This week the RIBA will launch new building contract documentation, and at the same time The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have emphasised the importance of using a written contract and checking the experience and affiliations or registrations when dealing with building works.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) writes:
Home owners who fear being ripped off by their builder should insist on a written contract, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB’s warning call comes in support of Trading Standard’s latest initiative to protect people from rogue traders as part of National Consumer Week.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: ‘Our own research shows that 55% of home owners fear being ripped off by their builder but if consumers follow a few simple steps, they need not worry. Always insist on having a written quote and contract in place before work begins so both parties know what is expected of them. All FMB members can provide their customers with a free written contract as standard and can also offer a warranty on their work once it’s completed.’
Berry concluded: ‘Home owners should also be wary of builders falsely claiming to be a member of a reputable trade association such as the FMB. The FMB logo stands for quality which means not just any firm can join. All new members are inspected and must pass a number of checks in order to be accepted in to membership. We would encourage anyone who has doubts about a builder’s FMB membership to visit www.fmb.org.uk to check their status, and to report anyone using the FMB logo fraudulently.’
RIBA writes:
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is launching two new and innovative building contracts next month (5 November). Designed to be used in conjunction with RIBA’s Architect’s Appointment Agreements for Small Projects (domestic and concise forms); the new contracts are fully aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work 2013.
The new contracts have been designed in response to feedback from RIBA members calling for improvement and innovation within the building contracts currently available. The RIBA Domestic Building Contract provides a simple, comprehensive and legally appropriate contract solution for all types of non-commercial work, including renovations, extensions, maintenance and new buildings. The contract is endorsed by the HomeOwners Alliance.
The RIBA Concise Building Contract provides a complete contract solution to cover small scale commercial building projects of a standard and straightforward nature. The new RIBA Building Contracts form part of a move towards a holistic suite of project contracts that can be prepared and stored digitally and are more relevant and focused around the needs of those undertaking smaller projects – a more intelligent and flexible suite of documents that are easier to use, yet reduce risks to both parties and the project overall. The RIBA is also working on updating the suite of RIBA Agreements, to be available as an online tool.
Key innovations incorporated into the new RIBA Building Contracts:
- Allows effective collaboration between the client/employer and contractor
- Facilitates good management of the project from start to completion
- Fair and equitable terms for all parties
- Provides an effective way of managing payments to the contractor
- Flexible payment options
- Flexibility to propose suppliers and sub-contractors
- Provides a straightforward method for dealing with changes to the project within specified timescales
- Option for completion in stages
- Comprehensive insurance provisions
- Terms compliant with the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations for consumer clients
Key features of the new RIBA Building Contracts include:
- Clearly designed and laid out to aid completion
- Available in both print and online formats
- Written in plain English that is simple to understand
- Comprehensive guidance notes
The new RIBA Building Contracts will be launched on Wednesday 5 November and will be available in both print and online formats.
For further details on the new RIBA Contracts, visit www.ribacontracts.com
