Construction Contract Administration
We offer expert Construction Contract Administration to assist clients in dealing with the technical, legal, and procedural challenges of executing a construction contract. We serve as Contract Administrator (CA) and take control of the formal client-contractor relationship, including instructions, payments, variations, and important milestones to keep the construction process in line with the terms of the contract.
Whether you’re constructing a new commercial space, delivering a phased programme, or undertaking complex refurbishments, our role is to keep the contract on track, legally, financially, and practically. Construction projects often involve multiple teams, changing site conditions, and tight project timelines, and we’re here to manage those complexities on your behalf.
Working with developers, investors, occupiers, and public sector clients, we safeguard your contractual position, maintain accountability across the parties involved, and help ensure that all work meets statutory, legal, and quality standards.
Tom Hargreaves
Director
Paul Cartwright
Associate Director
What is Construction Contract Administration?
Contract administration is the formal role of implementing and managing a construction contract from the moment work begins on site through to final completion, and often beyond. The process typically follows standardised forms such as JCT or NEC contracts, but may also be based on bespoke agreements tailored to the needs of the client and the project.
Works on a vast array of procurement routes
We perform the role of Contract Administrator on a vast array of procurement routes and types of projects. Our duties entail issuing formal instructions, certifying interim and final payments, handling change control procedures, evaluating claims for additional time, and overseeing the progress of the project in accordance with the agreed terms.
Primary point of contact
We also maintain all formal and open communications. By acting as the primary point of contact for formal correspondence, we ensure contractual commitments are fulfilled, timelines are followed, and contract documentation is managed equitably and effectively. Successful contract administration is critical in assisting to prevent disputes, maintain control of the budget, and provide quality results.
How Construction Contract Administration Works
We usually start work after the contract is signed. At this stage, we work with your project management team to go through all the pre-start documentation so that insurance certificates, warranties, bonds, programmes, and building control approvals are all in order. This provides a clear, compliant foundation for the next stage.
During the construction, we handle all contractual communication. We provide formal instructions to the contractor, examine and certify payment applications, and monitor any scope or programme changes. Our monitoring assists all stakeholders in understanding the effect of changes on cost, time, and compliance. We're also tasked with considering and replying to any requests for time extensions or loss and expense, so that all such claims are dealt with under the contract's particular mechanisms.
On site, we track progress against the accepted programme and ensure work in progress is of the required quality. At practical completion, we confirm that the works are complete to the specified requirement, identify and manage any residual defects, and manage the closure of the contract through to the final account.
By keeping tight, organised lines of communication and by providing a clear audit trail for all contractual incidents, we minimise risks, ensure compliance, and give our clients the assurance that the project is being delivered as it should be.
When Is Contract Administration Required?
Contract administration is necessary on any project for which a formal construction contract exists and the client needs independent, expert oversight to provide assurance that the terms of the contract are adhered to. It becomes increasingly valuable on more complicated construction projects, where coordination, legal accuracy, and unbiased decision-making are imperative.
It is usually needed when a project comprises several packages or is completed in stages, when there are high risks regarding delay or performance, or when the client lacks internal personnel with the necessary experience or working knowledge of contract management. An experienced Contract Administrator is also needed when an unbiased party is required to certify payments, evaluate changes, approve extensions of time, or provide completion certificates.
We act regularly in this role on a broad range of new developments, refurbishments, infrastructure projects, and commercial fit-outs on behalf of private and public sector organisations.
Our Role in Your Project
As Contract Administrator, our role is precisely defined within the contract, but is practically wide-ranging. We are responsible for managing the day-to-day contractual procedures that help keep your project moving forward. That means issuing instructions to the contractor, monitoring progress on site, assessing and certifying payments, and administering any changes to the contract.
We also deal with extension of time analyses and offer structured assistance where problems occur that could result in claims or disputes. Our involvement guarantees that all decisions are supported by solid contractual reasoning, which serves to ensure fairness and prevent conflict among the involved parties.
Notably, we don't work in a vacuum. We liaise closely with design consultants, project managers, cost managers, legal advisers, and others to ensure that all contractual activity is integrated within the overall delivery strategy. Throughout and upon completion, we undertake defect inspections, administer rectification procedures, and issue final certificates when all contractual obligations have been met.
Being able to stay neutral while still keeping the client's interests safe fosters good relationships throughout the delivery team. It also guarantees that the project keeps moving and that the contract is always the prime agreement that governs all activities.
Contract Administration Fees
The cost of appointing a Contract Administrator depends on various factors, including the size, duration, and complexity of the project, the procurement route, the form of construction contract in use, and the level of support required throughout the build.
We tailor our fee structures to suit each client and each scheme. Whether your project is straightforward or requires intensive involvement, we can offer fixed-price agreements, percentage-based fees linked to contract value, or time-based billing for more flexible, evolving schemes.
Regardless of the pricing model, our goal is always the same: to provide clear value by helping to reduce risks, avoid disputes, and keep the project running in line with the contract, on time and within budget.
Why a Contract Administrator Matters For Construction Projects
No matter how well-designed or well-funded a scheme is, poor contract administration can cause serious problems. Without clear instructions, consistent documentation, and formal procedures, projects become vulnerable to disputes, cost overruns, programme slippage, and non-compliance with legal or regulatory frameworks.
By contrast, strong contract administration creates confidence. It ensures that the work being delivered matches what was agreed, not just in practical terms, but contractually and financially. It gives structure to decision-making, strengthens the relationships between all parties, and allows everyone involved to focus on their roles, knowing the contract is being managed properly.
Managing contracts properly doesn’t just avoid potential issues; it actively improves outcomes. Our expertise in contract administration helps clients stay in control, avoid unnecessary costs, and uphold the integrity of the construction process from start to finish.
Why Choose Anderton Gables?
At Anderton Gables, we bring a blend of legal insight, technical expertise, and commercial awareness to every contract administration role. Our team has the working knowledge and relevant experience needed to interpret complex contract documents, maintain compliance, and ensure that work is delivered according to best industry practice.
We support construction projects of all shapes and sizes, from small refurbishments to large-scale infrastructure, and we’re trusted by clients across sectors including commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, logistics, and public works. Our understanding of procurement, risk management, project planning, and change control enables us to navigate complexity and maintain control, even when challenges arise.
Above all, we are committed to delivering structured, impartial, and commercially sound contract administration. By doing so, we help ensure that your project is delivered to the right standard, on time, within budget, and in accordance with every aspect of the construction contract.