Book excerpt: Presenting readers with all the need-to-know information on complex construction projects within a single publication, this book expertly focuses on practical issues whilst also providing insights on the law applying to construction projects. As well as exploring individual subjects such as the negotiation of a contract, the evaluation of a claim or assistance in relation to contractual disputes, the book also creates an overarching understanding of the entire life of a project. It presents an inside view on the various stages of complex projects, from the moment they are conceived to the end of the contractual relation between employer and contractor, including any disputes between the parties. The reader will become familiar with the terminology used in the construction industry, the various phases of complex construction projects, the law applying to each phase and the various deliverables produced by the parties throughout the project. While including sections on the law applying to each phase, the book’s primary focus is on the practical aspects faced on a daily basis by practitioners working in the construction industry. This book is important reading for professionals involved in construction law at every level, including relevant academics, government employees and lawyers. It will also serve as a useful book for students, providing a comprehensive overview of the many factors and phases of a complex construction project.