A Comparative Guide to Standard Form Construction and Engineering Contracts

An entry level guide for anyone involved with the drafting of specific construction or engineering contracts, this book looks to provide the busy professional with a road-map of how to get from desired cost, quality and time outcomes through using the most appropriate procurement route and the most appropriate contractual options available within three of the most well-known standard form construction and engineering contracts (JCT, NEC and FIDIC). A useful aide-memoire for engineers, quantity surveyors, commercial directors, owner-managed businesses and fellow solicitors alike, the book seeks to compare and contrast the standard contractual options to inform commercial decision-making which can then be accurately translated into the final draft of the contract. Written by Jon Close, a construction lawyer by profession, this publication seeks to de-mystify some of the art of drafting contracts to make the task seem less daunting and looks to help people draft better contracts to avoid uncertainty and help mitigate, what are all too often, unnecessary disputes down the line. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jon Close is an English Solicitor with over 12 years’ experience specialising in construction & engineering law, bringing particular contractual expertise in the procurement of energy, infrastructure, precision engineering and cyber security installations. He works daily with standard form contracts (JCT, NEC, ICC, FIDIC, IChemE, IET MF, ACA) plus a myriad of bespoke forms including funder-led EPC and EPCM for energy usage both nationally and internationally. In addition to this, Jon is a seasoned construction litigator and an accredited commercial mediator, which he firmly believes helps inform how he deals practically with risk when drafting contracts. A former head of department and partner at a regional law firm in the South West for 9 years, Jon joined new law firm pioneer, Keystone Law, in March 2016 where he continues to act for a number of well-known clients, predominantly in the UK construction market. Married with a young son, Jon lives and works from his native Gloucestershire whenever professional commitments permit him to do so.