Module B1 Study Book - the Graduate School of the Environment

latter of these two options and it is not unusual for a scheme to be
altered massively at this stage.
• Sometimes the client may be unhappy about the length of time for the
works included in the tenders and again this may affect the original
building design.
Procurement
Relationship between client
& consultants
Relationship between client
& contractor
• The type of procurement system can have a major impact on a project
in terms of the way it is carried out from inception to completion. It sets
out the contractual and functional relationships between firstly, the
client and the consultants and secondly, the contractor, consultants
and the client.
• Criteria to be affected by procurement are: ‘time’ in terms of economy
and certainty; ‘cost’ in terms of economy and certainty; ‘control’ in
terms of apportionment of risk; and ‘quality’ in terms of in design and
construction.
• The choice of procurement system will be affected by the above
criteria along with the size and complexity of the project. There
are many different types of systems: the most common are set out
below:
• Traditional Procurement: The contractor is responsible for executing
the works in accordance with production information. All production
information is complete prior to works on site. Advantages are cost
certainty and quality control. Disadvantages are that the process is
both lengthy and inflexible.
• Design and Build (D&B): An outline scheme is provided by consultants
and then the contractor takes over and is responsible for both detailed
design and construction. Advantages are the involvement of the
contractor at an early stage in the project and a less onerous and a
less expensive tender process. Disadvantages are a limited role for
the architect and reduced control over design quality.
• Construction Management: The Construction Manager is responsible
for coordinating the design team and administering a number of trade
contracts. Work begins on site as soon as possible to enable the first
128 Lecture: Gettinf Something Built 2