Contractor’s representations and warranties: Overview, definition, and example
What are contractor’s representations and warranties?
Contractor’s representations and warranties refer to the statements or assurances made by a contractor in a contract about the quality, condition, or performance of their work, services, or products. These representations and warranties serve to protect the client or employer by assuring that the contractor will fulfill their obligations according to the agreed-upon standards, specifications, and legal requirements.
A representation is a statement of fact that the contractor provides, indicating that something is true at the time the contract is signed. A warranty is a promise that the contractor will meet certain standards or perform certain actions in the future, and if they fail to do so, the contractor may be liable for damages or required to fix the issue.
Why are contractor’s representations and warranties important?
Contractor’s representations and warranties are important because they provide the client or employer with legal recourse if the contractor’s work or services do not meet the agreed-upon standards. These provisions help ensure that the contractor delivers work of satisfactory quality, on time, and in compliance with any applicable regulations or laws.
For businesses hiring contractors, these provisions help manage risks associated with project delays, defects, or non-compliance. They also provide a level of assurance that the contractor is capable of performing the work and that the contractor takes responsibility for their work.
Understanding contractor’s representations and warranties through an example
Imagine a construction company that hires a contractor to build a commercial office building. In the contract, the contractor makes several representations and warranties, such as stating that they have the necessary licenses, expertise, and qualifications to complete the work. The contractor also warrants that the building will be constructed according to the agreed specifications, meet local building codes, and be free of defects for a specified period after completion.
If, after the project is completed, defects appear in the building, the client can hold the contractor liable for breaching the warranty. The contractor would then be required to fix the defects at no additional cost to the client or compensate the client for the damage.
In another example, a software development company may hire a contractor to build a custom software solution. The contractor might represent that the software will be compatible with the company’s existing systems and warrant that it will be free from bugs or defects for six months after delivery. If the software fails to meet these representations or becomes defective, the company can hold the contractor accountable under the warranty provisions.
An example of a contractor’s representations and warranties clause
Here’s how a contractor’s representations and warranties clause might appear in a contract:
"The Contractor represents and warrants that: (a) it has the necessary skills, expertise, and qualifications to perform the work required under this Agreement; (b) all work will be completed in accordance with the project specifications, applicable laws, and industry standards; (c) the work will be free from defects for a period of one year from the completion date, and the Contractor will correct any defects at no additional cost to the Client."
Conclusion
Contractor’s representations and warranties provide clients with important assurances that the contractor will perform work to specified standards and fulfill contractual obligations. These provisions protect the client by offering legal recourse if the work is defective, incomplete, or non-compliant. For businesses hiring contractors, including clear representations and warranties in contracts helps to minimize risk and ensures that the work meets quality expectations and legal requirements.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.