Preamble in construction contracts
A preamble is an explanation of a document, commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities. It can help with the interpretation of the document.
A preamble might include:
- A description of the parties to the contract.
- A description of the competence (or lack of it) of the parties to the contract. This can be taken to set a general standard for the quality of goods or services expected, or the level of support required.
- The background to the document.
- A summary of the negotiations.
- Tendering procedures.
- The objectives of the project.
- Other related documents or previous contracts and their relationship to the current document.
It should only include important information and should avoid including or repeating rights or obligations which should be set out in the main body of the document.
NB: Preambles should not be confused with preliminaries. For more information, see Difference between preliminaries and preambles
[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.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.