The JCT Standard Building Contract 2011

A simple guide to using a contract. It explains, often from first principles, exactly what is meant by a contract and why certain clauses, such as extension of time clauses or liquidated damages clauses are present and more importantly, what they mean.

---

Books about construction contracts tend to be dense and wordy, but what most architects, quantity surveyors, project managers, builders and employers are looking for is an easily navigable, simple guide to using a contract, written in plain language. The JCT Standard Building Contract 2011 is an uncomplicated book about a complex and commonly used contract. It straightforwardly and concisely sets out exactly what the contract requires in various circumstances, as far as possible without legal jargon and without assuming any particular legal or contractual expertise from the reader. It explains, often from first principles, exactly what is meant by a contract and why certain clauses, such as extension of time clauses or liquidated damages clauses are present and more importantly, what they mean. The book is divided into many chapters, each with many sub-headings, to make it easy to read and to help readers to find relevant explanations quickly. Tables and flowcharts are used to ensure clarity and most chapters include a section dealing with common problems.