ABSTRACT
Most construction works fall under one of two categories, namely, public works or private works. Generally public works are executed by the engineering and architectural staff in the employment of the public bodies. In the case of private works, barring works of minor nature such as for repairs or maintenance or construction of small buildings, for which the owner relies upon the contractor to guide him as to what should be done, large building and engineering contracts are usually entered into between the owner and a contractor after designs and specifications are prepared by an architect or engineer for and on behalf of the owner. The relationship that exists between the owner and the engineer or architect stems out of the contract of the agency. The general law relating to the agency regulates the responsibilities of an engineer or architect in his function as an agent of the owner.
