F

The International Federation of Consulting Engineers, known by its French acronym, FIDIC. The organisation is best known for its range of standard form contracts used widely internationally for the construction, plant and design industries.

A Front-End Engineering Design contract involves the preparation of a design basis prior to the main phase of works.

The ratio of the total floor area of a building to the total area of a site. The maximum floor space ratio is usually regulated by town planning laws.

If  details of the claim are not given in accordance with the rules in the pleading or in a document accompanying the pleading, a party may request further and better particulars. Particulars are details of the material facts alleged including the claim or the defence which provides information to the other party in order to enable them to know what case they have to meet. If the other party refuses to furnish further and better particulars after being requested, an application may be made to the court.

An acronym for furniture/fixtures, fittings and equipment.

An event which is beyond the reasonable control of the contracting parties and which prevents the Works from being carried out. This may include flooding, earthquakes, cyclones, war, industrial disputes, pandemics, secondary boycotts and temporary failure to obtain export approvals. In construction contracts force majeure events may sometimes provide a right to an Extension of Time or to terminate the contract.

A person who is under an obligation to act in good faith for the benefit of another person at the exclusion of that person's own interest.

The document executed by all parties to a Contract which records the agreement between them, such as the general terms and conditions of the Contract, technical specifications and other documents forming part of the Contract. It may also list the order of precedence of the contract documents.

The certificate issued by the Superintendent or Certifier to the Contractor on Final Completion. Once issued, the certificate entitles the Contractor to receive its final payment. Also known as a Final Statement.

A colloquial expression for non-contentious practice such as Contract drafting and review. (Contrast with Back End)