Main Contractor Explained

Evolution5 has launched a main building contractor service tailored to helping property managers and developers to manage and build construction projects.

This service manages and oversees the construction of projects with more than one contractor.

Particularly suited to complex construction projects where several sub-contractors are needed to deliver different elements of the project, a main contractor is an essential and invaluable management and coordination role, pivotal to the successful outcome of a multifaceted building project.

What does a main contractor do?

Also known as a principal contractor the appointed company manages the construction of a building project by appointing and overseeing sub-contractors to deliver different elements of the development.

They operate under a contractual agreement with the client from pre-construction to completion.

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Coordinating, managing, and overseeing the entire pre-construction and construction phases.
• Appointing and managing skilled sub-contractors to deliver specific elements of the project.
• Managing the supply chain to ensure that sub-contractors deliver on-site at the correct time in the project’s timescale.
• Solving any problems that may arise on-site or in the supply chain.
• Planning, managing, and coordinating health and safety to meet CDM regulatory requirements of the Principal Designer.
• Managing any risks associated with the site and construction.
• Liaising with the client and principal designer throughout the project.

How much does it cost?

As with all things in construction, the cost is dependent on many variables including project size, scope, location, budget, complexities, nuances, and timescales. For more information regarding costs for your project please contact one of the team for a no-obligation consultation.

Do you need a main contractor?

A main contractor is required whenever a project is going to be delivered by more than one single contractor, and specialist trades need to be subcontracted. This is likely to be the case for all but the smallest of, often domestic, construction projects.

The larger and more complex the project, the more beneficial and necessary the role of the main contractor will become.

Appointing a principal contractor

A main contractor should be appointed in the pre-construction phase of the project and manage the entirety of the project through to build completion.

Your main contractor is a fundamental part of your project so they must have the right skills and experience to manage the build efficiently, effectively, and with due diligence.

Do your research – check their qualifications and experience; seek professional advice and recommendations; arrange meetings with them to get a feel for how they work; and ask them for case studies, testimonials, and examples of their previous work and experience.

In larger and more complex building projects, a formal tendering process should be used to appoint a main contractor. This will involve preparing tender documents, a pre-qualification process to identify suitable contractors, inviting tender submissions from potential contractors, interviews and assessment of the tenders, and then appointing the most suitable contractor by forming a contract.

How Evolution5 can help

Evolution5’s main building contractor service is a demand-led addition to our long-established suite of professional services.

A CIOB Chartered Building Consultancy, we have extensive experience working as the main contractor in construction projects across a spectrum of sectors and project specifications.

Our niche expertise includes new-build and refurbished retail, petrochem refits, retail distribution centres, fit-out of shell and core retail units, residential, commercial, industrial, and insurance reinstatement works.

Our team understands the importance of quick and high-quality service to maximise revenue. We have the experience, knowledge, and connections, to apply our main contractor expertise in a wide range of construction projects across London and the south.

If you are a property owner, manager, or developer planning a build then appointing a highly reputable and experienced main contractor can save money, keep the project to budget and timescales, maximise efficiencies and value, and keep your project compliant.

To discuss how Evolution5 can help progress your project as your main contractor contact Paul Urben or Glenn Obstancias.

If you have a construction project and would like to explore how the team can help you, click the button below or call 023 8040 5073.