Construction Contracts

Expert Construction Contract Solicitors for Developers, Contractors & Employers

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Construction Contracts at Woodstock Legal Services


Construction projects depend on clear, well-drafted contracts that allocate risk fairly and set out exactly what’s expected from everyone involved. Getting the terms right at the start helps keep projects on time and on budget, and reduces the risk of costly disputes later on. Woodstock Legal Services advises developers, employers, contractors and consultants across England and Wales.


Our construction lawyers advise on JCT and NEC contracts, design and build contracts, subcontracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties and third-party rights, performance bonds and parent company guarantees, and payment provisions under the Construction Act.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who understands how construction projects run, explains the key risks in plain English and helps you agree terms that work for your project.


Building Contracts & Subcontracts


Standard form contracts, such as those in the JCT and NEC suites, are widely used across the industry, but they’re rarely used without amendment. The schedule of amendments often determines where the real risk lies.


Our lawyers draft and negotiate main contracts and subcontracts, including bespoke amendments. Whether you’re the employer, main contractor or subcontractor, we advise on key provisions such as price and payment, time and delay, liquidated damages, variations, defects and termination. We also make sure the payment mechanism complies with the Construction Act, helping you avoid cash flow problems and disputes.


We’ll help you understand exactly what you’re signing up to, so you can manage your risk with confidence.


Appointments, Warranties & Security


On most projects, the main building contract is only part of the picture. Architects, engineers and other consultants need appointments. Funders, purchasers and tenants often require collateral warranties, and employers may ask for bonds or guarantees as security.


Our construction lawyers draft and negotiate professional appointments, collateral warranties and third-party rights schedules, performance bonds and parent company guarantees. We make sure these documents are consistent with the main contract and give each party the protection it needs. We also work closely with our development land and commercial property teams, giving you joined-up support from one firm.


Whether you’re funding, building or designing a project, we’ll make sure the contract documents work together.

Get in Touch With Our Construction & Development Team

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Construction Contract Law FAQs

  • Which construction contract should I use?

    It depends on the size, complexity and nature of your project, and how you want to allocate risk. JCT contracts are widely used for building projects, while NEC contracts are popular for infrastructure and larger public sector work. Each suite includes different forms for different procurement routes. We’ll recommend the most suitable option.

  • What is the Construction Act?

    The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, commonly called the Construction Act, gives parties to most construction contracts important rights. These include the right to interim payments, rules on payment and pay less notices, and the right to refer disputes to adjudication. Contracts that don’t comply have the statutory provisions implied into them.

  • What is a collateral warranty?

    A collateral warranty is a contract that gives a third party, such as a funder, purchaser or tenant, a direct right to bring a claim against a contractor or consultant if their work is defective. Third-party rights schedules can achieve a similar result. We’ll advise on the right approach for your project.

  • What are liquidated damages?

    Liquidated damages are a pre-agreed amount that a contractor must pay if the works are completed late. They give the employer certainty over compensation for delay without having to prove its actual losses. The amount must be a genuine and proportionate figure to be enforceable. We’ll advise on setting or negotiating the rate.

  • What happens if a dispute arises during the project?

    Many construction disputes are resolved through negotiation. Where that isn’t possible, the Construction Act gives parties the right to refer disputes to adjudication, a fast-track process that usually produces a decision within weeks. We advise on adjudication and work closely with our dispute resolution team where further action is needed.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our construction solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re negotiating a building contract or resolving a dispute, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Legal & Technical Expertise

Our team includes a solicitor who is also a chartered surveyor, as well as a dedicated construction and engineering specialist. That means advice grounded in how projects really work, delivered quickly and efficiently to keep your development on track.