Approval Time Limit
Make sure that the contract specifies the length of time allowed for approvals or decisions. When drawings or documents are sent to the client for approval, you need to know …
Contract
Agree With the Contract Before Signing It
Make sure that you and your company agree with the contract, if you don’t, change it. Even if you have worked with the client before or know them well and …
Precedence Clause in Specifications
Make sure to include a precedence clause in the specifications. You should define which documents or sections take precedence. That way if there are errors or conflicts, one will take …
Liquidated Damages Helps You Get Resources
I find that having liquidated damages in a contract from my client helps me as a project manager. Companies often want to avoid having liquidated damages in the contract. However, …
Avoid Superlatives In Contracts
Avoid the use of superlatives in contracts and documents. E.g. “all, make sure, assure, insure, as necessary”. These can be interpreted as making a guarantee. It would be better to …
Allow For Inflation
Make sure to allow for inflation in cost estimates. Particularly allow for large increases in raw material costs (e.g. stainless steel, copper). This is important in the tender preparation process. …
Clarify Terms and Conditions
Clarify the terms and conditions with the new project manager. If the client changes during a project (or the client project manager changes), then you as the project manager should …
Clarify Ownership Of Drawings
It is important to clarify the ownership of drawings your company produces. Make sure the contract or agreements clarify the ownership of drawings and documents. Some clients may expect the …
Get a Signed Contract Before Starting Work
Make sure you get a signed agreement before work is started on the project. This is important both from getting the signed contract from the client, but also to do …
Know the Scope of Your Project
Know the scope of your contract. Read it often. As a project manager it rules your role on that project. Make sure you clarify the scope with all stakeholders to …