This practical, user-friendly textbook starts at the beginning of construction projects and makes important connections between stages, accompanied by helpful illustrations and real-life industry examples. Contracts and agreements underpin the whole construction industry, and yet many graduates and young professionals do not realise just how important they are. Misunderstandings and mistakes can be extremely expensive and cause considerable delay. The textbook provides extensive explanation of the most commonly used forms of contract, an introduction to the general principles of contracts, and the implications of contract law and negligence as they affect the construction professional.