Builder's work in connection
The term ‘builder’s work in connection’ (BWIC) refers to builder's work that is necessary as a result of other works, typically mechanical and electrical services but also specialist installations, such as lifts, escalators, roller shutters, hoists and cleaning cradles, and so on.
For example, the installation of mechanical and electrical services might require:
- Cutting, forming or drilling through walls, floors or ceilings to allow services to pass.
- Ensuring structural integrity is not compromised.
- Chasing block and brickwork for conduits or pipes.
- Lifting and replacing floors.
- Asbestos removal.
- Plant moving services.
- Sealing holes.
- Reinstating fire, thermal or acoustic separation.
- Constructing plinths.
- Making good plaster and other finishes.
- Maintenance access requirements such as access panels, decking, platforms, cat ladders and handrails.
This may involve works that require building regulations approvals and possibly testing certificates (for example, cleaning cradle restraining bolts).
Builder's work in connection is generally carried out by the main contractor for a mechanical and electrical sub-contractor and other such specialist trades. However, sometimes, the mechanical and electrical works might be part of the main contract and the builders work in connection sub-contracted.
Builder’s work in connection should not be confused general site preliminaries such as; welfare provisions, site offices, plant, site waste clearance, and so on, which are priced separately.
Estimators typically price builder's work in connection as 7% of the specialist work value.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.