What Are Contract Extensions? A contract extension is an agreement between the original contracting parties to extend the terms of their existing contract for a further period of time. The period for which the extension is granted is set out in the renewal agreement.
The JCT suite of contracts, along with most standard forms of construction contract, contain express provisions for extensions of time, allowing for the date for completion to be extended where an event occurs which prevents completion of the works by that date.
The JCT HO/O is best for simpler projects, but if you plan to appoint specific companies for tasks like a low energy heating system or specialist glazing, the RIBA DBC is preferable as it accommodates their involvement. The JCT HO/O does not offer this flexibility.
A contract extension extends the duration of an existing agreement between two or more parties. It happens when the concerned parties get the benefits of an existing contract without having to go through the entire contract creation process.
The Joint Contracts Tribunal, also known as the JCT, produces standard forms of contract for construction, guidance notes and other standard documentation for use in the construction industry in the United Kingdom.
The "Extension of Agreement" clause stipulates that the existing contract may be prolonged beyond its original end date under certain agreed-upon conditions, which can include mutual consent, automatic renewal, or fulfillment of specific criteria.
So, if you ever come across someone referring to a 'JCT contract', it is typically about a standard building contract. These contracts are usually between an 'employer' and a 'contractor' to facilitate a building works project. They set out all of the relevant terms and conditions, including: Obligations of the parties.
To be legally enforceable, an agreement must contain all of the following criteria: An offer and acceptance; Certainty of terms; Consideration; An intention to create legal relations; Capacity of the parties; and, Legality of purpose.
An agreement to extend a contract can be accomplished in one of three ways: By a contract extension letter signed by both parties. This is a simple document, which may consist of only a few sentences. By an exchange of letters between the parties. By both parties' signing a simple contract extension agreement.
Contracts don't need to be in legal language, but they do need to outline exactly who is responsible for what from obtaining various permissions (such as building control approval) to timings, tidying up, materials, insurance and how payments will be made. A written contract will protect you and reduce risks.