The Government pledged an increase in funding for housebuilding in the Autumn Budget, with a plan to deliver 1.5 million homes over the course of the parliament.
As a result, we are likely to see a rise in the number of residential property developments in progress across the country.
This is positive news for the construction sector, but it also highlights the need for robust quality control, safety procedures and paths for financial remedy for housebuilders – particularly if developers or contractors are in receipt of public money.
Contracts as a tool
Quality control begins with contracts.
Solid construction contracts will clearly outline:
- The project timeline
- Expected quality of materials
- Any sustainability requirements
- Expected quality of work and final structures
- Site safety regulations.
By outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties, contracts between developers, investors and contractors are key to creating a culture of ongoing quality control.
Remedies and warranties
The other side of the quality control coin is understanding what happens when things go wrong.
It is not uncommon for construction projects to be on tight budgets or deadlines, which can result in oversights, so it is important to outline any methods of financial remedy in your contract.
Warranties are common examples of this, contractually guaranteeing that the contractor will repair defects and shoulder any additional costs.
Guarantees may also be used to support this, such as where suppliers used by contractors promise to deliver a specific level of quality for materials – which must be replaced or repaired if they fail within a specified period.
It is also important to discuss any potential quality issues or related delays with the investor or developer, as disputes can often be avoided through negotiation and open communication.
For advice on homebuilding and quality control, please contact our specialist Construction team.