Red Book vs Yellow Book vs Silver Book: choosing the right FIDIC form
A comparison of Red, Yellow and Silver Book: design responsibility, contractor risk, pricing, EPC, design-build and re-measurement.
Practical article map
Start with the contract issue, test the evidence, then define the practical next step.
“Red Book vs Yellow Book vs Silver Book” is not an academic question. It is a risk-allocation decision. The wrong book can make the project expensive before the first claim.
Fast logic
- Red Book: employer designs, payment by re-measurement.
- Yellow Book: contractor designs and builds, usually lump sum.
- Silver Book: EPC/turnkey, maximum price and time certainty for the employer.
What to compare
Do not compare the book names only. Check design responsibility, site data, approvals, unforeseeable conditions, testing, performance guarantees, LD cap and dispute path.
Interactive route
Open the book comparison and Book Selector. For the full route, read the FIDIC Rainbow Guide.
FAQ
Common questions on this topic
What is the main difference between Red, Yellow and Silver Book?
In Red the employer designs, in Yellow the contractor designs, and in Silver the contractor usually takes maximum EPC/turnkey price and time risk.
Which book is best for EPC?
Silver Book is commonly considered for EPC/turnkey, but it requires strong project data and conscious risk pricing.
When should Red Book be chosen?
When the employer prepares the design, quantities are measured and the price follows actual executed works.
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