Main contract
In a contract there is reciprocity of undertaking passing between the promisor and the promisee. The rights and obligations of the parties to the contract are created by the acts of agreement between them.
In the procurement of construction, contracts can be:
- Standard forms.
- Modified standard forms.
- Bespoke.
The ‘main contract’ is generally that which is awarded by the client (sometimes referred to as the employer) to the general contractor, or main contractor, whose tender has been accepted. The works required from the main contractor are set out in detail in tender documents, for which they have offered a price that has been accepted by the client.
Main contractors are often appointed under a traditional contract to construct a development for which the design has already been completed by consultants appointed by the client. However, under other forms of main contract, they might also provide part or all of the design, facilities management services, and even financing.
The organisations that the main contractor may appoint to carry out specific aspects of the works for them may be described as ‘subcontractors’, 'subbies', or simply as 'suppliers'. They will be appointed by the main contractor under subcontracts, and subcontractors may themselves appoint subcontractors under sub-subcontracts, and so on. See suppy chain for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.