Frequently Asked Questions

Tendering in the construction industry is the process of requesting and receiving a price for a specific scope of work. The tendering process helps ensure true competition based on the same selection criteria.

Subcontractor agreements outline the responsibilities of each party, to ensure that if a claim were to arise, the responsible party is accountable. A subcontractor agreement provides protection to the company that hired the vendor or subcontractor by transferring the risk back to the party performing the work.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

A subcontract is a separate contract entered into by a party (main contractor) to a contract (main contract) under which they agree with another person (the subcontractor) that the subcontractor will perform their obligations under the main contract in return for consideration of some kind.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Item description from the seller. NEC4: A User's Guide is a fully updated new edition of the essential book focused on working successfully with the NEC suite of contracts. It covers how the NEC family of contracts fit together, good practice prior to, and following award of the contract in the crucial first months.

A construction contract typically includes five key elements: an offer, acceptance of that offer, consideration (usually the payment terms), mutual intent to enter into a binding agreement, and legal capacity of the parties involved. These elements ensure that the contract is enforceable and outlines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.

The NEC (New Engineering Contract) core clauses cover key areas such as general obligations, the contractor's main responsibilities, time, testing and defects, payment, compensation events, title, risks and insurance, and termination. These clauses form the foundation of the contract, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities, and managing risks and changes effectively. Understanding these clauses helps subcontractors align with project requirements and manage their obligations efficiently.

The New Engineering Contract (NEC) is a series of contracts designed to manage any project from start to finish. The contracts are written in plain English with a straightforward structure and are designed to be easily understood. NEC contracts aim to prevent costly disputes.

A bid is an offer made by a subcontractor to undertake work for a specified price, often submitted in response to a request for proposals. A tender is the formal process through which bids are invited, evaluated, and a contract is awarded. Essentially, a bid is the proposal itself, while a tender is the process of soliciting and selecting that proposal.

External Tender Portal Sources: Including Gov.uk, Contracts Finder, Find a Tender Service, and TED (Tenders Electronic Daily), providing access to government and public sector contracts at national and European levels.

In the UK, the four main types of construction contracts are lump sum, cost-plus, time and materials, and unit price contracts. Each type has different payment structures and risk allocations, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your project's needs and your company's capabilities. Understanding these differences can help you manage costs and expectations effectively.

A tender in construction is a formal offer submitted by a subcontractor to carry out specific work at a set price. It involves providing detailed costs and timelines for a project, allowing the main contractor to evaluate and compare bids. The tender process helps ensure that the project is completed efficiently and cost-effectively.

A valid contract generally requires an offer, acceptance, consideration, mutual intent to be bound, capacity, legality, and certainty of terms. These elements ensure that the agreement is enforceable and both parties understand their obligations. It's important to ensure all these aspects are covered to avoid disputes.

Do subcontractors have to sign a contract? By law, you don't need a signed agreement to work with subbies long-term. However, as we've already highlighted, there are plenty of benefits to having one. Ideally, you should get your subbies to sign the contract.

Understanding these 5 elements of contract law—offer, acceptance, consideration, legal capacity, and lawful purpose—ensures that your agreements are legally binding and enforceable.

To create a contract for a subcontractor, clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and responsibilities. Ensure both parties agree on terms such as health and safety requirements, insurance, and dispute resolution. It's advisable to use a standard contract template as a starting point and adapt it to your specific needs.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

To prepare a construction bid, start by thoroughly reviewing the project specifications and requirements. Calculate your costs, including materials, labour, and any subcontractor fees, and add a reasonable profit margin. Ensure your bid is clear, competitive, and submitted by the deadline, highlighting your experience and ability to meet the project's needs.

5 steps in construction bidding The construction bidding process is broken down into five key steps: bid solicitation, bid submission, bid selection, contract formation, and project delivery.

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Overview of the 3 main types of bidding

Tender and subcontract questions often depend on the specific documents and amendments in your pack. As a practical approach, confirm payment terms, scope boundaries, programme constraints, change control, insurance, and liability allocation—and raise clarifications before pricing.

Once you accept your bid: You officially become a new member. You'll start attending events, meetings, and education sessions. You'll get a Big Sister (mentor) and start forming deep bonds.