Target cost for construction
Target costs are generally associated with cost-reimbursable contracts. They introduce a mechanism enabling the contractor, and sometimes the consultant team, to share in the benefits of cost savings, but also to bear some of the client's cost when there are cost overruns. Contracting the contractor and the consultant team on a target cost basis can be an effective way of ensuring good collaboration.
The target cost is set early in the project, and then cost savings or over-runs are shared based on an agreed formula. The aim is to provide a financial incentive encouraging cost control, rather than to penalise. Bonus and penalty payments are usually capped to prevent over-zealous or adversarial behaviour.
Target costs might be set for the overall project, or for specific elements of the works. Agreeing the target cost requires that the client has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to accurately estimate the likely cost of the works and to negotiate effectively with the contractor and sometimes the consultant team.
Examples of target cost contracts include the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Engineering and Construction Contracts Option C: Target contract with activity schedule and Option D: Target contract with bill of quantities.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bill of quantities.
- Construction contract.
- Contract condition.
- Contract sum.
- Cost-reimbursable contract.
- Disallowed cost.
- Fast-track construction.
- Fixed price contract.
- Force account work.
- Guaranteed maximum price.
- Lump sum contract - pros and cons.
- New Engineering Contract.
- Open-book accounting.
- Procurement route.
- Target contract.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
This article examines the changing policy commitments and evolving definitions of the zero carbon home.
Researchers believe they may have created a 'game-changing' new form of concrete using graphene.
Grouting refers to the injection of materials into a soil or rock formation to change its physical characteristics.
Part of Designing Buildings Wiki, BREEAM Wiki will advance knowledge sharing for the BRE family of sustainability tools.
Iron, glass and wood underfoot
From the decorative to the utilitarian, and from the photographed to the forgotten.
New BRE book considers the progression from project-based knowledge creation to whole-life urban knowledge management.
This CIOB article explores the concept of value in building design and construction.
BREEAM and Measurabl announce integration to improve the financial performance of commercial real estate.
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners' release new images of soon-to-open 3WTC tower in New York.
A document can be called a bond or a guarantee. Does the name matter and what is the difference between them?
New briefing note is launched focusing on increasing knowledge of housing that promotes health and wellbeing.
Arbitration is a private, contractual form of dispute resolution used in the construction industry.