Service 06
Contract superintendence
Once building starts, the contract needs to be administered fairly, promptly and by the book. As Superintendent, I keep it on track through to practical completion and the end of the defects period.
What’s included
The contract, administered by the book.
Progress claims
Assess and certify claims within the contract and Security of Payment timeframes.
Variations
Assess, value and direct variations, and keep a clear register of every change.
Extensions of time
Assess delay claims against the contract and the program.
Site meetings & inspections
Regular meetings and site inspections, with minutes and actions recorded.
Directions & RFIs
Issue directions and manage requests for information with the design team.
Practical completion
Inspect the works, list defects and certify practical completion when it’s genuinely reached.
Defects liability
Manage defect rectification through to the final certificate and release of security.
Reporting
Regular reports on cost to complete, program and emerging risks.
How it works
From site possession to final certificate.
- 01
Mobilise
Check security and insurances, agree the program and set up meetings and registers.
- 02
Administer
Claims, variations, delays and directions, handled within the contract’s timeframes.
- 03
Complete
Inspect, list defects and certify practical completion with handover documents in hand.
- 04
Close out
Manage the defects period, then issue the final certificate.
What you receive
A complete record of construction.
Every claim, change and certificate documented — the record you need if anything is ever disputed.
- Payment certificates and schedules
- Variation and extension registers
- Site meeting minutes
- Regular construction reports
- Certificate of practical completion
- Defects list and final certificate
Questions
Common questions.
What does a Superintendent actually do?
The Superintendent administers the building contract: acting for you on directions and instructions, and assessing claims and issuing certificates honestly and fairly, as the contract requires.
Why do payment timeframes matter so much?
In NSW, Security of Payment legislation sets strict deadlines for responding to payment claims. Miss one and you can become liable for the full amount claimed.
Can you take over part-way through construction?
Yes. Start with a review of the contract, claims and correspondence to date, then take on administration from there.
Talk through your project.
A short conversation is the best place to start — no obligation.