Prelims on a Building Contract: Understanding the Basics
When it comes to building contracts, there are a lot of terms and jargon that can be confusing for someone who has never dealt with them before. One of these terms is “prelims.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what prelims are and why they are important in building contracts.
What are prelims?
Prelims, short for preliminary items, are a list of items that are not part of the main building works but are required to complete the project. They are usually listed at the beginning of the contract and cover a range of activities, materials, and services needed to get the project off the ground. These items can be anything from site clearance and temporary works to scaffolding and security measures.
Why are prelims important?
Prelims are an essential part of a building contract as they help to define the scope of work and set out the responsibilities of the various parties involved. They also help to ensure that the project runs smoothly and that there are no surprises or unexpected costs that arise during the construction process.
In addition, prelims can be an effective tool for managing risk. By identifying potential risks and including them in the prelims section of the contract, builders can ensure that they are adequately addressed before work begins. This can help to prevent delays and disputes, which can be costly and time-consuming.
How are prelims calculated?
The cost of prelims can vary greatly depending on the scope of work and the specific requirements of the project. Many building contracts will provide an estimate of the prelims costs upfront, but this can be subject to change depending on the actual costs incurred during the construction process.
It is important to note that prelims costs are not always included in the main contract price. Instead, they are typically listed as a separate line item, which means that they may be subject to additional negotiation and agreement between the parties.
In summary, prelims are an important part of any building contract. They help to define the scope of work, manage risk, and ensure that the project runs smoothly. As a professional, it’s important to ensure that any related content is written in clear, concise language that can be easily understood by anyone involved in building projects.