Types of Contract Used in the Construction Industry

These contracts are useful for small areas or if you have an accurate estimate of how long it will take for the area to close. The risk is shared with the contractor and the owner. This type of contract offers more flexibility for design changes than the lump sum contract. As part of a time and materials (T&M) contract, the owner pays an agreed price based on the time spent on the project, the materials required and the rate of gain included. Like the lump sum contract, this agreement is simple and straightforward. However, T&M contracts allow for greater flexibility in material costs and take into account labor rates. They may also include a markup for materials if purchased at wholesale prices. Depending on the type of cost plus the contract, the owner may end up paying more than expected and therefore generally take a higher risk than the builder. Like Baskin Robins, there are construction contracts in a variety of different flavors, although fortunately they are significantly less than 31. Here are three of the most common types of construction contracts between owners and contractors: In a lump sum contract, the contractor delivers the project at a predefined price. The contractor provides a total price for the project instead of bidding on the results.

The agreement is relatively simple and is well suited for projects with a clearly defined scope. They are popular for simple work that does not require detailed estimates. This type of construction contract also makes it easier to manage and estimate cash flow. T&M contracts help the owner budget for total cost while reducing risk on the part of the contractor in the event of fluctuating material and labor costs. They also help prevent cost-cutting methods because the entrepreneur knows he is making a profit. With this type, the contractor offers a single fixed price for all activities within the framework of the project. The contractor is responsible for estimating the cost of the project from drawings, and then adds the overhead and their profit to determine the value of the project. In the context of a measurement (or remeasure) contract, the price to be paid for all the work is determined by means of a detailed measurement of the different parts of the work and the evaluation of the work carried out, by reference to a tariff plan included in the contract. [3] The 4th edition of the FIDIC Red Book [17] (predecessor of the 1999 Red Book) is used in some parts of the world as a post-survey contract for civil engineering works. [18] In the event of an increase in the cost of construction projects, there is a risk borne by the contractor. The entrepreneur is also rewarded with a percentage of all savings made between target and actual costs.

Costs covered by cost-plus contracts may result in direct costs (i.e. direct labour and material costs), indirect costs (i.e. office, travel and communication costs) and profits (i.e. agreed fees or surcharges). Below are the types of construction contracts typically used in construction-1 projects. Flat-rate contract2. Unit price contract3. Cost plus contract4. Cost Plus target-cost contracts, also known as reimbursement contracts, involve the owner paying the contractor for the costs incurred during the project plus a fixed amount of money for profit, which can be determined by a percentage of the total project price. The exact provisions depend on the specific form of the contract that is accepted.

For example, in the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) design and construction contract, the base date determines the allocation of risk in relation to changes in legal regulations, changes in VAT exemptions, and changes in Dayworks definitions. According to the JCT Standard Construction Contract, 2011 Edition, if there are changes to the «legal requirements» after the base date of the contract, the contractor must change the scope of services in order to comply with them. The modification is considered to be a modification for which the contractor is entitled to payment, even if no formal instructions have been given. [23] Lump sum contracts are ideal for projects with a detailed and clearly defined scope and schedule. The project design must also be completed to use this type of contract, as flexibility for changes during the construction phase is limited. As already mentioned, in this contract, the risk is transferred to the contractor. However, contractors include certain percentages of costs associated with taking on the risk and are included in the fixed price. Cons: Contractors with a guaranteed maximum price contract often build a buffer to protect themselves from cost overruns that cause the contractor to exceed the guaranteed maximum price. If there is a common savings arrangement, an entrepreneur can try to increase the maximum guaranteed price to benefit from «more» shared savings. The negotiation and administration of these contracts may take longer. Many types of construction contracts are available to meet the needs and objectives of various construction projects.

Construction projects can vary in many ways, from the type of construction work to be done to the way the payment is made. Choosing the right type of construction contract ensures that the owner and builder take into account all their concerns and specify their expectations. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the smooth running of the project. Incentive contracts require more negotiations to determine incentives. For contractors, it is important to ensure that costs and deadlines are achievable. If the terms are not clear, this may leave room for challenge. Contractors must clearly define what the realization of the incentive looks like so that there are no misunderstandings when carrying out the project. The design-build contract speeds up the process and avoids disputes between the designer and the builder. It is popular with companies that want to speed up project delivery, leverage the benefits of collaboration, and streamline processes.

Designers also have more influence in the design drawing process, which reduces the need for modifications. GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contracts set an upper limit on the contract price. With this type of construction contract, the owner will not exceed the price of the contract. All material or labor costs in excess of this price must be borne by the contractor. In this type of contract, the contractor is paid based on actual purchases, labor costs, and other expenses arising from the construction project. In principle, the contract includes all direct and indirect costs, plus a specific fee. Costs plus contracts must include a pre-negotiated amount that covers the contractor`s overhead and profits, and all costs must be described and classified as direct or indirect costs. This type of contract has many variants, and the most common are: in the lump sum contract, the complete work is carried out according to the plan and specifications by the contractor for a certain fixed amount according to the agreement. The owner provides the necessary information and the contractor charges a certain amount.

This contract is appropriate if the number of positions is limited or if it is possible to determine exact quantities of the work to be performed. Detailed specifications of all works, detailed plans and drawings, bonding, penalty, advancement and other contractual conditions are included in the agreement. Although this is a lump sum and a planned contract, the contractor will be paid at regular intervals of 2-3 months depending on the progress of the work on the basis of the certificate issued by the responsible engineer. .