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
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
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?