JCT Contracts

[RichA]

I am due to start a build imminently and am considering using a JCT 'Building Contract for Home Owner'.

Does anyone have a sample that I can share so that I can see/assess the content?

My builder has drafted a letter to act as a contract, but want to see whether there is much extra that I should include, and therefore request we go down the JCT route.

Many thanks

 

[KenGMac]

RichA, good evening.

Quite a lot in Google

you could have a look @ this? my work?

FREE DOWNLOAD JCT: Building Contract for Home Owner/Occupier ...
https://sites.google.com/.../free-download-jct-building-contract-for-home-owner-occupie...
FREE DOWNLOAD JCT: Building Contract for Home Owner/Occupier who has not appointed a consultan (New Edition) -- 3f8d2180e6 ...

 

[RichA]

Thanks.

What is the recommended retention %? How long is that held post completion?
What is recommended for fees for overunning the contracted no. of weeks?

 

[Notch7]

Relationships are more important than contracts.

Using a JCT makes a project somewhat more official and has some degree of protection, but ultimately a contract is only as good as the detail, on both sides.

Time penalty clause wont go down well. You need every single detail agreed agreed very early on, any decisions made late or design changes made, or unforeseen delays will cause delays and potential arguments.

Ive seen clients on JCTs with bad outcomes, Ive seen fantastic projects done with almost no paperwork.

 

[^woody^]

What is recommended for fees for overunning the contracted no. of weeks?

There are none "recommended".

Under contract law, you have to incur actual and demonstrable losses to be able to claim them.

It's a bit concerning that this question is your second, after "How much do I hold back". Not the hallmarks of a good client.

 

[RichA]

I’m quite risk averse. Trying to ensure the ‘contract’ which is currently a letter does not expose me to too much risk. I am very hopeful that the builder & myself will build a strong working relationship over the next 10 months, but would like to have some direction should we have anything that needs resolving.

 

[Stingray13]

Try this, https://www.architecture.com/riba-contracts/riba-domestic-building-contract is designed for domestic clients, pretty small contract never reviewed the JCT homeowners so not sure on its detail.

Unless your staying in a hotel or renting another house while the works you're damaged for overrunning will be 0 its for real out of pocket expenses.