The JCT standard forms of building contract require a thorough understanding of their procedural requirements, as well as their legal implications. They require both the contractor and the architect, on behalf of the employer, to send a wide range of notices and letters if each party is to protect its legitimate interests.

The main contract forms are also supported by complex sub-contract documentation. Therefore, it is not surprising that when this book of specimen letters, notices and forms was first published, it was widely welcomed by the construction industry.

The book provides examples of documentation likely to be required for a contract under the following JCT forms:

* the Standard Form of Building Contract

* the Intermediate Form of Building Contract

* the Agreement for Minor Building Works

* the Standard Form of Building Contract With Contractor's Design

It includes a commentary on the practical implications of the various documents and highlights the points to be watched.

The new edition takes into account the wide range of amendments to the latest editions of the standard forms following the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and in particular, the new payment and adjudication provisions. For the first time it features documentation for use with the JCT design and build form.

Vincent Powell-Smith was a British barrister, professor of law and legal author. He also wrote under the pen names Justiciar and Francis Elphinstone. Powell-Smith was born in Westerham, Kent, England and died in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is survived by two daughters, Amanda Jane and Helena Alexia.

John H. M. Sims is the author of Contract Documentation for Contractors, 3rd Edition, published by Wiley.