The JCT, which stands for Joint Contracts Tribunal, is a body representing a wide range of interests in the building and construction industries. Since its founding in 1931, the JCT has produced standard forms of documentation, such as contracts and guidance notes, for use in the construction industry.
JCT contracts are written in complex legal language. This makes them difficult to understand without specialised knowledge. The problem with using complex language is that the meaning can be unclear to anyone without a legal background. This can lead to misunderstandings, especially during disputes.
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.
The JCT Minor Works Building Contract is designed for smaller, basic construction projects where the work is of a simple nature. Minor Works Building Contracts are suitable for projects procured via the traditional or conventional method.
The Standard JCT Contract is drafted to suit larger works, or works of a complex nature that involve a high degree of building services or specialist work and its drafting to include provisions allowing: for the contractor to design discrete parts of the works. works to be carried out in sections.
You will fill in the agreed contract sum, the drawings that have been agreed on, the start date and finish date. There are a few other sections to fill in, including who will obtain the insurance for the works, your insurance cover and you will also be asked to agree a small lateness penalty if the project runs over.
What should I include in a construction contract template? Name and contact information of the project owner. Name and contact information of the contractor. Legal description of the property being worked on. Detailed description of the work to be completed. Completion date and date of final payment.
What does Building Contract mean? The contract between an employer and a contractor for the carrying out and completion of building works. The building contract may be referred to as the main contract, particularly when sub-contractors are to be engaged.
To draft a contract from scratch, start by identifying the parties involved and clearly outlining the agreement. Include consideration (what is exchanged), define the terms and conditions, ensure all parties are legally competent, and finalise it with signatures. These essential elements make the contract enforceable.