Contract review
A contract review in construction terms involves a thorough examination and analysis of the terms, conditions, obligations, and specifications that are outlined within a contract that pertains to a construction project. The purpose being to ensure that the terms are fair, enforceable, and documented correctly, helping to clarify what happens if either party breaks the conditions laid out in the contract.
The contract review often represents the last chance for the engaged parties to identify issues and request changes before it is signed. As such it may be seen as or lead to opportunities to review certain clauses, such as the agreed price, programme or time-frame of the contract but not always successfully. In general points that will often be the focus of a contract review are likely to be conditions relating to payment terms, change management, liquidated and ascertained damages, design liabilities, allocating statutory requirements and related risks, approaches to dispute resolution and or termination.
In general it is considered good practice for a contract to be reviewed by specialist, during any negotiation stages and as a minimum before it is signed by the parties. The contract review is commonly carried out by a legal specialist third party, but can also be carried out individually be each involved party.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adjudication in construction contracts
- Agreement.
- Appointing consultants for building design and construction
- Base date in construction contracts
- Bespoke construction contract.
- Concession Contracts Regulations.
- Consultant agreements.
- Contract documents for construction.
- Contractual chain.
- Contractual obligation.
- Contractual right.
- Construction contract
- Construction contract conditions
- Construction Management Contract
- Contract administrator for construction contracts
- Design and Build Contract
- Earned value for construction contracts
- Estoppel contracts
- Final certificate for construction contracts
- Forms of tender for main contractors, sub-contractors and sub-sub-contractors.
- Forms of contract for the supply of goods.
- Intermediate building contract
- Major Project Construction Contract.
- Management Building Contract
- Minor Works Building Contract
- NEC.
- Onerous contract.
- Set off in construction contracts
- Tender sum for construction contracts
- Tender report for construction contracts
- Standard Building Contract
- Reserved contract.
- Pre-tender estimate for contracts
- Prime Cost Building Contract
- Repair & Maintenance Contract
- Traditional contract for construction.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.