Principal contract
The principle contract means is main contract between the parties named in the agreement.
A contract administrator for construction contracts, is likely to be appointed for the administration of what might be deemed as the main or principle contract and they may also be referred to as the Principle Contract Manager (PCM). In turn a sub-contractor may have a certain obligation that relates to elements of the principle contract, such as the date of practical completion of the Principle Contract Works.
A related term might be the principal contractor, which under the CDM regulations is the contractor with control over the construction phase of a project involving more than one contractor. They are appointed in writing by the client (commercial or domestic) to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during this phase.
The term a principle might be used to convey a proposition that serves as the foundation for a system, a set of behaviours or chain of reasoning. In construction terms it may be combined with a number of words to cover different areas of expertise such as prevention, proximity, precautionary, fundamental or cost principles aswell as planning or permssion that is give in principle.
[edit] External Links
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/principalcontractor.htm
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- CDM 2015.
- CDM 2015 contractor duties.
- CDM 2015 legal considerations.
- CDM 2015 principal contractor duties.
- Construction contract.
- Contract administrator for construction contracts.
- Contractual prevention principle.
- Costs principle.
- Fundamental Principle.
- Habitats of Principle Importance.
- Planning permission in principle measure.
- Planning in Principle measure.
- Permission in principle.
- Planning in principle.
- Principle of prevention.
- Proximity principle.
- Precautionary principle.
Featured articles and news
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.