Employing a builder and a consultant
Guidance for your home improvement project
Employing a consultant such as an architect, surveyor or engineer can give invaluable help in getting the best from your project.
They can help produce designs and detailed specifications for the work, apply for planning permission and building regulations approval, and oversee the work while it is being done.
This option includes two contracts:
- A building contract to use with your builder
- A consultancy agreement to use with your consultant
The building contract in this option is for use between you and the builder, when a consultant is dealing with the builder on your behalf.
If you don't want the consultant to deal directly with the builder, the building contract in this folder will not be suitable. In this case, go to the employing a builder page for guidance and information on how JCT Homeowner Contracts can help you manage your building work.
See below for hints, tips and useful points for consideration when employing a consultant to oversee your home renovation project, and improve your home with peace of mind.
Finding the right consultant
When you are looking for people to help you with your building work you may find recommendations from friends and neighbours useful.
You can also get lists of professionals in your area from the following:
Architects
Royal Institute of British Architects
Client Services
Phone: 020 7307 3700
Surveyors
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Phone: 020 7222 7000
Finding the right builder
It is vital that you choose a good and reputable builder. You can ask the consultant to get quotations for the work and suggest a builder as part of their services. Alternatively, you can get a list of builders in your area from:
Construction Confederation
Phone: 0870 8989 090
National Specialist Contractors Council
Phone: 0844 249 5351
Arranging the consultants services
With a prospective consultant discuss:
- The nature of your building project
- Your budget
- The services you want them to provide
- Their role within the project
- Their fee
Before you sign the consultancy agreement
Go through the JCT Homeowner Consultancy Agreement with your consultant and discuss precisely what is involved in each of the stages, then agree and record them within the agreement. The consultant must also fill in the the cancellation form at the back of the agreement.
Confirm that the consultant will be dealing with the builder for you
If this is the case, the instructions about the work, or changes you want to make to it should be given to the builder by the consultant and not you.
Agree on the frequency of site visits
Agree on how often the consultant will inspect the work while it is being done.
Go through the adjudication scheme
Adjudication is a fast and relatively cheap way of settling disputes (see “If a dispute should arise”, below). Ask your consultant to go through this scheme with you.
If a dispute should arise
If you have a disagreement with your consultant that you can't settle, the agreement allows you to refer the problem to an adjudicator or to go to court.
Adjudication is also available under the building contract for any disputes between you and the builder.
If you have any disagreements while the work is being done, first try to sort them out between you before considering going to adjudication or to the courts.
If the adjudicator's decision is challenged in a court you may have to pay other costs.
Further guidance
Contact your local authority's planning and building control departments or view their website.
