If you’re taking out a construction contract, it may seem confusing trying to understand the various aspects these contracts contain.
It is important to understand preliminaries in order to ensure efficiency throughout your project.
What are preliminaries?
Preliminaries refers to the section in the bills of quantities which groups together items which are necessary for the contractor to complete the works.
This usually refers to items which will not be part of the final works such as scaffolding and the cost of power to the site.
It will also deal with the administration costs of a project, including legal fees associated with reviewing any contractual documents, but more importantly it is often used to calculate any potential loss and expense claims that a contractor may have. Why are preliminaries important?
Preliminaries are essential because they outline the necessary items and services needed to complete a construction project successfully.
These items and services can be easy to overlook, but they are crucial to ensure that your project runs smoothly.
For example, a construction project may require the use of scaffolding, which is necessary for workers to safely access higher areas of the building. Without this, the project could be delayed or put on hold due to safety concerns.
In addition, preliminaries also help to establish the overall cost of the project.
By including site overheads and field office costs, you can accurately estimate the total cost of the project and ensure that everyone involved in the project is aware of any additional expenses.
If you need advice on construction contracts including understanding preliminaries, contact us today.