This guide to choosing the appropriate form of building contract has been updated to reflect changes in health and safety regulations and construction law. The question "which contract shall we use?" still commands the attention of architects and other professionals in the building industry. Architects should have an opinion on and be knowledgeable about the most appropriate forms of building contract for their projects. There is, however, little guidance as to what criteria should apply. Criteria for choice will include the nature of the project, the procurement method, scope of the work and the likely complexity of operational procedures. This text takes the headings used in JCT contracts and sets out the main features of each form under these headings, to allow comparisons to be made.
