Construction contract register
Contract registers provide schedules of contracts that have been let. They might be prepared for a specific project or by a large contracting organisation such as a local authority who may have a large number of live contracts at any time. Where the situation is very complex, there may be a number of sub-registers, for different projects, departments or locations.
Contract registers provide an invaluable record, helping track contract status and can be used by public organisations to provide transparency.
A main contractor may establish a contract register during the mobilisation stage of a project. This can be provide crucial information, not just for tracking contracts, but if for example the main contractor becomes insolvent.
A contract register might include information such as:
- An identification number for the contract.
- The purpose of the contract.
- Location of the works.
- Who the contract is with (this is not always as clear as might be hoped – see for example Derek Hodd Limited v Climate Change Capital Limited)
- Who signed the contract and when.
- Where the original executed contract can be found.
- Who is responsible for the contract.
- The status of the contract.
- Payments made.
- Retention.
- The start date.
- The completion date.
- Details of any extensions of time or changes to the contract sum.
Contract registers will generally be prepared digitally, and may be configured so that information is imported from or exported to other databases or software or so that reports can be generated automatically. Consideration may need to be given to security issues and confidentiality of information in relation to some contracts.
Contract management software may be used for recording contract details and tracking progress, providing contract managers with up-to-date information and enabling them to make better decisions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Delivering for tenants; National Retrofit Hub
New report offers recommendations to strengthen energy efficiency standards to protect private renters.
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.