Builders: give yourself more legal protection on your building project

^{Article updated on 31 January 2024}

Too often building work is agreed by shaking hands - regularly with someone you know very little about. Verbal contracts may be convenient, but they offer no protection, especially following the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which came into force on the 1 October. This is the biggest shake up in consumer rights law in a generation.

Under the new law, without a contract, all rights are with the householder, so you must use a contract to protect yourself. Contracts sound complicated but they don’t need to be. A simple agreement that says what you’re going to do, for how much and by when will protect you.

RIBA has a simple, all-inclusive and legally acceptable contract solution for all types of non-commercial work, including renovations, extensions, maintenance and new buildings. The RIBA Domestic Building Contract is endorsed by the HomeOwners Alliance.

The Federation of Master Builders also has freely available building contracts for all its members.

Remember - protect yourself

If the client isn’t happy with your work, you have only one chance to put it right before you have to give them a refund. So:

• Provide a contract that describes exactly what work you plan to do
• Ensure it lists the charges that apply to each element of that work
• Make the contract clear, understandable and without small print T&Cs

Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the user’s professional judgement. It is the responsibility of the dutyholder or person carrying out the work to ensure compliance with relevant building regulations or applicable technical standards.