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Top Five Tips on How to Navigate a Construction Project with gunnercooke Partner Sophie Thornley
Navigating a construction project with multiple moving parts can be complex. Sophie Thornley, Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure Partner at gunnercooke, collaborates with clients and associated parties involved in some of the market’s most significant construction deals.
Sophie works with developers, contractors, consultants, sub-contractors, funders, and end users such as tenants and purchasers.
With over two decades of experience, Sophie drafts, reviews, and negotiates building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, supply and services agreements, agreements for lease, funding agreements, and all other associated documentation.
She has extensive expertise in JCT and NEC contracts, advising clients on bespoke forms and contract amendments. She has experience in supporting on large, high-end, mixed-use developments in Mayfair, London.
Read Sophie’s top five tips on navigating a construction project:
- Managing Professionals: When hiring professionals, clearly communicate the terms and conditions at the outset. Ensure they understand that the project will not proceed on their standard terms or those proposed by their professional body.
- Completing Appointment Documents: At this stage, seek funder approval for terms. If a funder is not yet on board, an advisor can confidently advise on institutionally acceptable terms.
- Informing Tendering Contractors: Inform contractors at the tender stage about the project’s terms. This allows them to accurately price the risk profile, reducing negotiation at contract close.
- Ensuring Proper Insurance: Consult with your quantity surveyor and broker for advice on insurance levels. Ensure the funder is noted or named as required.
- Early Introduction to the Bank’s Monitoring Surveyor: Understand the information requirements, timelines, and presentation preferences of the bank’s monitoring surveyor. They are crucial for drawing down funds.
The key to a successful project is obtaining expert legal construction advice at the earliest opportunity, before the outset of a project. For tailored legal advice, contact Sophie Thornley via our website: https://gunnercooke.com/people/sophie-thornley/
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