Law on Building and Engineering Contracts

Cochin University of Science and Technology · LL.B. Semester 3 · 20-271-0306

Unit I — Nature of Building and Engineering Contracts

General principles of contract law · proposal · acceptance · withdrawal · words & phrases used · Build Operate Transfer contract · Builder · Building scheme · Defect Liability period · Estimate–primecostsum;Tenders–requisites–negotiations–criteriaforfixation of price

Unit II — Actors Involved

Architect · Engineer · Quality surveyor · project manager; definitions · qualifications · duties · powers · limitation of powers · liability towards · employer · contractor and 3rdparties; Subcontracts · relation between contractor, subcontractor and owner · Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.

Unit III — Performance

Specific performance · obligation of employer & contractor · contracts where time is of essence · extension of time · extra · variations · alteration · additions · omissions · approval and certification · price and payment

Unit IV — Defects & Breach

DefectLiabilityPeriod–maintenanceanddefectclause–frustrationofcontract–novation of contract · waiver & estoppels; breach · anticipatory · theory of damages · standard of proof · calculation of damages · forfeiture · determination · vesting of materials

Unit V — Interpretation

Literal construction · harmonious construction · implied terms · non obstante clause · damages · arbitration clause · power to omit works · proper use of stipulated material · clauses prohibiting award of damages