Exceptionally practical and authoritative, this introduction to construction contracting as it applies to typical, every-day situations explains theoretical ideas in terms of what really happens in practice.* Reflects the authors extensive experience as an educator and in the contracting field at virtually every position - from junior engineer to Executive Vice President and Director of a major national construction contracting company. * The author has personally experienced in practice every concept covered. * Examines the more common case law holdings and the customs and practices of the industry. * Relies on case law extensively to explain and illustrate how courts/boards/arbitrators view the typical legal problems that occur in contracting practice. * Presents the clear contractual basis of the normal relationship of the various parties to the construction process in the United States today. * Explains how to read and identify the key or red flag clauses in prime contracts for the provision of construction services. * Systematically examines a number of construction-related contracts common to the industry (other than the prime construction contract), e.g.: * Labor agree