Client, consultant and contractor relationship

The client, consultant and contractor are the three main parties to a construction project. Cost, time and quality are controlled only when each party plays its role and the three work through clear contractual links.

          Contract              Contract
  CLIENT ------------> CONTRACTOR
    |  (owner)            ^   (builds)
    | Consultancy         | Instructions,
    | agreement           | approval, payment
    v                     | certification
  CONSULTANT -------------+
  (designs, supervises)

Role of each party

• Client (owner): defines the need and budget, arranges finance, land and approvals, appoints the consultant and contractor, pays on time and takes decisions promptly.
• Consultant: prepares the feasibility study, design, drawings, specifications, estimates and tender documents; assists in tender evaluation; supervises the work, checks quality, certifies bills and advises the client on variations and claims.
• Contractor: executes the work as per the drawings, specifications and contract within the agreed time and price; supplies labour, materials, equipment and a work programme; maintains quality and safety; rectifies defects.

Relationship for proper execution

1. The client and consultant are linked by a consultancy agreement; the client and contractor by the works contract. The consultant has no contract with the contractor but acts as the client's representative (the Engineer) under the works contract.
2. Complete, clear design and tender documents reduce variations, and so reduce cost overrun.
3. The client gives site possession, approvals and payment as per the contract, so the contractor can follow the schedule.
4. The consultant gives timely drawings, decisions and inspections; the contractor submits the programme, method statement and quality plan.
5. Regular progress meetings, reports and change-control procedures keep all three informed.
6. Disputes are resolved fairly and impartially by the contract's procedure (DAB, arbitration).

Mutual trust, communication and respect for the contract terms are the basis for completing the project within schedule and cost.