DescriptionA practical guide to contracting for the purchaser and contractor alike, with an emphasis on the commercial aspects of contracting. This fifth edition reflects changes in case law and legislation since the publication of the last edition, the major change being the passing of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. The book also charts amendments to model forms of contract conditions, in particular the PACE forms of government contracts. Contracts covered are those for the construction of buildings and civil engineering works, the supply and installation of mechanical, electrical and process plants, and also for computer system and facilities management. Methods of contracting, including PFI schemes, are critically examined and reference is made to the government's thinking on prime contracting. As previously, the author covers contract planning and contract administration, deals with both the preparation and the appraisal of tenders and explains in detail how to draft the key clauses in a contract to ensure the maximum advantage.