Last edited 28 Mar 2018

Purchase orders in construction

A purchase order (PO) is a document that is issued by a buyer to a seller, indicating their intention to purchase certain products or services. On construction projects, POs are typically used to control the purchasing of products and services from suppliers, and are then retained for record keeping.

A PO may include the following information:

A PO legally-binding agreement where there is no existing contract, it is only when the supplier accepts the PO that it become a legal contract.

Invoices are documents issued by a suppliers to buyers, summarising the products or services that they have purchased (or have agreed to purchase). Invoices invoice will usually reference a PO number (if there has been one) to assist with record keeping and avoid confusion.

[edit] Find out more

When is there a right to light, and what happens if it is obstructed?

What would the nationalisation of economic infrastructure mean for GB?

A new guide to improving value by reducing design error.

We've reached 80,000 page views a day and 10,000 registered users. Why not join them?

A masterplan is a framework within which a location is encouraged to develop or change. Read our introductory article.

New consultation announced on a specialist Housing Court to settle landlord-tenant disputes.

ICE responds to a transport consultation advising the government to make decisions enabling more inclusive cities.

BRE and Loughborough University complete first phase refurbishment of demonstration home.

How the risk of collapse of fibrous plaster ceilings is being addressed in theatres.

If you’re a great writer and have practical experience of the construction industry, it could be you.

Frustrated by long documents or technical jargon? Put off by sign-up forms or costs? Take this 5 min survey to help improve construction knowledge.