Construction Contract Claims

Claims in construction contracts are on the increase. As more emphasis is put on time and money, many contracts get off to a bad start because of lack of pre-planning or just bad advice on the method of procurement of form of contract to be used. Both the initiator and recipient of claims are often partially responsible for claim situations escalating into expensive disputes. Many disputes can be avoided or settled amicably if the parties to them recognise the fundamental causes of claims and how they should be addressed. This book confronts all of the difficult problems that arise in claims situations in the UK and internationally. Extensive reference to UK and international case law and a systematic approach to various types of claims assisted by helpful and explanatory diagrams makes this book second to none as a 'trouble shooting' guide to presentation of, response to, and negotiation and settlement of claims. In addition to the general principles of law and contract in the UK and internationally and how they relate to construction claims, there are a number of examples which are specific to a wide range of UK, international and foreign forms of contract.
The latest FIDIC international forms of contract and their problems are featured and some important pitfalls and comparisons with the Engineering and Construction Contract (NEC) add a new dimension to this edition. The author's extensive experience of the legal and practical aspects of construction law and claims in over 30 countries with diverse laws and legal codes is evident in this book. It is essential reading for those wishing to fully understand this important field so that they are better prepared to deal with the problems which arise with confidence and success. A graduate of the University of Aston, Reg Thomas has extensive experience in many aspects of construction in the UK and internationally. He has held senior posts in lecturing in Jamaica and Hong Kong. He is a former contracts director of the Shui On Group of Companies in Hong Kong. Reg joined James R. Knowles in 1986, where, after a number of years in overseas postings he pioneered the international growth of the company.
He organised, supervised and executed a number of complex international construction claims in all sectors of building, shipbuilding and engineering and he earned and international reputation in construction claims and as a lecturer on diverse subjects. Since retiring from James R. Knowles at the end of 1998, Reg has continued to provide consultancy services to the Group and remains a director of a number of the Group's overseas companies.