Part I: Preliminaries -- Introduction -- Basic matters -- About the contract documents -- Related matters -- Part II: Participants -- The architect's powers and duties -- The contractor's powers and duties -- The employer's powers and duties -- Consultants -- The clerk of works -- Sub-contractors and suppliers -- Statutory authorities -- Part III: Work in progress -- Insurance -- Possession of the site -- Extension of time -- Liquidated damages -- Financial claims -- Architect's instructions -- Variations -- Payments -- Contractor's design -- Part IV: Closing stages -- Practical completion -- Defects liability -- Termination -- Part V: Intractable problems -- Dispute resolution procedures

Sets out what the standard building contract requires in various circumstances without assuming any particular legal or contractual expertise. It explains what is meant by a contract and why certain clauses, such as extension of time or liquidated damages are present and what they mean. Most chapters include a section dealing with common problems.