Get the main design and build terms into one workable agreement

Because the same contract is dealing with both the design side and the build side of the project. If those responsibilities are not clearly joined up, problems can arise around design development, approvals, defects, delays and the cost of changes. A basic works contract may not say enough about who is responsible for design coordination, whether supplied information can be relied on, or how evolving drawings affect time and price. This agreement is intended to bring those moving parts into one document that better reflects how the project will actually run.

These agreements commonly deal with the project scope, design obligations, construction obligations, pricing, payment stages, variation procedures, programme expectations, delay events, defects, safety responsibilities and termination rights. They may also address consultant involvement, ownership or use of design materials, approvals, reliance on principal-supplied documents and practical completion. The exact wording depends on the project structure and the parties' commercial positions. The aim is to produce a contract that works as the main reference point for both design delivery and construction delivery, rather than leaving those issues split or unclear.

Useful starting information includes the parties involved, the nature of the works, who is responsible for which parts of the design, how payment is meant to be structured, and any known pressure points on timing or changes. It also helps to know whether consultants are already appointed, whether there are milestone payments, and whether another contract or tender document sits in the background. Those details shape the legal wording in a meaningful way. A design and construct agreement usually needs project-specific facts, not just names and a site address.

It can be. Templates often assume a simpler allocation of responsibility than the project actually involves. They may not deal properly with partial design responsibility, coordination across consultants, evolving specifications, or the relationship between design documents and the build obligation. That can create uncertainty if the design changes during the works or if defects are later linked to design input. A drafted or reviewed agreement gives you the chance to address those pressure points directly, rather than relying on broad wording that may not fit the commercial arrangement on site.

Timing depends on the size of the project, the state of any existing draft, and how settled the commercial points already are. Many matters can be progressed within one to two weeks once we have the relevant project information and supporting documents. If the agreement is heavily marked up, involves layered design responsibility, or needs input from several stakeholders, it can take longer. The included amendment rounds are there to refine the core contract. Negotiations that continue beyond that stage would usually need a separate scope.

Working with us is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website using the form at the top of this page or on our Get Started page. A legal project manager will review your enquiry within 1 business day and reach out to understand your needs.

They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

If you're not looking for help with a specific matter, explore our platform, which offers free templates, tools to get your business set up, and even a free tier to get started. Whether you need legal support or just want to browse resources, we've got you covered.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from £100 to £1,500 depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.