The contract works are the works specified to be carried out under a construction contract, as described in the contract documents.
The scope of the contract works is defined by the drawings, specification, bills of quantities, Employer’s Requirements or Scope, depending on the contract form. Anything outside that scope, if instructed, is usually treated as a variation or change and valued under the contract rules. The term is also used in insurance: contract works insurance covers loss or damage to the works under construction, and the contract states which party must take it out.
- Clearly defining the contract works at tender reduces later disputes about what is extra.
- Temporary works and materials on site may or may not fall within the insured contract works, so check the policy.
Related terms: the Works, variation, contract works insurance, Scope.
