THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Dr Alice Lungu
PHD URBAN STUDIES (HW, UK), MSC ENV & DEV
(MAN, UK), PG DIP ENV PROTECTION (WARSAW,
POLAND), PG DIP CONST MGT (UNZA), BSC. BLDG
SCIENCE (CBU), REG Q.S., FSIZ, UNESCO Fellow.
 EXPECTED OUTCOMES

 To make students understand and interpret

the construction processes

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 CONTENTS

 Introduction
 Construction Process
– Pre-contract process
– Post-contract process
 References

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 INTRODUCTION

 The construction industry:

– Comprises loosely integrated groups and
organisations
– These may be involved in production, renewal,
alteration, repair, maintenance and design.
– Production of a construction product or facility is
done by combining land with a variety of raw
materials and semi- product components.
– The process of resources combination is similar to
that of manufacturing, i.e. some products come out
4 of the work place.
 INTRODUCTION (CONTD)
 However, construction is a unique kind of
manufacturing.
 For instance,
– Assembly of products takes place on site
– Fragmented systems;
– Fixed location;
– Unpredictable workload;
– Complex structures;
– Separation of functions;
– Dependency on several industries;
– Long production cycle
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 THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

 The construction process is divided into two

stages namely pre-contract, and post-contract:
 pre-contract
– period between feasibility studies and tender
evaluation
 post contract
– period between award of contract and/ or including
maintenance period as the case may be.

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 Pre-Contract Processes

 Briefing
 Feasibility
 Scheme design
 Production information
 Tendering
 Evaluation

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Briefing
– Developing the brief is a collaborative and evolutionary process
between client and advisers that must be carefully and
thoroughly undertaken.
– The project will meet your needs only if they are clearly
identified and understood by your team.

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Feasibility
– Establish the viability of the project in terms of:
 Site suitability
 Funding possibility
 Technical capacity

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Scheme design
– to develop the project far enough for you to be sure that it will
meet both your requirements and those of the planning
authority and any other body that needs to be consulted.

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Production information
– Contract documents
– Working drawings
– Bills of Quantities
– Specifications, etc.
– Statutory consent
– Timescales

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Tendering
– The basic structure of the bidding process consists of the
formulation of detailed plans and specifications of a facility
based on the objectives and requirements of the owner, and
– the invitation of qualified contractors to bid for the right to
execute the project
– to secure best value for money, not simply the lowest price for
the construction work.
– Either competitive or negotiated..

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 Pre-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Tender Evaluation
– Select the best evaluated bids
– Set criteria is followed

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 Post-Contract Processes

 Contract award
 Site possession
 Valuations
 Final accounts
 Site hand-over
 Maintenance

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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Contract award
– The deserving bidder is awarded the contract, which
must be executed according to the conditions and
specifications stipulated within the contract
documents, in all aspects respecting time, quality and
cost of the project.
– The contractor and the client then sign the contract as
parties to the contract, witnessed by other people.
– The contractor ensures that he receives all
documents pertaining to the contract.
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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Site possession
– Site management plan
– Risk management plan
– Monitoring the building contract
– Delays and how they are dealt with

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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Valuations
– Interim payments are prepared monthly
– Employer is obliged to make regular payments
according to contract terms.
– A percentage on every interim payment is retained
– At Practical completion
 First moiety is released to contractor in penultimate valuation
– If sectional completion
 Client takes partial possession
 DLP commences from date of possession
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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Final accounts (1)

– Once the main construction activity is over, employer
begins the process of settling accounts for the
building work.
 The process can be completed in a few weeks or take many
months, depending upon the circumstances.
– The final account brings together all the financial
issues relating to the contract and includes the
settlement of any claims made by the builder.
 The final resolution of these may require protracted
negotiation.
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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)
 Final Accounts (2)
– The issue of the final certificate has the effect of closing the right
of either party to make further claims under the contract except
in relation to defects.
– Dealing with Defects
 The builder is responsible for putting right any latent defects for a specified
period of time after practical completion.
 This is known as the 'defects liability period' and usually lasts between six to
twelve months.
– Completion of making good defects
 Final moiety of retain released to contract
– Final Account and valuation

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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Site hand-over
– Need for maintenance, regular servicing, insurance
and good management to keep building fully useable.
– Client to be given a 'manual' for the building, and
should include:
 a description of the building, usually including 'as-built' drawings information
on the materials and components used, including their care and
maintenance technical specifications and operating instructions for
equipment such as boilers, lifts and security systems.
 Client should also receive copies of all certificates of compliance, warranties
or guarantees obtained as part of the design and construction process.
Check carefully what these cover, and any conditions attached to them.

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 Post-Contract Processes (Contd.)

 Maintenance
– The future management of the building needs to be
considered well in advance of taking it over.
 How is the regular maintenance to be carried out?
 What equipment needs to be serviced?
 Who will be responsible for the building control systems?
– There will be many other such questions which have
to be answered.
– An option is to appoint a facilities manager.
– Another is to set up service contracts with separate
21 specialist firms.
 REFERENCES
 Hackett, M. and G. Statham (Eds.) 2016 The Aqua Group
Guide to Procurement, Tendering and Contract
Administration, 6e, Oxford: Blackwell.
 Ashworth, A. 2012 Contractual Procedures in the

Construction Industry, 6e. London: Routledge.

 Ramus, J., Birchhall, S. and P. Griffiths 2007 Contract

Practice for Surveyors, 4e, Oxford: Butterworth-

Heinemann.
 Seeley, I. H. 1997 Quantity Surveying Practice, 2e,

Hampshire: Macmillan.
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