Methods used by construction companies to procure materials
Contents |
Introduction
Construction businesses employ a variety of strategies to assist the delivery of relevant materials to site, but particular issues such as budget and time management must be considered. Materials are typically ordered from the supply chain, usually from external sources with whom the team has previously worked or who are listed in the contract terms.
Procurement
A procurement team or one or more construction buyers may be in charge of product, material, plant and subcontractor procurement. They normally work for the main contractor (but on larger projects, subcontractors may have buyers as well) to ensure that supplies are delivered on time, according to specifications and within budget.
Within a specification, buyers may have different purchasing options, particularly if an architect or engineer has specified a product and included a provision enabling them to substitute another product that must meet the same requirements as the original.
Establishing the best material source is crucial. This can be based on pricing and stock availability, but the supplier's reliability will be just as important.
It is very important to review material prices on a regular basis, whether at the start of each project or every six months, to check if they are competitive with the rest of the market. The process of selecting, ordering, invoicing, paying for, and receiving the materials required to construct a project is known as material procurement .
Bidding
The practise of a contractor presenting a tender to a customer as a proposal to undertake or manage a specific construction project is known as construction bidding. The bidding procedure is critical to the success of any construction project.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been more important in the purchase of building materials in recent years, particularly because these materials represent the biggest single category of waste going to landfill and the sector is one of the top emitters of CO2.
Local governments, customers and contractors may all have an impact on procurement by requiring a certain number of recycled materials to be used. As a result, sustainable procurement evaluates value for money in terms of societal, economic and environmental advantages, as well as the buying organisation's specific requirements.
Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
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.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.