Contractor's master programme
Contracts may require that the contractor provides a master programme for the construction of the works as soon as possible after the execution of the contract, if it has not been previously provided. However, as it is produced after the execution of the contract, the programme does not impose any obligation on the contractor beyond those obligations imposed by the contract documents.
For clarity, the contract documents should specify the level of detail required by the contractor's master programme, which may include critical paths and other information allowing the contract administrator to interrogate the programme and properly assess its implications.
The contract administrator may comment on the contractor's master programme but should not approve it, as approval might be considered to relieve the contractor of liability for programming the works in such a way as to achieve the completion date.
In making any comments, the contract administrator may wish to consider whether the master programme properly reflects the requirements of the contract (such as the inclusion of the appropriate milestones), whether it contains errors and whether it will make unrealistic demands on the consultant team to produce or comment on information.
The programme may be used as the baseline for a claim for an extension of time by the contractor, and the contractor is generally required to update the master programme as the works proceed to reflect any extensions of time that have been granted.
Under the NEC (The New Engineering Contract): Engineering and Construction Contract, requirements regarding the preparation of the contractor's programme are more specific, and upon acceptance it becomes the ‘accepted programme’ for the works.
There is "...nothing in the (JCT) contract that obliges the contractor to have a master programme." [ref Chappell, D. (2014). The JCT Standard Building Contract 2011. 1st ed. John Wiley and Sons Ltd., p.100]. The contractor merely has to provide it if they have created one, although it could be argued that on any sizeable contract it would be virtually impossible to complete the project without a master programme.
NB: The completion date indicated on the contractor's master programme may be earlier than the completion date entered into the contract.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accepted programme.
- Activity schedule.
- Baseline programme.
- Construction contract.
- Contractor.
- Contract administrator.
- Contract documents.
- Contract programme
- Contractor's working schedule.
- Design programme.
- Extension of time.
- How progress is agreed in construction.
- How to manage construction plant.
- Information release schedule.
- Milestones.
- NEC3.
- Programme.
- Programme for building design and construction.
- Programme consultant.
- Progress of construction works.
- Project crashing.
- Request for information.
- Scheduling construction activities.
- Short period programme.
- Tender works programme.
- Time-location chart.
- Time management of construction projects.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.