Guide to JCT Minor Works Building Contract 2016

4Commencement and completion

4.1 There are two paramount dates in any building contract: (1) the date for possession or commencement and (2) the date for completion of the work. It is preferable that actual dates are given at the time of tendering. Vague indications such as ‘to be agreed’ or ‘eight weeks after approval by’ should be avoided, as the start date and duration can considerably affect the tender figure, particularly in the case of smaller jobs on a tight programme. In the event that work is started without proper agreement over dates, the contract will be subject to the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (section 14) or the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (section 52), which state that completion is to be within a reasonable time.

4.2 ...