Enabling works for construction
Enabling works is a generic description for site preparation works that might take place prior to work under the main construction contract.
This could include:
- Demolition.
- Site clearance.
- Tree protection.
- Diversion and/or disconnection of existing site services.
- Geotechnical and exploratory ground investigation.
- Decoupling from existing buildings.
- Decontamination.
- Ground improvement and/or compaction.
- Excavation of known below-ground obstructions.
- Survey work.
- Creation of access routes.
- Perimeter fencing and security provisions.
- Work to neighbouring buildings.
- Discharging planning conditions that must be satisfied prior to construction commencing.
- Historical architectural investigation fieldwork.
- Access ramps.
- Signage provisions.
- Provision of statutory utilities to the site.
Enabling works might be preceded by 'mobilisation' activities, carried out after the client has selected the contractor, but before works commence on site. These are preparatory activities, such as; preparing method statements, arranging road closures, placing necessary sub-contracts, and so on. See Mobilisation for more information.
NB: NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building work, defines enabling works as:
'...works executed ahead of the main building contract. Enabling works are employer and/or project team specified works, which might include a mixture of facilitating works and new building works (e.g. site preparatory works such as major demolition, removal of contaminated materials, reptile mitigation measures, and soil stabilisation; together with new sewers, new access road, new drainage, new retaining walls, and minor new building works).'
This is as opposed to facilitating works, which NRM1 defines as:
‘…all components measured and incorporated in group element 0 (i.e. Facilitating works). Includes specialist works which, normally, need to be completed before any building works can commence (e.g. major demolition works, soil stabilisation works and or temporary diversion of mains drainage).’
Advantages of having an enabling works contract:
- On site sooner.
- Can saves time and money.
- Could have a specialist contractor for carrying out that particular type of works eg. demolition.
Disadvantages:
- The cost and time to make up two separate contracts
- Process complexity involved in making up two separate contracts
- If there are two different contractors; liability and hand-over issues.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
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.