Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 237
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Stage 5 > Construction
5.1
Core Objectives
Stage 5 comprises contractor mobilisation and construction
activities. It also encompasses offsite manufacturing.
In the strict sense of the term, mobilisation is likely to be mainly
the responsibility of the appointed contractor. However, an
architect acting as the project lead can do much at this stage to
see that the contract is properly set up from the outset.
Contract documents have to be prepared and the Building
Contract should be signed before work on site commences.
There will need to be an exchange of information between
the architect and the contractor, and confirmed agreement on
procedures to be followed.
The client will enter into the Building Contract as the employer,
and the site given into the possession of the contractor so that
work may proceed as programmed. The employer, contractor
and relevant consultants will need to be advised on their
respective responsibilities under the Building Contract.
The contractor must have reasonable time to mobilise resources.
Employer and contractor insurances for the construction period
will need to be put in place and checked. Site inspectorate will
need to be appointed and briefed. Arrangements should be
made for the formal initial project team meeting, sometimes also
referred to as the pre-start or pre-contract meeting.
The architect may be nominated as the contract administrator.
The terms of the Building Contract bind only the parties
themselves, i.e. the employer and the contractor; they do not
place contractual obligations on the architect. Nevertheless,
should the architect as contract administrator fail in the
procedural duties set out, for example not issuing a certificate as
required, this could constitute a breach of contract on the part
of the employer against whom the contractor may be able to
claim losses. It is therefore important that the architect’s contract
for professional services reflects accurately their role under the
Building Contract.
With traditional procurement, the contractor normally
undertakes to carry out and complete the works in accordance
with the Building Contract, to proceed regularly and diligently,
to complete by the agreed completion date and to comply with
instructions empowered by the Building Contract.
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