The stages of work for a construction project are summarised in the table produced by the Royal Institute of British Architects in the resources section below.
Although these are the main common stages of the process it can vary based on the nature of the project:
- Size and complexity - this will affect some elements such as the professionals involved, the fees that are payable and the type of contract used. This may vary depending on the type of asset involved, the organisation driving its development and any special requirements (some may want training provision in their building contract for example). Some larger projects may require a specific procurement process under European rules and limits and others may need a dedicated project manager who can also act as the Employers Agent or Clerk of Works during the contract stage.
- Availability of resources - projects may have to be phased to accommodate the resources available. Many projects combine the initial stages of inception and feasibility with the production of a report - to be used as the basis for securing further resources to develop and implement the project in detail - so there may be delays between stages as funding is secured.
Construction Professionals
Fees for professionals involved in the process will vary considerably and are often based on the overall value of the contract for the project. All the fees involved are negotiable, and can be based on lump sums, time charges or percentages of the contract sum. Not all the professionals listed are involved in all projects depending on their scale and complexity and the nature of construction involved (new build or refurbishment).
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Professionals involved in construction and development of land and buildings |
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Profession |
Role |
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The Architect |
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The Quantity Surveyor |
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Planning Supervisor |
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Structural Engineer |
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Mechanical & Electrical Services Engineer |
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Landscape Architect |
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Employers agent, project manager, Clerk of Works |
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The Contract
The type of contract used in a project is an important decision for any client and their advisors. Different contract types provide differently for factors such as:
- Cost certainty - whether they need to be firmly fixed before starting construction
- Client involvement - whether the client is able or willing to be closely involved with the project
- Clarity of remedies if things go wrong - who bears what responsibilities
- Dealing with complexity - whether the works are large scale or particularly specialised
- Capacity for variations/flexibility - particularly if some aspects of the design cannot be decided in detail by the client
- Separation of design and management It will be important for an organisation taking on the client role to seek specific guidance on the type of contract best suited to their project.
