The JCT Minor Works Form of Contract

The Agreement for Minor Building Works (MW 98) is the most widely used of the JCT forms of contract, not only for simple, short contracts of moderate price, for which it is intended, but also for much larger projects for which it is often not suited at all. As a result, contractual difficulties can arise, and despite the form’s simplicity an understanding of the legal background to the form is essential.

This book explains the practical applications of the form from the point of view of employer, architect and contractor. It provides a straightforward explanation of the legal aspects of the form supported by flow charts, tables and sample letters.

The Third Edition has been revised to cover the 1998 edition of the form and the range of amendments issued to the contract since the last edition of the book was published in 1998. The new edition also takes account of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 as well as the latest RIBA terms of engagement and a substantial number of additional legal decisions.

The book will provide a working tool for all those using MW 98.

“a useful book with a practicality to commend it to contract administrators” – Construction Law

The Author

David Chappell BA(Hons Arch), MA(Arch), MA(Law), PhD, RIBA has 45 years’ experience in the construction industry, having worked as an architect in public and private sectors, as contracts administrator for a building contractor and as a lecturer in construction law and contract procedures. He is currently Director of Chappell-Marshall Limited, a construction contracts consultancy, and frequently acts as an adjudicator. He is Senior Research Fellow with the title of Professor in Architectural Practice and Management Research at the Queen’s University, Belfast. He was appointed Visiting Professor in Practice Management and Law at the University of Central England in Birmingham from 1 March 2003. David Chappell is the author of many articles and books for the construction industry. He is one of the RIBA Specialist Advisors and lectures widely.