Choosing the Right Contract for Your Design & Build Project

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe that trust is built on clarity—and that begins with the contract.

When you undertake a domestic building project—whether it’s an extension, renovation, or loft conversion—the contract is one of the most important documents you’ll sign. It defines responsibilities, protects your investment, and lays the foundation for a smooth, fair and well-managed build.

Unfortunately, not all contractors see it that way.

The Industry Problem: Contractor-Created Contracts

It’s surprisingly common in the construction industry for builders to issue their own “custom” contracts—or worse, vague, one-page quotes that don’t hold up when things get complicated.

These documents are often:

• Written to favour the contractor, not the client

• Light on detail, allowing room for cost creep

• Lacking proper dispute resolution, leaving clients exposed

• Missing important protections like payment schedules, change control procedures, or completion clauses

In short, they’re designed to win the job—not protect your interests.

How DSN+BD Does It Differently

We don’t write our own rules. We use professionally recognised contract templates that are clear, balanced, and designed to safeguard both parties—especially the homeowner.

For domestic design and build projects, we typically use one of the following:

🔹 JCT Home Owner Contract (Design & Build)

This is one of the most widely respected domestic building contracts in the UK. It’s published by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)—a trusted authority in construction law.

We favour this contract because it:

• ✅ Covers both design and build, aligning with our end-to-end service

• ✅ Sets out clear payment terms and schedules

• ✅ Includes provisions for delays, defects, and variations

• ✅ Helps prevent disputes with a fair change control process

• ✅ Protects the client with proper completion and warranty clauses

This contract is specifically designed for residential homeowners and is well-suited to projects like:

• Extensions

• Loft conversions

• Whole-home refurbishments

• Interior reconfigurations

🔹 RIBA Domestic Building Contract

Alternatively, for certain projects, we may use the RIBA Domestic Building Contract—particularly if the client prefers to appoint the architect directly but still wants us to deliver the construction.

It provides:

• Clear terms and responsibilities for both the builder and homeowner

• Defined stages of work and payment

• Dispute resolution guidance

• Support for architect-led oversight, where appropriate

This is a great option for clients who are working with a RIBA-registered architect alongside our build team.

Why These Contracts Matter

A proper contract:

• 🛡️ Protects your investment

• 💬 Clarifies expectations

• 💰 Sets out payments, timelines, and responsibilities

• 🧱 Prepares for the “what-ifs” like weather delays or design changes

• ✅ Gives you peace of mind that you’re not signing a builder’s wishlist

We’re here to build your project AND protect your experience—and that means starting with the right legal foundation.

Transparent, Professional, and Built on Trust

At DSN+BD Construction, we don’t cut corners—not in the way we build, and certainly not in the way we contract. We want you to feel confident, informed, and in control from day one.

By using clear, recognised, and client-protective contracts, we give you:

• Full visibility of what’s included

• A legal safety net if anything goes wrong

• A professional framework for a positive working relationship

Because a beautiful result should come from a well-managed process—and that process starts with a fair and transparent contract.

Thinking about your next project? Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through every step—including how we protect you throughout the journey.