, the main contractor will likely request that the client obtain specific home insurance to cover this in case of an accident. For example, it is common for homeowners to obtain renovation insurance for specific renovation, extension and conversion projects.
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Will this Contract create a tenancy, a licence, or other occupation right?
No, this Construction Contract will not allow the main contractor any form of tenancy, licence or other right over the client’s property. It is a contract for services only. The Contract does not aim to create a lease (ie a tenancy) or any other ongoing right of occupation of the premises.
However, the main contractor will likely have a certain level of control over the parts of the property they are working on, especially as the client will likely have significantly less technical knowledge to oversee the construction works. Contractors should be aware of this in relation to responsibility for any accidents that may occur on site.
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What information does the main contractor need to give the client?
As the main contractor is a business working with consumer homeowners, it is legally required to provide its clients with certain information before they enter into a contract. Examples of things that consumers must be given information about include:
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how they will enter into a contract
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the services involved and the fees to be exchanged for them
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the main contractor’s business details
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the main contractor’s complaints handling procedure
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the client’s cancellation rights
There will be a difference in the requirements of information based on where the contract is formed (ie on the main contractor’s business premises, the client’s home, or remotely), and on the nature of the business and the contract. It is most likely that a construction contract will be made either at the client’s home or remotely. For more information on off-premises and distance contracts, read How to choose the right terms and conditions.
This Construction Contract incorporates the key essential information required by the law. However, the main contractor should always check that they’re providing all necessary information for the relevant formation of the contract and in relation to the nature of their business.
For more information, read Doing business with consumers, Consumer rights, and Online business regulations. Ask a lawyer for help if you need help ensuring you’ve met the relevant information requirements.
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Do I need to make terms and conditions too?
Normally, you shouldn’t need to make additional terms and conditions. This Construction Contract is designed to be a standalone contract that doesn’t need to be read alongside external terms and conditions. This document should cover all the standard key information and provisions that a terms and conditions document would.
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What do the fees include?
You can choose what the fees include! The Construction Contract will have some standard services which will be included within the Contract. However, it allows the parties to specify exactly what’s included with the main contractor’s services.
For example, the main contractor may be obliged to provide certain staff, licences, materials, or anything else as part of the services they’re providing for the client. Whatever you state is included in the services should be covered by the fees you set.
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Can I set any terms (eg rules, limitations on liability, or provisions for ending the Contract) that I like?
You must ensure that any terms you include in the Contract are not seemingly unfair to consumers. Terms may be considered unfair if they cause a significant imbalance in the parties’ obligations or rights, particularly if it is detrimental to the consumer. You can Ask a lawyer if you need help determining whether any additional provisions you add to the Contract are fair.

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