Conditions precedent
The term "conditions precedent" refers to specific requirements that must be fulfilled before certain rights or obligations come into effect under a contract. These conditions are critical for the progression of the contract and typically serve as prerequisites for subsequent actions or events. They ensure that essential requirements are met before the project progresses, protecting both parties and facilitating a smoother contractual relationship.
Examples might include:
- Obtaining planning permission or building regulations approval.
- Securing financing or performance bonds.
- Providing proof of insurance coverage.
- Completion of preliminary surveys or site investigations.
Conditions precedent must be met before a party is obliged to perform their part of the contract. For example, a contractor may not be required to start work until the employer has provided proof of financing. They must be clearly defined in the contract, specifying what needs to be done, by whom, and within what time frame. These conditions can include obtaining necessary permits, approvals, or insurance.
Failure to satisfy a condition precedent can result in the contract not becoming effective, or in some cases, it may provide grounds for one party to terminate the contract.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.