Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/library/glossary/letter-of-intent
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-10

# Letter of intent

A letter asking you to start work before the contract is signed, often with a cap on what you will be paid.

by [Jack Butler-Kettle](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#jack-butler-kettle>) · About 2 min readShare

## Further detail

A letter of intent can authorise limited work while a fuller agreement is being negotiated. Whether it creates a contract, and on what terms, depends on its wording and the surrounding facts. Scope, spending caps, expiry, payment and what happens if negotiations fail need particular attention.

Track the authority actually given as work progresses. [Letter-of-intent controls setup](<https://www.quantsurv.com/claims?service=%2Fno-signed-contract%2Fservices%2Fletter-of-intent-loss-prevention#client-types>) helps identify gaps before work exceeds the agreed limits.

### Contract and security document register

Obtain authorised documents from the publisher or relevant party. Use the register to track them; it does not reproduce or supply a standard contract.

[Download blank Excel workbook](<https://www.quantsurv.com/downloads/library/contract-and-security-document-register.xlsx>)

Free blank template for your own project. The completed example is shown below. No email address required.

View the completed example

Completed fictional example

Westhaven refurbishment · 14 October 2026 · Version 1.0

#### Contract and security document register

Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.

Contract and security document register: completed fictional example
| Document | Form / edition | Parties / beneficiary | Execution / expiry | Review question | Source / status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Main contract | Selected JCT form and edition to be confirmed | Employer / contractor | Signed copy required | Check particulars, amendments and incorporated documents | Obtain licensed copy from JCT |
| Collateral warranty | Project-specific agreed draft | Subcontractor / named beneficiary | Execution pending | Check duty, liability limit, assignment and step-in provisions | Obtain agreed draft from project team |
| Performance bond | Bond provider draft | Contractor / employer | Expiry and claim conditions to be verified | Check trigger, amount and required demand documents | Obtain provider-issued instrument |

The download is an original document-control register. Copyright standard contracts, warranties and bonds must be obtained through authorised sources and reviewed for the project.

-   [JCT contract families](<https://www.jctltd.co.uk/category/contracts>)
-   [NEC contracts](<https://www.neccontract.com/products/contracts>)
-   [FIDIC contracts](<https://fidic.org/bookshop>)

[Browse the Library](<https://www.quantsurv.com/library>)