Parris's Standard Form of Building Contract

The Joint Contracts Tribunal Standard Form of Building Contract, JCT 98, is now a well established and widely used form. That is not to say, however, that it is always well understood. It is a large, complex contract with a number of particularly difficult provisions. It is not surprising, therefore, that not much guidance has been published on the form. This book, first written by John Parris in 1982, and revised in 1985, was widely regarded as a valuable commentary on the Standard Form. Unavailable for some years, it has now been substantially updated and completely rewritten by David Chappell.


Major changes have occurred since the last edition, including a raft of amendments to the contract itself, much new legislation including the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and substantial new case law. The book covers all these as well as the complex performance specified work provisions and the difficult problems of nomination. The nominated sub-contract conditions are referred to where appropriate, and the book contains guidance on related matters, such as warranties, letters of intent and quantum meruit.

The book is not simply a re-writing of the contract in simply terms. It contains very valuable insights and much needed guidance on some of the lesser known implications of the current form

The book will provide a valuable reference for clients' professional advisers and contractors, as well as for lawyers needing an introduction to the contract.