This Checklist highlights the information that should be requested from the client before starting a development project, and other steps that will need to be taken to facilitate a successful development project transaction.

A development project, for example the construction of an office building with external financing, will involve numerous parties including funders, possibly a separate purchaser, the developer, the tenant and the construction team (which will include contractors, consultants and sub-contractors). Numerous documents will therefore need to be drafted, negotiated and completed to govern the relationships between all of these parties. It is very important therefore that sufficient detail is obtained about the project at the outset and that lawyers with experience in the appropriate areas are involved to avoid errors or gaps in the documentation.

This Checklist provides a starting point for a development project when acting for the developer, and is drafted with a construction lawyer in mind but with reference to the other areas of law that will be relevant and which a construction lawyer should be aware of.