Construction & Engineering Lawyers in Jeddah

Construction & engineering law in Jeddah: the contract determines who bears each risk

Construction projects in Jeddah, from individual villas to commercial towers, need a construction contract clearly allocating risk between owner and contractor: who bears cost overruns? Who bears supply delays? How are disagreements over execution quality versus specifications resolved? A good construction contract answers these questions before work begins, not after a dispute arises.

Latent defect warranty: an obligation extending past delivery

The contractor's obligation doesn't end at project delivery; latent defects (such as foundation weakness or structural defects not immediately apparent) are subject to a warranty extending years after delivery per the contract and relevant regulations. Clearly defining this period and its scope in the original contract protects the owner from later surprises, and also precisely defines the contractor's time-bound liability.

Delivery delays: compensation needs an explicit clause

The absence of a clear delay compensation clause leaves the owner in a weak position when the contractor is delayed, since proving the actual damage value resulting from the delay becomes difficult. Drafting a predetermined daily or weekly delay penalty clause (liquidated damages) saves both parties a lengthy later dispute over assessing damage.

Execution quality disputes: the engineering expert's decisive role

When a dispute arises over whether actual execution matches the specifications agreed in the contract and drawings, an independent engineering expert's report often becomes the decisive factor in any subsequent lawsuit. Documenting every execution stage with photos and periodic reports during the work, not just after discovering a problem, strengthens either party's position when needing to prove their case later.

Our construction and engineering law services

• Drafting construction contracts and clearly allocating risk between parties
• Reviewing latent defect warranty and delay compensation clauses before signing
• Representing parties in execution quality disputes and engaging independent engineering experts
• Representing clients in claims for delay or post-delivery defect compensation

How we start

1. Send us your current or proposed construction contract over WhatsApp
2. We review it and identify clauses needing amendment to protect your position
3. We represent you in any dispute related to execution, delivery, or defects

To draft or review a construction contract in Jeddah, contact us on WhatsApp.

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