JCT Construction management contract
Construction management is a procurement route in which the works are constructed by a number of different trade contractors. These trade contractors are contracted to the employer but managed by a construction manager.
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)’s Construction Management Contract (JCT-CM) is designed for use on projects where separate trade contractors are appointed by the employer, with separate contractual responsibilities to construct the works. The construction manager is appointed by the employer to oversee the completion of the works in the capacity of employer’s agent. This involves issuing instructions, preparing certifications, administering contract conditions, and so on.
The construction manager 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 selection of trade contractors.
Appointing a construction manager enables some trade packages to be tendered earlier than others, and sometimes, even before the design is completed.
The design is provided by the employer, often developed by an architect or design team working on behalf of the employer.
JCT-CM comprises a range of different documents – Construction Management Appointment (CM/A), and separate Construction Management Trade Contracts (CM/TC).
This form of contracting is generally only used by experienced employers.
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