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On very small projects, many architects prefer to formalise their appointment by means of a letter rather than lengthier standard RIBA Agreements.

A guide to letter contracts presents for the first time a safe way to word a letter contract for very small projects and points out the risks and pitfalls to avoid when using letter contracts, thus ensuring that your letter contracts are suitable for the project in hand.

At its heart are two annotated model letters, one for a business client and the other for a domestic client. Expressed in plain English, the models include provisions that may be modified to suit project requirements. An introduction explains the background issues, while matters of particular concern including payment, copyright, liability and insurance are explained in more detail in a section on watchpoints.

The whole is supported by four worked examples demonstrating how the models may be adapted in practice. Essential for architects and other consultants offering design services, A guide to letter contracts offers critically important guidance to minimize the inherent risks of concluding appointments by letter.

The RIBA Agreements 2007, the suite of standard forms of architects and other consultants appointments for all commissions, are available from www.ribabookshops.com/agreements.

"This book is a very welcome addition to the small practitioner's armoury of professional guidance to help them to agree very small appointments by letter without falling into the many legal pitfalls of doing so. Absolutely essential reading!" Adrian Dobson, RIBA Director of Practice

FREE Download: Model Letter Templates

Download a free copy of the model letter templates to accompany the book A guide to letter contracts for very small projects, surveys and reports in the Extracts and Additional Materials section at the bottom of this page. The document downloads as a rich text file and can be opened using standard MS Word or similar software packages.

June 2010 update: the download associated with this book now includes a model notice of the right to cancel an agreement for professional services, which will help you to comply with The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc. Regulations 2008 (SI 1816). Under these regulations, a consumer/domestic client has the right to cancel a contract, including a letter contract, after it has been signed. You must tell your client about this right; failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to £5,000.