Foreword

In a rapidly changing world, it is reassuring to know that the RIBA continues to provide stability, simplicity and common sense with straightforward contracts for architects, clients and contractors alike. Offering security and fairness in equal measure, the RIBA Domestic and Concise Building Contracts have been updated in 2018 to respond directly to user needs and the result is an accessible and easy-to-use set of contracts for all parties. Nevertheless, contracts can always prove challenging for those with little experience and little time to spare.

Sarah Lupton’s guide is the perfect companion for navigating the new contracts. The handy walkthroughs, advice and tips will give readers the confidence to prepare and finalise the contracts with all parties understanding the implications and their roles. The guide is very accessible, with comprehensible language suitable for newcomers and experienced users alike. A number of features have been added, including a new section on practical completion, to give the guide additional depth and value for the user. The expanded chapters offer even more practical information on essential matters such as choice of form, tendering and contract formation. Further, the author’s extensive experience is particularly invaluable when it comes to presenting challenging topics such as liabilities and termination in a clear, well-structured manner.

The success of these evergreen contracts for smaller works and the practical relationships they describe makes them lastingly popular. All members of the team should be given a copy of this guide so they are familiar with the domestic and concise forms of contracts, and can understand how they can be used for any scale of project. Indeed, the success of these contracts thus far has led to demand for their use in larger projects, in circumstances beyond those that were initially envisaged.

I congratulate the team for these most recent updates and I am proud as President of the RIBA to endorse their use by members and others to deliver excellence in service to our clients.

Ben Derbyshire
President of the RIBA