Framing Contractor Contract Template for England and Wales

A Framing Contractor Contract is a specialised construction agreement that governs the relationship between framing contractors and their clients for structural frame installation projects. This document establishes clear terms for timber or steel framing works while ensuring compliance with England and Wales construction legislation. You need this contract to protect your interests, define project scope, and establish payment mechanisms for framing works that form the structural backbone of construction projects.

When do you need this document?

You require a Framing Contractor Contract whenever engaging specialist framing contractors for structural works. This applies to residential developments, commercial buildings, industrial projects, and renovation works involving structural modifications. The contract becomes essential when framing works exceed £1,000 in value, triggering Construction Act 1996 protections. You also need this agreement for projects requiring CDM compliance, multi-party construction arrangements, or when subcontracting framing works as part of larger construction contracts. Insurance requirements and warranty provisions make formal contracts necessary for protecting against structural defects and ensuring professional indemnity coverage.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must address payment terms compliant with the Construction Act 1996, including statutory payment notices and adjudication rights. Quality standards should reference British Standards for timber and steel framing, with clear specifications for materials, installation methods, and completion criteria. Insurance clauses must cover public liability, professional indemnity, and employer's liability as required under UK law. Health and safety obligations under CDM Regulations 2015 require clear allocation of duties between principal contractors and framing specialists. Warranty provisions should specify defects liability periods, typically 12 months for workmanship and longer for structural elements. Termination clauses must comply with employment law if engaging self-employed contractors, while dispute resolution should include adjudication procedures mandated by construction legislation.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Your framing contract must comply with the Construction Act 1996, which mandates payment within specified timeframes and provides statutory adjudication rights for disputes over £500. CDM Regulations 2015 require health and safety planning, with clear duties allocated between principal contractors and framing specialists. The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 implies terms regarding workmanship quality and fitness for purpose into your contract. Building Regulations 2010 compliance must be addressed, particularly for structural calculations and fire safety requirements. You must ensure contractors hold appropriate insurance under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. The contract should address IR35 compliance for tax purposes when engaging individual contractors, and include retention of title clauses for materials supply under the Sale of Goods Act 1979.