Contract administration

We manage the process of designing, planning, procuring and overseeing building work — from feasibility to final account — with clear, timely communication throughout.

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Scaffolded terrace at Grange Road during fire reinstatement works

What it is

In plain English

Every job is different, but a successful project starts with time spent with the client and their building, exploring the aims and feasibility of the brief.

We work on domestic extensions and improvements, major works to residential and mixed-use blocks, fire, water, storm and impact damage reinstatement, and the repair and refurbishment of commercial property and schools.

We can also act as Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. We are on the Association for Project Safety CDM register and accredited by CHAS.

Who it’s for

Housing providers

Disrepair, fire reinstatement and major works programmes.

Schools & trusts

New teaching blocks, nurseries and remediation projects, often funded through bids.

Private clients

Extensions, refurbishments and new homes, managed from design to handover.

Deliverables

Deliverable	What you receive	When
Feasibility report	Options, budget and programme	Stage 1–2
Specification & schedules	Detailed specification and schedules of work	Pre-tender
Tender & contract	Contractor selection, tender report and building contract	Pre-contract
Contract administration	Site inspections, meetings, variations and payment certificates	On site
Completion & final account	Handover, rectification period and final account	Post-completion

Typical timescale

How it runs

Step 01
Feasibility
Brief, options and budget.
Step 02
Design & tender
Specify, consent and procure.
Step 03
On site
Inspect, certify and manage change.
Step 04
Complete
Handover and final account.

Common questions

Common questions about contract administration

Not answered here? Call 01245 460222 and speak to a surveyor.

What does a contract administrator actually do?

We run the building contract impartially between you and the contractor: issuing instructions, valuing work, certifying payment and completion, and dealing with delays and variations so the contract is administered fairly and the project is delivered.

Which forms of contract do you use?

Mostly JCT — Minor Works, Intermediate and Design and Build — plus term contracts for planned maintenance programmes. We advise which suits the project before tender.

Do you act as Principal Designer under CDM?

Yes. CDM Principal Designer duties sit within this service, so health and safety is coordinated through design and into construction.

Can you run the tender?

Yes. We prepare the specification and drawings, invite tenders from suitable contractors, analyse the returns and recommend an appointment.

Do you also design the work?

Yes. We act as lead designer through the RIBA stages, from feasibility and planning to construction drawings, with structural and services engineers appointed as needed.

How are your fees structured?

A lump sum up to an agreed construction cost, or a percentage of the final contract sum, split across the RIBA stages so you only pay for the stages you commission.

Related case studies

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