Construction Law
Our construction lawyers deal with a variety of legal issues, with specialist across our Corporate, Property, Employment and Dispute teams.
Our Expert Construction Lawyers have a wealth of experience with a variety of legal issues, supported by one of the largest property law teams in the region.
Legal agreements on construction projects are often lengthy and complex with many different agreements required to ensure a successful project. Not only this, but invariably as time goes on projects adapt and morph and it’s important that the contracts are dynamic enough to cater for this.
All construction or development projects of any size will invariably involve a number of different parties with numerous different legal agreements. It is crucial for the smooth running of a project to get an early grasp on what will be required, what basis the parties will be contracting with one another are and what level of contractual protection there is.
Whether you are starting out in the construction industry and require strategic legal advice on the various procurement options, or you are an experienced property developer seeking legal advice on complex developments, we have the experience and knowledge to help.
Construction law services:
- Advice on all standard form construction contracts (including JCT and NEC)
- Drafting bespoke construction contracts including main contracts, sub-contracts, project management contracts
- Collateral Warranties
- Development procurement options (design and build contracts, standard build contracts)
- Development agreements
- Project management agreements
- Joint venture construction agreements
- Letters of intent
- Security documentation – Advice for funders
- Advice around the Buildings Act, CDM Regulations and similar legal requirements.
Experienced Construction Lawyers
We have a wealth of experience across our team in advising employers, contractors, sub-contractors or consultants, in all aspects of construction projects. We also frequently advise funders on their construction related security documentation when lending on a construction project.
All construction or development projects of any size will invariably involve a number of different parties with numerous different legal agreements. It is crucial for the smooth running of a project to get an early grasp on what will be required, what basis the parties will be contracting with one another and what level of contractual protection there is.
Construction Law FAQs
Can I simply just sign a JCT or NEC as they are and will this adequately protect me?
Whilst the standard form contracts do include a number of important provisions and are generally considered to be drafted in a reasonably balanced way, there are a number of areas which can be updated to provide enhanced protections or improve your position.
In addition, there are a number of key areas which often need updating as the contracts don’t deal with them sufficiently. Therefore, for most projects some form of amendment to the standard form contracts is desirable.
This is not to mention that all standard form contracts have sections which need to be completed for each project and this is not always easily done.
Finally, each project has its own nuances and quirks and therefore utilising a “one-size-fits-all” standard form contract is not always the best option, or at least amendments would be a good idea to them.
Are there any legal restrictions on what terms I can put in my construction contract?
Yes! If you have a construction contract (and the law specifies what types of contract are and are not considered “construction contracts”) there are a number of specific clauses you need to have in your contract, failing which the law will imply terms to fill the relevant gaps.
These relate to crucial terms such as the payment terms, therefore its imperative you get the payment terms correct in your contract or the law may imply them for you.
Similarly there are a number of clauses which are banned from construction contracts and therefore the law will effectively strike them out if they are included.
Please do get in touch if you would like further information on these.
How do I decide which type of contract I need for my construction project?
The starting point is that are likely to be many contracts for any construction project, including main contractor contract, project manager contracts, sub-contracts, consultant contracts, collateral warranties and potentially funder contracts.
Which form of contract is most suitable depends entirely on the nature of the project. Many variables are relevant include size, scope, value, complexity. Other factors such as whether it is residential build, commercial build or an infrastructure project are also relevant.
The procurement route is also crucial- is it design and build, traditional, project management or another form of procurement.
We are able to assist in discussions around procurement routes and how best to set up the contracts.
Contact us
Request a video call, phone call or a meeting in person with one of our team...
