Modifying AIA Contract Documents: Advanced Strategies for Owners, Developers, and Contractors

AIA contract documents are the industry standard for managing contractual relationships in construction and design projects.

But despite their widespread use, AIA standard contracts often fail to protect the interests of particular clients. The AIA documents usually do not address with specificity many elements of highly individualized construction projects, such as pre-construction services, leases, contingencies, and insurance specifics. Failure to address these fundamental issues can place the entire project in jeopardy and trigger the potential for costly litigation.

Further, because of the differences between individual projects, the needs of different owners, and variations in specific jurisdictions, the AIA standard form agreements often require modification. But the AIA standard documents are highly complementary and designed to avoid overlaps and gaps in the rights and duties of the contracting parties. Consequently, counsel must carefully consider amendments because a change to a provision in one section or document may require a corresponding modification in another to avoid inevitable conflicts and inconsistencies.

Listen as our authoritative panel of construction lawyers provides insights and practical guidance for amending and modifying standard AIA contract documents--including drafting global riders to ensure consistency--to enhance project profitability and protect client interests.