Construction contracting
[edit] Introduction
Contracting is the activity of constructing a building (or some other type of built asset) in accordance with a pre-agreed set of requirements, regardless of whether these are verbal or expressed as drawings, specifications and formal contracts.
An individual or company that contracts in this way is described as a ‘contractor’, but may also be called a general contractor, main contractor, building contractor and so on. Irrespective of the name, the activities they undertake will go under the umbrella term ‘contracting’. The term contracting derives from the fact that there is usually a contract involved in the process, particularly for large projects; the builder ‘contracts’ to fulfilling a set of tasks to the satisfaction of the client.
For domestic and other small jobs, the term builder or housebuilder is more often used and, in such cases, it is possible (although inadvisable) that there may not be a formal written contract other than a specification of what is to be carried out or a verbal agreement.
[edit] What contracting may involve
Depending on the type of procurement route that is being followed, contracting in the construction sense can involve the following:
- Being answerable to a client, or else to the client’s representative (such as an architect or engineer);
- Performing the role of general manager of a construction project;
- Responsibility for the completion and overall coordination of the project;
- Responsibility for providing the materials, labour and equipment necessary for constructing the project;
- Appointing sub-contractors where necessary and being responsible for their work;
- Responsibility for on-site health and safety;
- Providing advise to the design team at an early stage of the design process (early contractor involvement (ECI)). Sometimes the contractor may have responsibility for undertaking design activities for some or all of the project.
- Obtaining relevant permissions;
- Providing temporary utilities on site;
- Securing the site;
- Managing site personnel;
- Construction waste disposal and recycling;
- Monitoring schedules and cash-flows;
- Keeping accurate records.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appointing consultants.
- Client.
- Construction contract.
- Construction manager.
- Contract administrator.
- Contract conditions.
- Contractor.
- Design management.
- Design quality.
- Design, build, manage contractor.
- Early contractor involvement.
- Major project construction contract.
- Management Building Contract.
- Management contract: outline work plan.
- Management contracting - pros and cons.
- Managing the procurement process.
- Procurement route.
- Temporary works.
- Tender documentation.
- Tender.
- Trade contractor.
- Traditional contract - pros and cons.
- Traditional contract: outline work plan.
- Types of contractor.
- Works contractor.
- Two-stage tender.
- Variations.
Featured articles and news
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.