Best endeavours v reasonable endeavours
Many construction industry practitioners will have been confronted with a contract which requires the parties to use 'best' or 'reasonable' endeavours in performing obligations under the contract. This apparently minor difference however presents a real risk to a party if they are unaware of the difference in legal interpretation between the two terms.
Evidently an obligation to use 'best endeavours' implies a higher degree of commitment to perform a particular task when compared to 'reasonable endeavours' but, as is often the case, it is only when a contract dispute arises and Court proceedings follow that the reality of the difference becomes apparent.
There are no clear definitions of these terms upon which reliance can be made but case law has held that best endeavours means, amongst other things:
- To leave no stone unturned.
- To do what is reasonably to be expected in the circumstances.
- Not to do anything that will jeopardise the commercial interests of the obligor.
An immediate and obvious difficulty is that the word “reasonably” appears in a definition of 'best' endeavours. Furthermore, case law has also used similar language in defining reasonable endeavours.
Behind these definitions lies an expectation of what might be done to ensure that these obligations are met.
In the case of best endeavours it may be the case that a party has to commit extra resources or spend additional funds in order to meet the obligation, even to the extent that it is commercially damaging to the party concerned. Where the obligation is reasonable it is unlikely that this degree of obligation would be applied by the Courts.
And when it comes to testing these definitions in Court a subjective approach is adopted for best endeavours whilst it is an objective one for reasonable endeavours.
For the purposes of the layman, however, one can point to certain more simple facts:
- Reasonable endeavours will be less onerous than best endeavours.
- If a contract sets out specific steps to be taken as part of a reasonable obligation, ensure that these steps are indeed carried out. This is regardless of commercial considerations.
This article was created by: --Martinc 14:11, 22 November 2014 (UTC)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Delict.
- Duty of care.
- Duty to warn.
- Fitness for purpose.
- Good faith.
- Good faith – good grief.
- Reasonable skill and care.
- Unreasonable.
[edit] Relevant case law
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.