Recent Construction Experience
Building Contract and Collateral Warranties
Working with a leading bank on the construction aspects (including main building contracts and collateral warranties) of its lend in respect of the development of a single plot worth in the region of £16,000,000
£13M Single Plot and Advice
Advice to a developer on their building contract with a contractor and eventual sale of a single plot worth in the region of £13,000,000
Leading Developer Advice on £20m Site
Advising a leading property developer in relation to the professional appointments and associated collateral warranties on a site worth in excess of £20 million
Advice on JCT Agreements
Advising a leading global AV solutions company in relation to various JCT agreements as well as drafting and advising on a schedule of amendments to the JCT Design and Build contract
Advice on multiple plots
Helping a leading property developer on a building and development contract for three plots worth in excess of £1,000,000
Related Expertise
Construction Team
- All departments
- Agricultural Law
- Brexit
- Careers
- Co Co - Employee Share Schemes
- Co Co - Recovery & Insolvency
- Co Co - Restructuring
- Co Co Corporate Governance
- Co Co Corporate lending
- Co Co Financial Services
- Co Co Franchising
- Co Co GDPR
- Co Co in-house legal support
- Co Co International Contracts
- Co Co M&A's
- Co Co MBOs & MBIs
- Co Co Partnership and LLPs
- Co Co Regulatory, Compliance & Competition
- Co Co Shareholders Agreements
- Co Co Terms and Conditions
- Co Co- Intellectual Property
- CoCo - Banking and Finance
- CoCo - New Businsess
- CoCo Competition Law
- CoCo Consumer Law
- CoCo Data Protection - Marketing
- CoCo Data, IT & Technology
- Commercial Law
- Commercial Property
- Construction
- Corporate & Commercial
- Corporate Law
- Debt Recovery
- Dispute Resolution
- Disputes - Business
- Disputes - Declarations of trust
- Disputes - Probate and inheritance
- Disputes - Professional negligence
- Disputes - Restrictive Covenants
- Disputes - Shareholders & Partnership
- Disputes - Tenants in Residential Property
- Disputes - Wills, trusts & probate disputes
- Disputes and Small Claims
- Disputes Construction
- Disputes with Co-owners
- Divorce
- Employee - Termination
- Employer - Termination
- Employment
- Employment - Business protection
- Employment - Collective consultations
- Employment - Contracts, services, consultancy
- Employment - Employee benefits
- Employment - Employee Procedures
- Employment - Equality, discrimination and harassment
- Employment - Family Friendly Rights
- Employment - GDPR and Data Protection
- Employment - Post employment obligations
- Employment - Redundancy & Reorganisation
- Employment - Settlement Agreements
- Employment - Tribunal Claims
- Employment - TUPE
- Employment - Wages, holiday and sick pay
- Employment - Workers rights
- Employment Tribunal claims
- Estate Administration
- Expat Legal Services
- Family Law
- Financial Services
- GDPR
- Help to Buy
- Immigration law
- International Legal Services
- Key Property Contacts
- Land and Property Disputes
- Land, development and construction
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Leasehold
- Licensing Law
- Money, Tax and Inheritance
- New Build Conveyancing
- Private Wealth and Inheritance
- Professional Negligence
- Property Finance
- Property Law
- Residential Property
- Residential Property - Completions
- Residential Property - Shared Ownership
- Trainee Solicitor
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
Insights & News
High-rise buildings – who is responsible for their safety?
The Grenfell Tower tragedy sparked the most important review of building safety legislation in the history of the UK.
A price worth paying? Zero Carbon Homes
Zero carbon homes refers to residential buildings designed and constructed with a primary focus on minimizing carbon emissions.
The Building Safety Act – The New Raft of Regulations
It is hugely important that all those involved in the construction industry understand the new duties and review their contracts to ensure they properly deal with them.
Construction Adjudications – The Do’s and Don’ts
Adjudication is an alternative method for resolving disputes, without resorting to lengthy and expensive court proceedings.
New JCT forms of building contract, 2024 Editions expected soon
The JCT announced at an event on 16 June 2023 that new editions of its contracts will be published in 2024.
Development Finance – What are my Options?
The ability to successfully deliver a profitable development project depends on getting the right funding arrangements in place.
Award winning legal advice
Herrington Carmichael offers legal advice to UK and International businesses as well as individuals and families. Rated as a ‘Leading Firm 2024’ by the legal directory Legal 500 and listed in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2023 & 2024’. Herrington Carmichael has offices in London, Farnborough, Reading, and Ascot.



Times Best Law Firm





Email: info@herrington-carmichael.com
Farnborough
Brennan House, Farnborough Aerospace Centre Business Park, Farnborough, GU14 6XR
Reading (Appointment only)
The Abbey, Abbey Gardens, Abbey Street, Reading RG1 3BA
Ascot (Appointment only)
102, Berkshire House, 39-51 High Street, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7HY
London (Appointment only)
60 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4JS
Privacy Policy | Legal Notices, T&Cs, Complaints Resolution | Cookies | Client Feedback | Diversity Data
Our Services
Corporate Lawyers
Commercial Lawyers
Commercial Property Lawyers
Conveyancing Solicitors
Dispute Resolution Lawyers
Divorce & Family Lawyers
Employment Lawyers
Immigration Law Services
Private Wealth & Inheritance Lawyers
Startups & New Business Lawyers
Please be aware that we have no plans to change our bank details. If you receive any indication that any of our bank details have changed please contact us before sending us any funds. We take no responsibility for monies you transfer into the wrong bank account.
© 2023 Herrington Carmichael LLP. Registered in England and Wales company number OC322293.
Herrington Carmichael LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 446245.