Andrew Hemsley
CommentNotes for newbies
Contract administration used to be architects' work but these days, many professions can bid for the job. Here's what the new kids need to know
CommentEasy money
Loopholes in the NEC鈥檚 target contract mean contractors can use their old tricks to make a profit rather than taking a share of any project savings 鈥�
CommentOwn goal in extra time
Rather like referees, contract administrators aren鈥檛 infallible. So what can you do if one of them wrongly awards your contractor an extension of time?
CommentLet鈥檚 go shopping
The 鈥楾esco law鈥� reforms would enable construction consultancies to become one-stop-shops, offering their clients legal advice. But will they do it?
CommentFurtive behaviour
Before you sign a home-cooked contract, ask yourself why your client-to-be felt the need to do it himself, when there are so many standard forms out there
CommentProblem, solved
Andrew Hemsley -聽Wrong contract rates are a classic construction conundrum, to which the courts have provided a beautifully simple answer. So everyone should learn it
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Protocol鈥檚 progress
The Society of Construction Law鈥檚 rules for handling delay can now be incorporated into your contract 鈥� with dramatic consequences for the programme
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The NEC: A user's guide
Changing a partnering contract isn't like changing a brand of cereal 鈥� but the contract writers could take a lesson in clear English from the back of the packet
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A guide for the perplexed
The PPC2000 partnering contract's multi-party approach leaves some users scratching their heads. But now there's a new document hoping to clear it all up
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This is a hold-up
Making a claim for losses caused by disruption can be tricky if you can't prove how much the disruption cost you. So how do you go about doing that?
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The tao of GC/Works 1
The GC/Works 1 contract has had an overhaul, and is probably now the best in the business, but projects only work when oneness is achieved 鈥�
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Get one thing straight
A common source of grief for employers is the failure to recognise that a contractor's submission is a 'request for payment'. How can you stop it happening?
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A hit or miss affair
PFI contracts often include incentives and penalties to ensure good performance on services. But if they are not well targeted, they'll miss the point
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Self-inflicted injuries
Two stories about contractors who got themselves into deep trouble because they failed to take some simple precautions before signing on the line
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Don't forget to write
Whether or not you get a fair deal in a dispute will ultimately come down to the strength of your case 鈥� and whether you have the records to prove it
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Prepare for the high jump
Faced with hefty insurance premium hikes, it's tempting to increase the excess you pay or reduce cover. Don't do it 鈥� there are other ways over this hurdle
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Beyond these shores
If you're carrying out a construction project abroad, you need to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Start by finding out which country's law applies
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The last battle
A final account statement may seem like a once-and-for-all agreement – but it is not. Get into a dispute and you may find the contract gives it no weight at all
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Contract working
Contracts are the lifeblood of client/contractor relationships. But to make the new types of deal work effectively, both parties have to buy into the philosophy
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Something rotten …
Not sure what the payment arrangements of the Construction Act are? You're not alone. They're confusing, that's what, and it's time for reform