When an owner decided to construct a new building or renovate existing property, the owner need to prepare a document for how work will be done and other parts of the construction project. Each construction project should have contained essential documents that typically compose part of every construction contract. Many type of construction documents can be used during the design and construction. Here we list ten essential contract documents for every construction project.
1. Contract Agreements and Contracts
The agreement to be used by the contracting officer (owner) and the contractor.The essential part of the contract documents.
2. Statement of Work (SOW)
A solid scope will be helpful during the bidding process and later on during the construction sequence. A well-defined scope will be used to determine the amount of work needed to complete the work.
3. General Conditions
This contract document will define the obligations and rights on how to execute the project. Overhead costs, what to claim and your rights must be included in this portion of the contract.
4. Special Conditions
This is usually an extension of the contract and to the general conditions. This part must specify specific conditions and clauses to each particular project or job. Pay special attention to specific instructions and requirements on how to perform the work.
5. Bill of Quantities
This is formed by the list of diverse trades, and materials included that form part of the construction. Sometimes this document is not required by the contracting officer.
6. Drawings
All set of drawings that form part of the job to be performed. These drawings are usually the latest drawings and must be received by the contractor prior to the date of commencement. It must include all drawings from consultants and will constitute the entire project being contracted.
7. CSI MasterFormat Outline
The technical requirement to complete, execute and/or perform every little task or material being incorporated in the construction projects. It will add intelligence to the construction drawings; specify common standards, deviations accepted, materials accepted and the required testing for all materials. Usually, specifications are made by referencing construction standards and codes.
8. Creating Construction Schedule
The construction schedule is an important piece of the document. In this part, the contracting office will know how and when the project will be completed.
9. Costs in the Construction Industry
Breakdown of all items being incorporated in the construction project.
10. List of Common Types of Construction Insurance
This part will be an essential part of the contracting officer, since, it will provide the guarantee to the owner that the contractor has the means and the economic backup to perform the construction contract.