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
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
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.





















