Essentially, a CM contract is one whereby the Owner enters into an arrangement for someone, often a registered builder although it is not a requirement, to manage the construction works. This is in contrast to a 'traditional' building contract whereby the Owner enters into a contract with a Builder directly.
Contract management in construction is the process of overseeing and administrating contracts between various parties involved in a construction project. It encompasses activities such as the negotiation of contract terms, monitoring compliance with agreed-upon conditions, and facilitating dispute resolutions.
It is the process of managing contracts throughout the life cycle of a project, from pre-award negotiation to post-award administration.
Exploring the key stages of the contract management lifecycle Stage 1: Contract Initiation. Stage 2: Contract Creation and Negotiation. Stage 3: Contract Approval. Stage 4: Contract Execution. Stage 5: Contract Monitoring and Management. Stage 6: Contract Renewal or Termination.
Contract management is all about managing the agreements between stakeholders – including contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers – through the course of a project. It begins with selecting or creating appropriate contracts and ends with the completion of the project to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
What is the difference between management contracting and construction management? Management contracting differs from construction management in that management contractors contract works contractors direct, whereas construction managers only manage trade contracts, the contracts themselves are placed by the client.
Some examples of Contract Management activities are: Phone calls with suppliers; Meetings with suppliers; Score carding of suppliers; Site visits; Analysing performance information; Problem solving; Benchmarking against other similar contracts/suppliers; Analysing management information.
The project manager is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the project, including overseeing contract administration activities. The contract administrator, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the contractual aspects of the project.
The best practices for effective contract management in construction include establishing clear communication and documentation procedures, regularly reviewing and updating the contract management plan, tracking project progress, and addressing issues promptly to avoid disputes.
In theory, the role of Contract Administrator can be undertaken by a range of individuals. This could include architects, engineers, building surveyors, quantity surveyors or any agent of the employer (including project managers).