Free issue material
The term "free issue material" refers to materials or equipment supplied by the client to the contractor to be incorporated into the construction project at no cost to the contractor. The client retains ownership of the free issue materials but the contractor is responsible for the care, custody, and control of the free issue materials once they are received. This includes handling, storage, and protection of the materials. Contractors might need to insure the free issue materials against risks like theft, damage, or loss while they are in their possession.
For example, a client commissioning the construction of a new office building decides to supply specialised lighting fixtures as free issue materials. The contractor receives these fixtures and is responsible for their proper installation. If any fixtures are damaged while in the contractor's custody, the contractor must address the issue, either through repair, replacement, or insurance claims.
The contract will usually specify the type, quantity, and quality of the materials to be provided by the client. The contract may also outline the timing and logistics of delivery to ensure materials are available when needed without causing delays to the project. If free issue materials are found to be defective or not up to the specified quality, the contractor may need to notify the client and seek replacements, potentially impacting project timelines.
The value of free issue materials is typically excluded from the contract sum but must be accounted for in the project's overall value and progress reporting.
Clients may secure better pricing for materials by purchasing directly or using preferred suppliers and they can ensure specific materials meeting their quality standards are used in the project. However, proper coordination is required to ensure materials are delivered on time and are compatible with the construction schedule, and contractors must provide suitable storage and security for the free issue materials to prevent damage or loss.
Contracts involving free issue materials should clearly define:
- The list of materials to be provided.
- Delivery schedules and responsibilities.
- Procedures for handling defects or shortages.
- Insurance and liability requirements.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.
ECA shares advice for those who may be exposed to risks.
How to revolutionise UK housing with MMC
CIC and Supply Chain Sustainability School unveil a plan.
From the UKs largest manufacturer and supplier of lime.
From mud bricks to smart concrete
A brief history from 7000BC to a future on the moon.
Regulator of Social Housing publishes latest fire safety report
Covering remediation of 11 metre plus social housing sector buildings.
Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
Approved for priority drafting by Government of Ireland.
The long list with in the frame of key historical events.
Competence frameworks for sustainability in the built environment
Code of practice, core criteria consultation draft for comment.
New Floods Resilience Taskforce
With a wet met office autumn prediction.