Trade contractor
On construction management contracts, a construction manager is appointed on a consultancy and management basis to provide advice to the client during the pre-construction stages and then to manage the construction of the works. The works are divided into packages which are contracted to separate contractors. These contractors are referred to as trade contractors rather than sub-contractors (as they are contracted directly by the client, rather than being sub-contracted to the construction manager). The separate appointment of trade contractors should reduce the cost of contracts, as the management element is being provided by the construction manager. It also allows the advancement of some works (such as groundworks or piling) which might begin even before design of the above-ground works is complete.
Characteristics of trade contracts include:
- Trade contractors may be appointed through a single-stage procurement process, or through a two-stage process with a pre-construction services agreement for the first stage.
- Each trade contract must have its own separate practical completion certification and so they may have different defects liability periods. Certification cannot be dependent on completion of works outside of the scope of the contract. As trade contracts may be completed at different times, the construction manager must ensure that measures are in place to protect completed work from ongoing activities.
- Trade contracts (such as the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) CM/TC 2011) do not include provisions for liquidated damages, instead the trade contractor indemnifies the client's direct loss and/or expense for lateness.
- Trade contracts may allow for retention, or may include a requirement for a retention bond.
- Trade contracts should include requirements to adopt collaborative practices.
- As there is no main contractor, trade contractors should provide master programmes for their works.
- Trade contractors should be required to provide regular information in relation to key performance indicators.
- Where they carry out design, trade contractors may be required to provide as-built drawings.
Notes
- On management contracts, contractors are known as 'works contractors'.
- For a detailed description of the sequence of tasks necessary on a construction management contract, see the work plan: construction management: outline work plan.
NB A trades contractor (with an 's') is a more general term which simply refers to a contractor who undertakes a particular class of construction work, such electrical installation. See Trades contractor for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Back-to-back provisions in construction contacts.
- Collaborative practices.
- Collateral warranties.
- Construction manager.
- Construction contract.
- Contracting.
- Contractor.
- Contractors master programme.
- Main contractor.
- Management contract.
- Operative.
- Procurement route.
- Sub-agent.
- Sub-contractor.
- Trade body.
- Types of contractor.
- Works contractor.
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeship announcement by the Prime Minister
Welcomed but with call for more actionable detail.
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.