What is Clause 2 for an employer's requirements under the RIAI Blue Form of Contract in Ireland for a residential Project :

When managing a residential construction project in Ireland, it’s essential to understand the key responsibilities outlined in the RIAI Blue Form of Contract. One of the most important early clauses in this widely used building contract is Clause 2, which outlines the Employer’s Requirements—especially regarding the timely provision of information, drawings, and instructions to the contractor.

🔍 What is Clause 2 of the RIAI Blue Form of Contract?

Clause 2 in the RIAI Blue Form of Contract focuses on the obligation of the Employer (typically the homeowner or developer) and their Architect to provide the contractor with essential documents and instructions. This clause ensures that the contractor receives everything needed to carry out the works as scheduled.

✅ Key Responsibilities Under Clause 2:

1. Timely Provision of Drawings and Specifications.The Employer, through their design team, must issue drawings, specifications, and other instructions in time to allow the contractor to proceed without delay.

2. Written Instructions from the Architect All instructions must be in writing to be valid. This protects all parties and ensures that there’s a clear paper trail for site decisions and changes.

3. Additional Instructions and Clarifications. The Architect can issue supplementary drawings or details during the course of the project, provided they are consistent with the scope of the contract.

4. Avoiding Delay ClaimsIf the contractor is delayed due to missing or late instructions from the Employer or Architect, they may be entitled to an extension of time and potentially loss and expense, as governed by other clauses in the contract.

🏠 Why Clause 2 Matters in Residential Construction

For residential projects—such as new builds, extensions, or refurbishments—Clause 2 of the RIAI Blue Form of Contract plays a crucial role in managing expectations and maintaining project timelines.

• Late decisions on finishes or fittings? Clause 2 puts the responsibility on the Employer to issue these details early enough.

• Architect slow to issue revised drawings? The contractor may rely on Clause 2 as the basis for delay notifications.

In short, this clause underpins the smooth flow of information, which is vital for controlling both time and costs on-site.

📌 Final Thoughts on the RIAI Blue Form of Contract

Clause 2 of the RIAI Blue Form of Contract ensures that the Employer and their design team actively support the delivery of the project by supplying timely and adequate information. Contractors and project managers should always monitor compliance with this clause to avoid disputes and protect the programme.