Employers Agent
Where a Client wishes to procure a new building which is uncomplicated such as an industrial shed or a speculative office block, the most appropriate route to proceed in terms of minimising the risk of incurring additional costs is to use a D&B contract.
Under this form of contract, a building contractor is appointed to carry both the design and construction of the project and therefore should there be any problems with the building after occupation there is only one party to blame - the Contractor.
There are many variants of Design and Build contracts, for example, whether or not the design team are initially appointed by the Client to obtain planning consent and then novated to the Contractor, or whether or not the contract sum is a fixed sum or a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price). There are pro's and con's to all these options which need to be carefully considered before a decision is made.
One thing is clear, if your building is complex, if you are looking for flexibility, or you are not quite sure what is required and are likely to change the brief during the project - Design and Build may not be for you.
Our role as Employers Agent may include:
- Appraisal of sites, arrange site investigations and surveys
- Selection and appointment of Consultants
- Project definition
- Feasibility study, cost plan and cash flow
- Project Execution Plan
- Project organisation, roles and responsibilities
- Project strategy and programme
- Liaison with third parties
- Arrange applications for consents and licenses
- Implement control procedures for costs, time and quality
- Advise on contracts and warranties
- Selection and appointment of Contractors
- Risk identification and management
- Administer the building contract
- Prepare progress and financial reports
- Arrange and chair principals and project team meetings
- Issue instructions and certificates
- Manage testing, commissioning and handover
- Implement emergency call out procedures
