Contracts, fees and payments, answered plainly.

Before you sign, agree the parties, scope, drawings and specification.

Settle the price basis, programme, payment process, design duties and change procedure too. Make sure insurance, completion, defects and dispute provisions are understood.

Next Have the complete contract and its supporting documents reviewed before you sign.

We use JCT contracts for construction.

The exact form and any amendments match your procurement route and design responsibilities. Other services, such as design or aftercare, have their own appointments.

Next Ask us for the draft contract alongside the scope and price.

We give you a written fee proposal. It sets out the calculation, deliverables, exclusions, revisions and payment stages.

Design fees and procurement services can be calculated differently. Your appointment explains both.

Next Ask us what changes the fee and which specialist costs are additional.

We state any advance payment in the proposal. Its purpose, timing and treatment are explained.

Do not assume a standard percentage or refund arrangement from another project. Every instruction is priced on its own terms.

Next Ask us how the payment relates to mobilisation, procurement and later valuations.

The contract defines how we value work and what evidence we provide. It also sets the payment timetable.

A cash flow forecast helps you plan funding. It does not replace the agreed valuation process.

Next Ask us for the payment schedule and an example valuation format.

Where the contract uses retention, we hold back an agreed portion of payment. It is released at set milestones.

The rate, release triggers and conditions are specific to your project.

Next Ask us about the completion release and any later release provisions.

We describe and assess each change for cost, time and knock-on effects. We do this before acting on it, wherever we can.

Verbal requests can lead to misunderstandings about what was agreed.

Next Ask for a written variation approval showing the revised forecast and programme.

The contract sets out how we notify, assess and record delay events.

We identify the cause, effect and mitigation, and give an updated completion forecast. Not every delay creates the same entitlement.

Next Review the contract’s notice and time provisions with your adviser.

Some contracts include an agreed mechanism for delay damages.

Its terms need to be agreed for your specific project. A date on a programme alone does not create a damages entitlement.

Next Ask what the contract says about completion dates and delay damages.

We check the insurance arrangement for the existing structure and the contract works. We also check liability and any special exposures.

Tell your home insurer about the proposed works and any occupancy changes. Do this before work begins.

Next Ask your broker and contract adviser to confirm there are no gaps.

Ask us for the actual warranties proposed, who issues them and what they cover.

We set out any exclusions or maintenance conditions. Product warranties, contractor defects obligations and insurance backed cover are different protections.

Next Get the documents and claim routes, before you rely on a headline duration.

Ownership, copyright, licence to use drawings and title to materials depend on the agreements. Check what is in place.

Payment alone does not settle every issue. This matters most for off-site goods or a change of contractor.

Next Ask your adviser to review drawing-use rights and off-site material protection.

Ask us how suspension or termination affects fees, ordered goods, site protection and remobilisation.

Your rights and liabilities depend on the circumstances and the signed terms.

Next Seek advice on the contract before issuing a cancellation instruction.

Raise the issue promptly with your project lead. Keep the relevant drawings, approvals and correspondence together.

Our contract sets out escalation and dispute routes. These apply if an operational discussion does not resolve it.

Next Request a written response and follow the agreed escalation process.

Protection depends on the contract, payment basis and any security or insurance arrangements.

Consider ownership, identification and access to paid for goods. Think through what happens if a supplier or contractor fails.

Next Have your adviser review advance payment and off-site goods provisions.

Check design responsibilities and the proposed professional indemnity arrangements against your appointment.

Ask us for current evidence and any exclusions. Do not assume construction liability insurance covers design.

Next Review design insurance with your broker or contract adviser.