Good Practice Guide: Keeping out of trouble

RIBA

January 2006
Code: 55692
ISBN: 1 85946 181 6
979 1 85946 181 5
164 pp
Paperback
£15.00

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This series has been specifically developed to provide architects, and other construction professionals, with practical advice and guidance on a range of topics that affect them, and the management of their business, on a day-to-day basis.

Written in an easy-to-read, straightforward style each guide will be the reader’s first point of reference on the particular subject in question, offering a quick overview of the key points and then providing a ‘route map’ for finding further, more detailed information. Were appropriate, checklists, tables, diagrams and case studies have been included to aid ease-of-use.

We all get it wrong from time to time and are aware of others mistakes, yet the evidence shows that we still never learn from these mistakes. Professional Indemnity Insurers and ARB will tell you that architects go on making the same mistakes time and time again be it small or large practices, inexperienced and mature.

The potential for getting into trouble with clients, fees, building contracts and with the law is huge. The trip wires for the unwary are everywhere, some obvious, others less so.

This guide highlights the areas where things consistently go wrong listing common mistakes that can usually be avoided. Many of these mistakes may appear obvious but are still consistently made and are at the heart of many disputes such as those concerning ‘negligence’ and ‘breach of contract claims’ against architects.