Construction Contracts
Questions and Answers
By: David Chappell
Construction professionals of all kinds frequently need legal advice that is straightforward as well as authoritative and legally rigorous. Building on the success of two previous editions, David Chappell returns to provide answers to 225 FAQs from his experience as Specialist Advisor to the RIBA. With 50 new questions, and thorough updates to address changes to the law and contracts, this is an invaluable first port of call for any construction law problem. Questions range in content from extensions of time, liquidated damages and loss and/or expense to issues of practical completion, defects, valuation, certificates and payment, architects' instructions, adjudication and fees. Among the new questions are: Is the contractor bound by its price even if there is an error? How do terms about working in a spirit of trust affect other clauses? Can architects lose their rights to certify under JCT 2011 contracts? Every question included has been asked of David Chappell during his career, and he uses his vast experience to provide clear, easy to follow advice in this book. Most were originally asked by architects, but the answers will be of wide interest to everyone involved in construction.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Construction Contracts: Questions and Answers" by David Chappell
Key Themes
The book "Construction Contracts: Questions and Answers" by David Chappell is a comprehensive guide to the legal aspects of construction contracts. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to construction professionals, including:
- Extensions of Time and Liquidated Damages: Exploring the legal implications of delays and the use of liquidated damages in construction contracts.
- Loss and/or Expense: Discussing the procedures and legal frameworks for claiming losses and expenses incurred during a project.
- Practical Completion, Defects, and Valuation: Addressing issues related to the completion of projects, defects, and the valuation of work done.
- Certificates and Payment: Examining the process of issuing certificates and making payments in construction projects.
- Architects’ Instructions and Adjudication: Providing insights into the role of architects, the process of adjudication, and how these elements interact within construction contracts.
- Fees and Legal Cases: Offering practical advice on fees and including references to relevant legal cases for deeper understanding.
Plot Summary
The book is structured around a series of questions and answers, each drawn from real-world scenarios encountered by David Chappell during his career as a consultant and Specialist Advisor to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The questions cover a broad spectrum of topics related to construction contracts, and the answers are designed to be clear, concise, and authoritative. The book incorporates 42 new judicial decisions, updates from the JCT 2016 and RIBA Building Contracts and Professional Services Contracts 2018, making it a valuable resource for both professionals and students in the field.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's comprehensive nature and its inclusion of real-world questions and authoritative answers suggest it would be well-received by construction professionals and students. The book's utility as a reference and educational tool is highlighted by its inclusion in various platforms such as Routledge, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
Editions and Availability
The book is available in multiple formats, including print and eBook. The 4th edition, which includes 300 questions and the latest updates, is the most recent version available. It is marketed as a useful resource for architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, and lawyers, as well as a valuable educational tool for students.
Conclusion
"Construction Contracts: Questions and Answers" by David Chappell is a definitive guide to the legal aspects of construction contracts. Its comprehensive coverage of real-world scenarios, incorporation of new judicial decisions, and clear, authoritative answers make it an invaluable resource for both professionals and students in the field. The book's updates ensure it remains relevant to the latest developments in construction law and contracts.