BU590 Contracts in the building industry (2015)

Clarifying and documenting the intentions of both parties to a contract before the work starts can avoid costly and time-consuming disputes and litigation. This bulletin explains what a contract is, the types of building contracts available and how they relate to the building process.

This bulletin replaces and updates Bulletin 580 of the same name.

The bulletin covers:

• parties to a building contract
• scope for contractual problems
• basic legal requirements
• implied warranties
• what form must a contract take
• types of building contracts
• standard forms of contract
• benefits of a written contract.