Understanding the most common procurement route in construction is essential for anyone involved in the construction industry, from project managers to business owners. At Contract Rite, we specialise in providing top-tier procurement support to businesses large and small across the UK. This guide will help you to navigate the complexities of procurement, focusing particularly on the most used method in construction projects: the traditional procurement route.
What is Traditional Procurement?
Traditional procurement, commonly known as design-bid-build, stands as the predominant procurement route in construction projects worldwide. This is a sequential approach which is highly suited to projects that can benefit from clearly defined stages and detailed upfront planning.
The Steps of Traditional Procurement
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Project Inception
Objective Setting: Defining the project’s scope, goals, and objectives.
Feasibility Studies: Conducting preliminary assessments to verify the project’s viability.
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Design Phase
Appointment of Consultants: Choosing skilled architects, engineers, and other consultants to create the project design.
Schematic Design: Developing and refining initial design ideas.
Detailed Design: Producing comprehensive drawings and specifications for contractor bidding.
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Tendering Process
Preparation of Tender Documents: Creating detailed specifications, drawings, and contract conditions.
Contractor Selection: Soliciting and evaluating bids to select a contractor based on price, experience, and capacity.
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Construction Phase
Contract Awarding: Officially awarding the contract to the chosen contractor.
On-site Construction: Executing the physical construction under the watchful eye of the project management team.
Quality Control: Ensuring compliance with the design specifications through continuous oversight.
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Completion and Handover
Snagging: Addressing and rectifying any issues prior to final handover.
Final Handover: Delivering the completed project to the client, ensuring all contract stipulations are met.
Post-Construction Review: Evaluating the project’s success to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.
Advantages of Traditional Procurement
Clear Accountability: Distinct separation of design and construction phases for better clarity and accountability.
Quality Assurance: Contractors are provided with detailed specifications upfront, enhancing the quality of the final outcome.
Budget Management: With designs finalised prior to bidding, project costs are more predictable and manageable.
Challenges of Traditional Procurement
Time-Consuming: The need to complete each phase before the next can extend the overall project duration.
Inflexibility: Post-contract changes can be expensive and complex to implement.
Dependence on Design Clarity: Project success is heavily reliant on the initial clarity and completeness of the design and documentation.
Working with Contract Rite
Delivering a successful construction project on time and within budget requires skill and industry insight. Working with Contract Rite, you get to benefit from our rare combination of legal and construction experience and expertise. With our focus on your project, we can help you navigate potential pitfalls which, without support, often result in delays and unforeseen additional costs.
Getting the right support
The traditional procurement route in construction remains the preferred choice due to its structured framework, which clearly defines each phase, allowing for focused and specialised management. Although it presents certain challenges like potential delays and a lack of flexibility, the benefits typically outweigh these issues, making it particularly effective for projects requiring meticulous attention to detail.
For businesses aiming to master the intricacies of construction procurement, partnering with an experienced advisor like Contract Rite can be invaluable.
Changes to the Procurement Process
Did you know that in October 2024 changes are due to be made to current procurement processes? Take a read of our blog entitled: The Procurement Bill.
Get in touch
For more information and specialised support and advice, get in touch with our expert team at Contract Rite today. Tel: 01780 243 127 or email: consultants@contractrite.com