Introduction

• If you want the builder to carry out both the design and workmanship this is the perfect contract choice
• The builder is the first person you employ. You will approach the builder with a set of requirements and he/she will respond with proposals, detailing production and design work
• The builders design influence can vary from part to full

Employment

You employ the Builder, who then employs the:

• Architect
• Quantity surveyor
• Structural/service engineers

Roles

• The builder is responsible for carrying out the proposed work, fabricating the building and for co-ordinating and integrating the entire process

Liability

• The builder is responsible for everything, design and workmanship

Benefits

• The builder is responsible for all building and design issues that do not satisfy the documentation
• The work can begin as soon as the employers’ requirements and contractors proposals match
• Builders do not just compete on price like in traditional contracts, but also in terms of what they offer the client
• The builder is not relying on information from anywhere else, for example the architect
• The design can overlap the construction allowing an early start on site

Risks

• You should have some knowledge of construction as nobody will be working on your behalf (although you can employ an architect to work on your behalf and contribute to the design)
• Builders being responsible for both design and workmanship necessarily price higher to cover themselves from the potential risks
• The contract does not allow additional work to take place. It asks the employer to change their requirements rather than the contractor to change the design. If necessary, additional work must be carried out under a separate contract
• Only a good strategy if your requirements are very clear and unambiguous. If not it is better to employ an architect
• The builder may choose ease of fabrication over aesthetic quality
• There is a danger of quality suffering as builders compete to give the lowest price