Works contractor
Management contracting is a procurement route in which the works are constructed by a number of different works contractors who are contracted to a management contractor.
The management contractor is generally appointed early in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the cost and buildability of proposals as they develop as well as to advise on packaging (and the risks of interfaces). This also enables some works contracts to be tendered earlier than others, and sometimes, even before the design is completed (for example, piling might commence whilst the detailed design of above ground works continues). This can shorten the time taken to complete the project, but does mean that there will be price uncertainty until the design is complete and all contracts have been let.
Management contracting differs from construction management in that management contractors contract the works contractors direct whereas construction managers only manage the trade contracts, the contracts are placed by the client. In legal terms the management contractor is acting as a principal whereas the construction manager is acting as an agent.
This means that on a management contract, the client only has one contract to administer (whereas with construction management there can be many contracts for the client to administer), but they might want warranties from the works contractors so that they can make a direct claim against them, for example if the management contractor becomes insolvent.
See also: Management contracting - pros and cons.
The contractual components of a management contract project are likely to include:
- The contract between the client and the management contractor.
- Contracts between the management contractor and each works contractor.
- An agreement between the client and each works contractor. There is a body of opinion that believes that if a management contractor operating on a cost plus fee arrangement pursues a works contractor in court for non-performance, the management contractor is unable to prove loss and damages. This is because the loss is simply passed on to the client, and so it is the client that has incurred the damage. This has increased the tendency for clients to require direct warranties with each works contractor.
- Management contractor collateral warranties for funders, tenants or purchasers.
- Works contractor collateral warranties for funders, tenants or purchasers.
Features of works contracts include:
- Works contracts must now have their own separate certification of practical completion and so may have different defects liability periods. Certification cannot be dependent on completion of works outside of the scope of that contract.
- As works contracts may be completed at different times, the management contractor must ensure that measures are in place to protect completed work from ongoing activities.
- Works contracts may allow for retention, or may include a requirement for a retention bond.
- Works contracts may include a requirement for a bond in relation to off-site materials and goods.
- Where they carry out design, works contractors may be required to provide professional indemnity insurance. Otherwise, they may be required to provide product liability insurance.
- Management contractors should keep works contractors informed about the overall progress of the project so that they are able to properly plan the timing of their works. They must also inform works contractors about certain key dates and certificates.
- Works contracts may include incentivisation.
- Works contractors may be required to agree an outline programme with the client setting out dates for the provision of information required by the client's consultant team.
NB: For a detailed description of the sequence of tasks necessary on a management contract, see our free work plan - Management contract: outline work plan.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Back-to-back provisions in construction contacts.
- Collateral warranties.
- Construction manager.
- Contract.
- Design, build, manage contractor.
- Management contract.
- Management contracting - pros and cons.
- Operative.
- Procurement route.
- Sub-agent.
- Sub-contractor.
- Trade contractor.
- Types of contractor.
- Work package contractor.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
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.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.