Earlier-than-expected changes to ConsensusDOCS, the three-and-a-half-year-old library of model contracts for building design and construction, have been welcomed by lawyers who say the update not only enhances the original documents but demonstrates a development process responsive to industry changes. ConsensusDOCS, a coalition of 31 industry groups and a rival of the American Institute of Architects and other standard-agreement developers, says more improvements are coming soon.

ConsensusDOCS released the update on Jan. 19, at least 18 months ahead of the originally envisioned five-year revision cycle. One rationale is that “the economics of the construction industry today looks nothing like it did [in 2007],” says Brian Perlberg, executive director and senior counsel of the Arlington, Va.-based ConsensusDOCS. All refinements can be viewed at www.ConsensusDOCS.org.