Why Contractors Should Be Involved Before Tender

In a standard “fixed price” tender, contractors are often given a set of drawings and 4 weeks to provide a price. Without the opportunity to investigate the building fabric, contractors must include significant contingencies or look for variations once the project starts to maintain their margin.

The Benefits of ECI (Early Contractor Involvement)

By engaging The Bloomsbury Group before the formal tender, we provide a “reality check” for the design team:

1. Pricing Validation: We provide real-time market testing with subcontractors. If a specification is driving the cost over budget, we suggest Value Engineering alternatives before the design is finalized.

2. Identifying “Information Gaps”: Architects focus on intent; we focus on execution. We identify missing details—such as complex junctions or temporary works requirements—that would otherwise lead to delays on-site.

3. Lead-Time Management: We identify long-lead items (e.g., bespoke joinery, structural steel, or specialist MEP equipment) and secure them early to ensure the programme remains on track.

4. Buildability Reviews: We assess whether the proposed design can actually be built within the site’s physical constraints, such as narrow access in Brighton or noise restrictions in live hotels.

Bridging the Gap Between Design and Delivery

As a firm with surveying roots, we speak the language of the professional team. We aren’t just looking for work; we are looking to ensure the project is viable. When we are involved early, the transition to the Principal Contractor role is seamless because we already own the risks we helped identify.

Our Approach: We advocate for the PCSA route (Topic 8) as the vehicle for this involvement. This transparent, fee-based service ensures that the client’s interests are protected and that the eventual construction contract is based on facts, not assumptions.

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