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
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.
New CIAT Professional Standards Competency Framework
Supercedes the 2019 Professional Standards Framework from 1 May 2025.
Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds
Free exhibition at the RIBA Architecture Gallery until 31 May.
PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts
Published following consultation and influence from ECA.
Designing Buildings reaches 20,000 articles
We take a look back at some of the stranger contributions.
Lessons learned from other industries.
The Buildings of the Malting Industry. Book review.
Conserving places with climate resilience in mind.
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.