As we wind down 2012, it’s a good time to look back and see where we’ve been. If the Construction Contractor Advisor had any themes beyond construction law, they were to know the terms of the contract and comply with those terms.

Know Your Contract

Every week I read about disputes that were caused by the parties’ differing interpretations of their obligations under a contract. These disputes often times relate to:

  • Scope of Work
  • Cost of Work
  • When will the Work be completed
  • Change Orders
  • Waiver of Damages

Comply with the Contract

Again, not a week goes by when I don’t read about someone’s failure to follow the terms of the contract. If you’re working under a contract, do you know:

  • When to make claims
  • How the make claims
  • What documentation you must submit with a claim
  • The impact of making a late claim

As you head into 2013, take some time to look at your contract review policies and procedures. Do you have a policy? Who is responsible for making sure the policy is followed? Should this really be the person responsible for reviewing the contract? And, finally, who follows up to see if the policy is being followed?

Good luck in 2013 and don’t forget to read your contracts.