JCT Design and Build Contract
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) Design and Build Contract (DB) is intended for use on construction projects following the design and build procurement route. This involves appointing a main contractor to design (or complete the design) of the project and then to go on and construct it. This is as opposed to the traditional procurement route in which the client appoints consultants to design the project and then a contractor is appointed to construct it.
Design and build gives a single point of responsibility for delivering the entire project, and can help ensure good buildability, cost control and speed. Some clients however, consider it is only appropriate for simple projects, where retaining control over the design is not the main priority.
The scale and complexity of design and build projects can vary considerably, but the DB contract is generally suitable for projects where a detailed agreement is required, making provision for collaborative working, sustainability, advance payment, third party rights, bonds, collateral warranties and so on.
The 2016 edition of the contract includes the following documents:
- Design and Build contract guide (DB/G).
- Design and Build sub-contract agreement (DBSub/A).
- Design and Build sub-contract conditions (DBSub/C).
- Short form of sub-contract (ShortSub): For small-scale subcontract works that are simple and involve low risk.
- Sub-subcontract (SubSub).
- Design and Build sub-contract guide (DBSub/G).
- Design and Build contract (DB) Tracked Change Document: Highlights the changes between the DB 2011 and 2016 editions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Construction contract.
- Construction management contract.
- Design and build.
- Design and build - pros and cons.
- Intermediate building contract.
- JCT.
- JCT minor works building contract.
- JCT Sub-subcontract.
- Major project construction contract.
- Management Building Contract.
- Prime cost contract.
- Standard Building Contract.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Comments
If the design build contractor is the actual designer and is responsible to procure the materials but not required to build. Can he change the material prices after signing the contract
What does the contract say - does it allow them to change prices? eg are fluctuations allowed?