
Construction
Construction is one of Norway’s largest industries, with annual investment of around NOK 440 billion. Large projects and a high level of activity mean that foreign contractors are also entering the Norwegian market. Our construction lawyers advise Norwegian and foreign contractors, employers, designers and consultants at every stage of a building or civil engineering project, from tender to project execution, final account settlement and disputes.
Legal advice on construction law
Construction projects are often extensive, involving long-term contractual relationships, substantial contract sums and a large number of parties. We are familiar with the difficulties that arise along the way, and have broad experience in giving clear advice at every stage of a project.
We have in-depth industry knowledge and long experience advising Norwegian and foreign parties in the construction sector, working with the Norwegian standard contracts as well as international contract forms.
Construction disputes
Final account settlements, variations and delays are among the most common sources of conflict in construction projects. We help prevent such disputes through precise contract drafting and ongoing support throughout the project.
Where disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, our lawyers have substantial litigation experience and conduct a considerable number of construction cases before the courts each year. Our construction expertise is recognised by The Legal 500, which has listed Brækhus under «Firms to Watch» for Construction.
Interdisciplinary advice
Some projects raise legal questions calling for lawyers with expertise in other fields, for example real estate, employment law or tax and VAT. We are organised to work across disciplines, so that our clients always have access to the best available expertise.
International parties in the Norwegian market
Brækhus has a strong international presence. Through our memberships in the international lawyers’ networks Meritas Law Firms Worldwide and Andersen Global, as well as the global accounting network Crowe Global, we assist clients across national borders.
Examples of what we do
- Dispute resolution and litigation
- Final account disputes
- Contract drafting
- Ongoing support during project execution
- Variations with change management
- Advice on the Norwegian standard contracts (NS 8405, 8407)
- Advice on the design and consultancy contracts (NS 8401 – NS 8404)
- Tender processes
- International construction contracts (FIDIC)
- Health and safety and the working environments
- Public aw requirements (PBL, SAK, TEK, Construction Client Regulations etc)
- Relations with authorities (the Planning and Building Act, the Norwegian Construction Authority, DIBK and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority)


