If you don’t have any construction experience and you want to alter or extend your home then it may be difficult to know where to start.
A number of different procurement options are available, (procurement in construction refers to the different routes to get the job done), and you may be confused whether to choose traditional contract, design and build, or contract management.
What is best for you?
The best route for your project depends on the importance of the following factors: Time constraints – do you need to complete the works quickly, or have a specific deadline to meet. Management – do you want to be involved with the day to day management of the construction? Budget – do you need to make sure that the budget is fixed even if that means that the build quality is adjusted to avoid overspending?
If there are time constraints that require the work to complete quickly then design and build or contract management may be quicker than the traditional route.
However, if you would rather not be the key contact for all day to day queries from the contractor, then the traditional route would be more suitable, as your design team are in place to deal with queries on your behalf.
Expert advice
The main features of each type of procurement are summarised on the right hand side of this page. Over the next few months we will explain in more detail the pros and cons of each type of contract.
Further details are available on our website – www.timmseida.com/news For specific advice please call us or send an email to rebecca@timmseida.com
Main features of the three most common procurement routes:
Traditional Contract
The most common type of procurement. A professional team is appointed to prepare the design and prepare tender documents. Contractors are invited to submit tenders for the work. The tender process helps ensure competitive pricing.
Design and Build
The design and construction is managed by one company. The design may be less creative and lack of competitive bidding may mean that the price is higher. Using this type of procurement can speed up time to completion as work can begin before the design is finalised. However, it may be harder to control quality.
Contract Management
There is no main contractor and the work is divided into work packages. The client is the key point of contact and responsible the management of different contractors. This route is least likely to ensure cost certainty.
Who are Timms Eida and Associates?
Timms Eida and Associates have been providing quantity surveying services for almost fifty years.
Our full range of services include preparing early budget estimates, cost plans & bills of quantities, tender documents, contracts & helping with final account negotiations and dispute resolution.
Whether you are extending or refurbishing your home, using an experienced quantity surveyor to set a reliable and adequate budget and monitor the construction will allow you to allocate your funds effectively leading to successful completion of the project and providing value for money for the build.
