Construction Law

The Construction Law course is designed to develop an understanding of contract law as it relates to construction. The participants will build practical skills and learn how to effectively and proactively deal with conflict situations and avoid litigation. The course will also review other construction related law such as builders liens, collecting debts, bonding, insurance, environmental law and safety law.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the Canadian legal system and sources of law
• Understand the basics of contract law – intention, offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and legality
• Be familiar with various CCDC/CCA and other contracts - how and why they are used
• Be familiar with various legal terms used in contracts
• Understand the contract responsibilities of various parties
• Understand the bidding process and contractual obligations
• Understand how specifications and drawings fit within the contractual hierarchy
• Understand the contractual relationship between contractor and sub-contractor
• Compile and submit proper extras and claims
• Define back charges and how to avoid them
• Avoid construction disputes and claims from the site level
• Write professional RFIs and Change Orders
• Understand the dispute resolution process – negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation
• Use the Builder’s Lien Act to obtain security for debts
• Understand how the “holdback system” works and why
• Use the Small Claims process to recover debts
• Understand bonding/surety and how it’s used in construction
• Understand the types of insurance used in construction
• Understand environmental law
• Understand safety law requirements and WCB

Audience

The course is designed for construction owners, managers, estimators and supervisors.

Course Format & Location Information:

• Live, Online, Instructor-led training, with a maximum class size of 20 students. 
• This course is facilitated by the instructor on the Zoom platform. Access information from the instructor will be provided to you in advance of the training.
• Attendance in all four sessions is mandatory for course completion. *Please note that If a student misses a class session, we are unable to transfer registration or provide a partial refund of the registration fees.

Optional Assignment (for additional Gold Seal credit): 

An optional assignment will be available to complete after the in-class course for students seeking additional Gold Seal credits. This online component is administrated by the instructor and will be provided and explained to students by the instructor in-class. It will be based on the in-class material and may include some research, reading, and answering questions (7-8 hours) that will be marked by the instructor.

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation)

• This course requires full face-to-face interaction and participation from both the instructor and students. In order to attend, you must make sure you have the following:
• Computer or laptop with webcam (webcams are mandatory): This course will involve 100% on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content like slides or videos, and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, you must have a webcam and use a full computer/laptop, and we do not permit students to attend using a tablet or cell phone.
• A quiet space with minimal distractions: Please plan to be fully engaged in the class, and clear your work schedule just as you would for attendance in an in-class program.

Gold Seal Credits  

• 2 Gold Seal credits awarded for attendance only; 5 credits awarded for both attendance and acceptable completion of additional assignment.
• This course is worth 16 Informal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits as approved by BC Housing.
• Printable, digital, course certificate will be issued to students via email 4-6 weeks after successful course completion.

Course Instructor Information

Tim Williams, MBA, B.Econ., CPA, GSC | President, BGC Partners Inc.

Refunds or Transfers: 

• Five (5) or more business days before the course start date: Full refund of registration fees or can be transfers to a different course date.
• Less than five (5) business days before the course start date and course no-shows: No refunds or transfers to future course dates.
• For a complete document on the NRCA Education Policies, click here. 

Other Policies

• Substitution of another member of your company/team is permitted up to the course start date for no additional fee.
• Unless otherwise stated, every person able to see, hear, and observe the virtual course sessions must be a paid participant. Non-compliance of this requirement will result in removal from the course. Refunds will not be issued to students who are removed from the course for non-compliance of this requirement.
• If the NRCA has to postpone or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment, NRCA will refund the registration fee or, if possible, the attendee may choose to move to an identical session in the future.