What’s the most appropriate JCT contract for my self build?

One Answer

1. Chris says:

   10th March 2023 at 12:59 pm

   Hi Paul,

   We’d always recommend using appropriate written agreements. If you’re engaging a main contractor to deliver a large chunk (or perhaps all) of your project, they’ll effectively be taking on the responsibility for delivering it – even if you’re involved as joint project manager. So, you’ll need a proper contract that nails everything down. It doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated, but putting one in place will protect both your interests and those of the trade involved.

   Fundamentally, a good contract should set out what’s to be built; how much it will cost; how long the work will take; who’s responsible for what; and how payments, changes, delays and disagreements will be dealt with.

   The JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) offers a suite of options suitable for self builders and renovators. They are well used by homeowners and contractors alike, so a decent builder should be happy to use one. The most common would be the JCF Home Owner Contract, which is ideal for the architect / main contractor route. On smaller projects, such as straightforward extensions, you might consider the JCT Minor Works Contracts; or on more complex and high-value builds, JCT Standard or JCT Intermediate.

   You may also be interested in looking at some of the alternatives – ContractStore.com sells contract templates specifically aimed at self builders, for instance, while the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) also offer options.

   All of the above are intended to be ‘Plain English’ documents that are easy to understand, with minimal confusing legalease (although in practice, you may need a little professional input – potentially from your architect – to navigate some elements).

   For smaller jobs – a week’s worth of carpentry or plastering a couple of rooms, say – a full contract can be overkill. More common is to simply provide a letter or email that acts as a written appointment. Check out https://www.self-build.co.uk/how-to-write-a-construction-contract/ for details of what this should include.

   Chris Batesmith (editor, Build It)

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