Legal Aspects of Construction Contracts

This course focuses exclusively on the legal environment and the legal aspects of contracting for construction projects. It begins with an overview of the law including general contract law and construction-specific legal provisions as well as the application of tort (personal injury) law to construction. Basics of contracting – contract formation, contract performance, contract remedies and agency relationships are reviewed in the context of construction contracting.

The course also addresses the various contracts likely to be a part of any construction project, including agreements between the Owner and the Architect or Engineer, between the Owner and the Prime Contractor and between the Prime Contractor and any subcontractors. Specific contract terms, such as responsibilities of the respective parties, lien provisions, indemnification, and change orders, and their particular importance to construction contracting and management are emphasized.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe construction-specific legal provisions,
• List various contracts likely to be a part of any construction project,
• Explain and apply contract clauses specific to construction,
• List potential risk to organization and agencies and propose mitigation, and
• Navigate construction contracts to ensure your company/organization's interests are served.