Construction contracts

In Construction Contracts, 2nd Edition, the most important aspects of contract administration are detailed and critical issues are supported with case/legal principles. This book was written to serve as a learning tool and a reference guide. The fundamentals of contract law are presented, along with an in-depth treatment of the construction topics which most frequently result in litigation. In addition, an overview is provided of other important construction-related topics, including the procurement process for construction contract, methods of dispute resolution, surety bonds, construction insurance, construction safety, and construction labor laws. The second edition incorporates some of the changes that have occurred during the past decade. In comparison with other books on contract, two distinguishing features of this text should become apparent. First, this text includes summaries of a large number of legal cases involving construction and discusses many topics that are germane to contract disputes. Well over 100 cases are described to help illustrate key points. The second feature not found in most texts is that many contract provisions are isolated for the reader. These provisions help the reader recognize the importance of the particular wording that is used in contract documents. Some of these provisions are presented to illustrate provisions that are in common usage, while others are presented to show exceptional provisions, particularly those that shift responsibility or risk. The focus of this title is legal issues in construction but it is not written from the point of view of an attorney. Many actual cases are described that help develop the points made in the chapters. The organization of the subject matter is excellent. After using this text, students have a very good understanding of the role of the judiciary in the construction industry. Most modern construction engineering professionals' lives will be governed by contracts, and the precepts covered in this text are essential for existing in today's society.

New to This Edition

• New! The text is written in layman's terms but covers many legal issues related to construction law. It describes some essential background materials about fundamentals and about the setting in which contracts are written, but also covers those topic areas of construction contracts which traditionally harbor the greatest potential risk.
• New! Various examples of contract provisions are included to demonstrate how risk can be minimized or shifted.
• New! The text includes simple schematics to show the timing of actions and the relationships of these actions to other legal obligations and other actions. Examples of filled out documents help clarify the key points.
• In the appendix of the text is a copy of the AIA Standard Form of Agreement
• between the owner and the contractor (Doc. A201). Also included is the
• latest version of the AGC Subcontract Agreement.
• Widely used documents.
• There are excerpts from many different resources, but specifically not the AIA, as this was specifically prohibited by the AIA.
• Much of the material included in the text comes from public documents and some came from private documents.

Table of Contents

• 1 Description of the Construction Industry
• 2 Construction Contracting Methods
• 3 The Nature of Contracts
• 4 Issues Concerning Real Property
• 5 Agents
• 6 Forms of Organizations
• 7 Contract Disputes and Torts
• 8 Surety Bonds
• 9 Acquiring Contractor Services
• 10 Construction Contract Documents
• 11 Unit Price, Cost-Plus, and Lump Sum Contracts
• 12 Changes
• 13 Changed Conditions
• 14 Matters of Time
• 15 Payments
• 16 Warranty
• 17 Construction Insurance
• 18 Subcontractors and Subcontracts
• 19 International Construction Contracts
• 20 Methods of Dispute Resolution
• 21 Professional Ethics
• 22 Construction Safety
• 23 Labor Relations in Construction
• Appendix