JCT building contracts are the UK construction industry default contracts for all types of construction projects regardless of value.
They are recognised and understood by everyone involved in the building industry from trades people to architects, property developers and contractors alike.
The Original JCT Standard Building Contract was added to with the Minor Works Agreement and the Intermediate Building Contract to reflect the difference in the value and complexity of the construction works.
The JCT suite of building contracts has expanded over the years to keep pace with the many changes in the ways that construction work is now procured, as well as keeping up-to-date with all the changes in the legal and health and safety requirements of todays construction industry and now includes the following:
Adjudication Agreement
Box Sets
Collateral Warranties
Constructing Excellence Contract
Construction Management Contract
Design and Build Contract
Framework Agreement
Home Owner Contracts
Sub-contracts
Intermediate Building Contract
Major Projects Contract
Management Building Contract
Measured Term Contract
Minor Works Building Contract
Prime Cost Contract
Repair and Maintenance Contract
Standard Building Contract
The JCT building contracts have been around since the early 1980's in their current form of standard form of building contracts agreed by the members of the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)
The JCT is comprised of seven organisations representing the major participants within the UK construction industry:
British Property Federation (BPF)
Contractors Legal Group Ltd
Local Government Association (LGA)
National Specialist Contractors Council Limited
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Scottish Building Contract Committee Limited
Originally all the JCT building contracts were based on the traditional procurement method, often referred to as lump-sum contracts.