They are designed to be used in conjunction with RIBA’s Architect’s Appointment Agreements for Small Projects (domestic and concise forms). The new contracts are aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work 2013.
RIBA said that they are written in plain English and are available in both print and online formats.
The RIBA Domestic Building Contract is designed to provide a simple, comprehensive and legally appropriate contract solution for all types of non-commercial work, including renovations, extensions, maintenance and new buildings.
The RIBA Concise Building Contract is designed to give a complete contract solution to cover small-scale commercial building projects of a straightforward nature.
RIBA is also working on updating the suite of RIBA Agreements, to be available as an online tool.
RIBA president Stephen Hodder said: “The new RIBA Building Contracts are a major step forward for the RIBA, our members and more importantly our member’s clients. The contracts complement our existing suite of architect’s appointment agreements for small scale residential and domestic building projects and have been written in straight forward language that can be completed with confidence, without the need for legal advice.”
The contracts are endorsed by the HomeOwners Alliance, whose chief executive Paula Higgins said: “Most homeowners do not have experience in carrying out major building work, like an extension or loft conversion, and we therefore strongly support this new form of contract. It will help homeowners protect their home, help them have a better understanding of their and their builders obligations and ensure that the result is a dream come true."
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