Commercial
RICS Contract Administration.
Ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish with our comprehensive contract management services.
What is a Contract Administrator?
A contract administrator is a neutral third party who manages the contracts and communications with several vendors, designers, and other workmen involved in a development project. To prevent potential conflicts of interest, they are usually a third party, as they are required to act in a manner which is impartial and independent.
As a team of qualified RICS surveyors, you can rely on our wealth of experience to bring an unbiased, considered and professional approach to your project, ensuring each stage runs smoothly. We’ll liaise with your key contractors to ensure work is completed as originally agreed, and free up your time by completing a range of contracts and other legal documentation.
This service is usually conducted in conjunction with our development monitoring service, which you can use to ensure that the planned property development meets your expectations as a client; not just in terms of scope and specifications, but also process, budgets, and timelines.
What Does Our RICS Contract Administration Service Include?
Confirming services to be provided by contractors, as well as confirming timelines and the budget, and the completion of other required legal documentation.
Assisting in the drafting and agreement of the contract itself between the client and contractor.
Periodically inspecting the site and works completed, ensuring that each stage of the development process meets the requirements outlined in the initial contract.
Chairing meetings between stakeholders as and when required before, during, and after the project, plus general relationship management.
Utilising the contractual mechanisms (processes) set out within the contract to instruct additional work, account for any delays, confirm completion has or has not been satisfactorily achieved on the planned date, and to liaise with the contractor regarding any defects following completion of the work.
Arranging payments with contractors, as well as settling the final sum for the entirety of the project.
Reliable, ongoing advice from our team of RICS chartered surveyors both during and post-project completion.
Why Choose Fourth Wall?
Forget the heavy jargon and unclear advice; when you work with Fourth Wall, you’ll get a service that is tailored to you, not just in the way that you work, but also in our communications and priorities.
We’re a team known for our rigorous approach – we’ll go above and beyond throughout the duration of your project to ensure your goals are met, if not exceeded. We also understand that everyone’s requirements are unique, which is why we’ll present you with tailored solutions to enhance your project.
RICS Contract Administration FAQs
Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.
What is the Purpose Of Contract Administration?
Contract administrators play a crucial part in a construction project, and they have the important role of creating effective communication channels, completing a range of legal documentation, as well as ensuring meets the outlined scope whilst staying within budget and the assigned timeframes.
When Do I Need a Contract Administrator?
Where completing any work involving a contract, we would recommend that an independent and appropriately qualified Contract Administrator is appointed. This ensures that contractual parties are clear in their roles, your project has an accountable and qualified professional to drive it forwards, and that this is impartially managed. This also means that the contract is correctly used to ensure that both the client and the contractor can be sure that the core project goals are achieved.
What Are the Stages Of Contract Administration?
The RICS contract administration service is ongoing and doesn’t necessarily have clear stages. Typically, we’ll inspect the site and the legal documentation and contracts required before commencement.
Periodically, throughout the development project, we will re-inspect the site, meet with designers and contractors, as well as create communication lines when needed and make amends to the scope, budget, or time for completion. Post-project, we’ll ensure the project has been met in all aspects. Our professional advice will be offered throughout to all parties involved.
How Much Does a Contract Administrator Charge?
The price of a contract administrator will depend on the size and complexity of the project, and will differ depending on how the administrator takes payment. This could be by the hour, as an agreed lump sum/fixed fee, or most commonly, a percentage of the overall project fee.
What Are the Benefits Of Appointing a Contract Administrator?
Appointing a contract administrator comes with a heap of benefits, including but not limited to:
- Facilitates communication between parties, saving you time and hassle
- Manages all project documentation and quality assurance
- Can act as a mediator between client & contractor, quickly resolving issues
- Ensures that the project adheres to the contract terms, timelines, and budget
Overall, a contract administrator ensures successful and timely project completion while maintaining quality and budget control. They usually end up paying for themselves by the end of the project!
What Are the Duties Of a Contract Administrator?
A contract administrator plays a crucial role in managing the lifecycle of contracts within a construction project. The responsibilities of a contract administrator include, but are not limited to:
- Developing contracts throughout the lifecycle of the project
- Negotiating contract terms
- Ensuring that each contract is legally compliant
- Coordinate approvals and signatures acting as a liaison between parties
- Evaluate bids and proposals
- Executing the contract mechanisms throughout and following the works. These include although not exclusively; interim and final payments, extension of time reviews, completion or non-completion, and liquidated damages
Who Appoints a Contract Administrator?
A RICS contract administrator is typically appointed by the client (i.e. whoever owns the project), or by the project’s lead architect. The contract administrator is required by law to remain impartial under the contract to ensure that this is executed and performed as per the contract requirements.
Can You Be Your Own Contract Administrator?
Yes, you can legally be your own contract administrator, as there are no set qualifications needed to be appointed. However, to be a successful contract administrator, you need to be able to offer impartial judgement to avoid bias and future conflict. This is why a third party is usually appointed for this role, such as a surveyor, architect, or building consultant.
What Our Clients Say.
We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?
Ready to take the next steps?
Get In Touch With Our Team
Do you have a project coming up? Looking for professional input from a team of RICS chartered surveyors? Get in touch with our team for a complimentary contract administration consultation. We’ll tailor our property contract administration to your exact requirements, which may include a combination of a few of our services. Simply complete the contact form below, or get in touch with us via phone or email, we’ll aim to get back to you straight away!
Local Knowledge
National Coverage.
We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.
Fourth Wall // Yorkshire
Sheffield
Cubo Work, 38 Carver Street
Sheffield
S1 4FS
Fourth Wall // Midlands
Birmingham
Cubo Work, 4th Floor,
2 Chamberlain Sq
Birmingham
B3 3AX
