Choose the right starting point
Project outcomes depend on the relationship between scope, procurement, contract roles, cost control and inspection. The service routes set out available appointments; the guides explain common choices for clients, managing agents, employers and funders.
Questions to resolve before appointing
Use these distinctions to describe the building, the decision and the required output clearly when requesting advice.
Set the project objective and constraints
Describe the problem to be solved, the occupied-building constraints, target programme, available budget information and approvals already known. A repair programme, landlord major works project and developer-led fit-out may use different procurement and reporting arrangements even where the physical work appears similar.
Choose where design responsibility sits
Clarify what must be investigated and designed before tender, what a contractor may develop, and which specialists are needed. Procurement should follow the quality of information and the client's risk priorities. An early price obtained from an incomplete scope can conceal exclusions rather than provide meaningful cost certainty.
Allocate administration and inspection roles
Record who will issue instructions, assess payments, manage change, monitor programme, inspect workmanship and certify completion under the chosen contract. A project manager, employer's agent, contract administrator and clerk of works do not perform interchangeable functions; the appointment documents should make the interfaces explicit.
Define controls and completion evidence
Agree the reporting cycle, change authority, cost plan, quality records, testing, defects process and information required at handover. For residential major works, consultation and lease considerations also need an appropriate professional and legal route. Good governance keeps decisions attributable and prevents unresolved items disappearing between project stages.
Related professional services
Open the service that best matches the required scope and outcome.
Read the supporting guidance
These existing guides explain common choices, processes and technical distinctions in more detail.