Construction Contracts and Project Legal Advice

Specialist construction contract advice from procurement through to project completion

Our Construction contract solicitors can help protect your commercial interests, manage contractual risks and reduce the likelihood of costly disputes. At Prettys Solicitors, we advise developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers and investors on JCT and NEC Contracts, contract drafting and negotiation, and legal issues arising throughout construction projects.

Whether you need a JCT contract reviewed before signing, help negotiating amendments to an NEC contract or ongoing legal support during a development, we provide practical advice that takes account of your contractual obligations and commercial objectives.

JCT Construction Contract Review and Negotiation

JCT contracts are widely used across the UK construction industry. Although they provide a standard contractual framework, amendments and supplementary provisions can significantly affect your rights, responsibilities and exposure to risk.

Our construction solicitors review and negotiate JCT construction contracts to help clients understand their contractual position before committing to a project.

We can help with:

• Reviewing draft JCT contracts before signing
• Negotiating amendments to standard JCT terms
• Assessing contractual risk allocation and liability provisions
• Reviewing payment terms and payment mechanisms
• Advising on extensions of time and delay-related provisions
• Reviewing defects liability provisions
• Identifying contractual obligations that could affect project delivery

Our experience with the JCT 2024 editions enables us to advise on the relevant contractual provisions and the implications of proposed amendments for your project.

For further information about standard JCT contracts, visit the Joint Contracts Tribunal website.

NEC Construction Contract Advice

NEC contracts place particular emphasis on proactive project management, communication and the administration of contractual obligations. Understanding how these mechanisms operate is important for protecting your contractual position throughout a project.

We advise clients on NEC contracts, including:

• Early warning procedures and the management of project risks
• Compensation events and their contractual implications
• Programme obligations and delay-related issues
• Contract administration and compliance
• Changes to scope and contractual requirements
• Dispute avoidance and the management of emerging disagreements

Our advice helps clients understand their obligations and address contractual issues before they develop into more significant commercial problems.

Find out more about NEC contracts through the NEC Contracts website.

Construction Contract Drafting and Negotiation

A well-drafted construction contract should reflect the commercial agreement between the parties, allocate risk appropriately and provide a clear framework for managing the project.

We draft, review and negotiate a range of construction and development documents, including:

• Building contracts and sub-contracts
• Consultant appointments
• Development agreements
• Collateral warranties
• Third-party rights provisions
• Framework agreements
• Bonds and guarantees
• Novation agreements
• Facilities management agreements

Where appropriate, we can also prepare bespoke internal documentation and practical guidance notes to help your team understand and manage its contractual responsibilities.

Construction Project Legal Support

Construction contract advice is not limited to the procurement stage. Once work begins, decisions about payment, variations, delays and contractual compliance can have a significant impact on project costs and relationships.

We provide ongoing legal support to businesses managing live construction projects, including advice on:

• Contract administration and compliance
• Payment notices and contractual payment obligations
• Variations and changes to the scope of works
• Programme requirements, delays and extensions of time
• Contractual disagreements and commercial negotiations
• Managing potential disputes and protecting contractual rights

We can also provide flexible legal support arrangements that complement your existing commercial, development and project management teams.

Where contractual issues develop into a dispute, our team can advise on the options available and help you understand the practical implications. You can find out more about our construction dispute resolution services.

Practical Construction Law Advice That Reflects Commercial Reality

Construction projects involve complex contractual obligations, financial commitments and relationships between multiple parties. Legal advice needs to take account of how these factors affect decisions on the ground.

At Prettys, we work with clients to understand their commercial objectives, identify contractual risks and consider practical options for moving projects forward.

Whether you are negotiating a contract before work begins or dealing with an issue on a live project, our aim is to provide clear advice that helps you make informed decisions and protect your commercial interests.

Why Choose Prettys Construction Solicitors?

Prettys Solicitors provides construction contract advice to businesses involved in property development and construction. We understand the importance of balancing contractual protection with the commercial realities of delivering a project.

Our team can support you with:

• Contract reviews: Understand the terms, risks and obligations before signing.
• Negotiation: Address contractual provisions that do not reflect your commercial agreement.
• Project support: Obtain legal advice as issues arise during construction.
• Risk management: Identify potential problems and consider practical ways to address them.
• Dispute avoidance: Resolve contractual concerns before they escalate wherever possible.

From individual contract reviews to ongoing project support, our construction solicitors can help you identify the right level of legal advice for your business.

Speak to Our Construction Law Team

Need advice on a construction contract? Whether you require a JCT or NEC contract review, help negotiating contractual terms or ongoing legal support during a live project, Prettys can help you understand your options.

Speak to our team about your construction project to find out how we can help.

Call: 01473 232121

Email: enquiry@prettys.co.uk

Alternatively, submit an online enquiry through our website. businesses make confident decisions throughout procurement and delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have a solicitor review a JCT or NEC contract before signing?

Yes. Even when a standard form contract is used, amendments and additional provisions can materially affect payment, liability, delays, termination and other contractual rights. A solicitor can help you understand these provisions and identify risks before you commit to the agreement.

What is the difference between a JCT and an NEC contract?

JCT and NEC are different suites of standard construction contracts. JCT forms are widely used across building projects, while NEC contracts place particular emphasis on proactive management, communication and defined contractual processes. The appropriate form depends on the project, the parties’ requirements and the agreed allocation of risk.

When should I get a construction contract reviewed?

Ideally, you should obtain legal advice before signing a contract or agreeing to amendments. Early review can help identify unclear obligations, commercial risks and provisions that may be difficult to manage once work has started.

Can you review a construction contract drafted by another solicitor?

Yes. We can review contracts prepared by another party’s legal team, explain the implications of the proposed terms and advise on amendments or points for negotiation.

Can you provide legal support during a live construction project?

Yes. We advise on contractual obligations and issues that arise during construction, including payment, variations, programme requirements, delays and contract administration. The appropriate level of support will depend on your project and business requirements.

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