Vitiate
To vitiate is the act of impairing or voiding the effect of something else. In terms of buildings and construction this may be an action, failure of an action or a factor that has the potential to invalidate a contract or specific element of a contract or agreement tis making it void. For example through fraud, misrepresentation, legal capacity and so on.
For example if an insured person fails to disclose relevant material facts or misrepresents a case to an an insurer before the insurance policy is issued it may vitiate the policy, thus making it invalid. If a landlord does of fails to do something to a property that is likely to make a tenant's insurance policy void, the landlord may be liable for reparation costs.
In the case of a force majeure event, it may be ground for and excuse non-performance in a contract, but only for the duration of the event, it does not necessarily void or vitiate the contract in its entirety.
In a construction project variations to a contract, that are agreed upon, may be requested under the correct procedure, variations do not vitiate a contract. The original contract remains in tact and in place, it merely has been adjusted, a vitiated contract is one that is no longer valid and is thus void.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Abortive work in building design and construction.
- Architect's instruction.
- Change control procedure for building design and construction.
- Change order for construction contracts.
- Compensation event.
- Confirmation of verbal instruction.
- Contract sum.
- Extension of time EOT in construction contracts.
- How to prepare a claim for an extension of time.
- Loss and expense.
- Payment for extra work.
- Prime cost sum.
- Provisional sum.
- Relevant event.
- Relevant matter.
- Scope of work.
- Valuation of interim payments.
- Variations in construction contracts.
Featured articles and news
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
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.