It's All In The Drafting: Clearly Worded Contracts Make A Difference

Does the wording of your contract reflect your intentions? (Are you sure?)

Contracts should regulate how a project is carried out. They establish a legal framework for the parties' relationship that should also set up a mechanism for resolving any issues. At least, that's the theory...

In reality, most contracts are rarely consulted once agreed. That's fine if the parties get along on site. But if disagreements arise, the wording of the contract becomes all important. Unclear wording makes arguments more likely: goodwill can be soon lost, the project suffers and profits dwindle.

Example 1: unclear work scope and delay provisions for sectional completion

In Vinci Construction UK Ltd v. Beumer Group UK Ltd [2017] EWHC 2196 (TCC), the claimant (Vinci) was contracted to develop part of the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport for Gatwick Airport Ltd.