Importance of the Contract
A contract is a risk allocation and control device. Remember the importance of the contract.
Contract
Agree on Deliverables
Make sure you and your client agree on the deliverables expected for the project. Sometimes a contract may specify deliverables without enough detail. This could lead to you delivering something …
Submit Deliverables Before Invoicing
Submit deliverables to the client (if that is required) before invoicing them. Don’t make the mistake of not submitting deliverables, as it will delay payment.
Treat Restarted Projects as New Projects
If a partly completed project is put on hold (deferred project) by the client, when it is restarted it should be treated as a new project. This includes reviewing and …
Make Contractor Responsible for Site Safety
If your company is not involved with construction (but just design or inspection), make sure the contract states that the construction contractor is responsible for site safety, not the “engineer” …
Directing Consultants
If, in your contract, the client instructs you to directly pass on the cost of consultants, it would be better to have the consultants contract directly with the client instead …
Document Reliance on Information
In a contract, your company should make sure the document indicates that you will rely on information and materials supplied by the client. E.g. surveys, soil tests, reports. If the …
Design Discrepancies
If your company is the design contractor but not involved in the construction phase you should instruct the client to notify you for your company’s input for any design discrepancies. …
Legal Review Of Contracts
Get any contracts reviewed by your company legal council before submittal and especially before signing. This should especially include liability, indemnity, insurance, and liquidated damages clauses.
Sub Consultant Agreement with Tender
Get sub consultant agreement on tender documents. When you are bidding for a tender and you are getting prices from sub consultants, make sure the sub gets a copy of …