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
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
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?