Construction contract administration involves the planning, negotiation, execution and performance of the contract to ensure successful project delivery.
A good contract administrator will advise on and administer the construction contract. They will ensure project costs are managed and contractors are paid on time - avoiding disputes and facilitating successful project outcomes.
As contract administrators, we advise on the most suitable procurement approach and contract form for the proposed works, and help draft the required conditions. We are familiar with both the NZS 3910:2013 and 2023 standard contract forms.
Contract administrators ensure successful project outcomes
As contract administrators, we ensure the terms and commitments agreed in the contract are adhered to. This means projects are delivered on budget, payments are professionally managed and reported on, and any claims or disputes are addressed and resolved as they arise.
The result for you is peace of mind, knowing that all parties will honour the terms and commitments agreed in the contract. You’ll also have our expert guidance if disputes arise.
Experts in construction risk management
Successful contract administration requires early identification and management of project risks. By identifying contract terms that may be hard to follow during the works, disputes during the works can be eliminated or reduced.
Each contract will manage risk differently depending on the client’s requirements. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. This is where our experience of managing risk on construction projects is invaluable.
Our awareness of where the risks lie and each party’s obligation under the contract is key.
Appetite for risk ebbs and flows between the parties depending on market conditions, and the contract will provide for this risk allocation.
Our role as contract administrators is to understand the responsibilities of the parties to the contract and ensure we administer the agreed contract terms fairly.
Contract Administrators under NZS 3910:2023
The NZS 3910:2023 construction contract redefines the role of the Contract Administrator (CA), separating it from the Engineer to Contract role. Under NZS 3910:2023, the Contract Administrator acts as the Principal’s representative, and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the project.
A separate Independent Certifier (IC) role has been introduced to act as impartial decision-maker. The separation of these roles from a single Engineer to Contract role eliminates potential conflicts where a single person performs both roles. However, a single person can still fulfil both roles, and this is often more economically viable on smaller projects.
We can assist in the role of Contract Administrator (CA), Independent Certifier (IC), or Engineer to Contract (EtC).
Our contract administration service delivers successful project outcomes through:
- Management of project costs
- Assurance that contractors will get paid on time
- Reduced likelihood of contract disputes
- Allocation of sufficient resources
- An environment where all parties can focus on getting on with the works
- Peace of mind that all parties will adhere to the contract terms
- Help with contract disputes
- Extension of time claim analysis
