How we work
At Parker Building, we prefer to work with our clients under an ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) contract.
This approach demonstrates client commitment and allows us to invest the necessary time to prepare your project for a seamless build.
What is an ECI Contract?
An ECI Contract (Early Contractor Involvement) in residential building is a collaborative project delivery approach where the builder is engaged early in the design and planning stages, before construction begins. This method fosters a partnership between the builder, client, and often the architect or designer, to ensure the project is well-planned and cost-efficient.
Here’s how it works:
Key Features of an ECI Contract:
Early Collaboration:
The builder is involved during the pre-construction phase, providing insights on feasibility, costs, materials, and construction methods.Transparent Budgeting:
Costs are discussed upfront, helping to avoid unexpected expenses later in the project.Efficient Project Planning:
Design decisions and timelines are optimized through the builder’s expertise, reducing delays and complications during construction.Client Commitment:
Clients demonstrate their commitment to the project, giving the builder confidence to invest time in quoting and planning.
Benefits of an ECI Contract in Residential Projects:
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Customised Solutions:
Ensures the design aligns with the client’s vision while staying within budget.
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Improved Communication:
Encourages a transparent & collaborative relationship between all parties.
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Reduced Risk:
Identifies potential challenges early, minimizing costly changes during construction.
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Faster Start to Construction:
Pre-construction planning streamlines the transition to the building phase.
ECI
(Early Contractor Involvement)
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The builder is engaged early during the design phase.
Collaborates with the client and architect to refine designs, optimise costs, and plan construction.
Formal pricing and contracts are finalized after pre-construction planning.
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Builder input ensures practical, cost-effective designs.
Reduces risk of unexpected costs or delays during construction.
Encourages a collaborative relationship between the client, architect, and builder.
Ideal for complex or high-end projects requiring detailed planning.
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Clients commit to a builder before finalising costs, which may feel like a leap of faith.
Typically doesn’t encourage competitive pricing between builders.
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Complex or bespoke projects where collaboration and precision are critical.
Tender
Process
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The client (or architect) prepares detailed plans and specifications.
Builders submit competitive quotes based on the provided documentation.
The client selects a builder, often based on cost and capability.
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Encourages competitive pricing, potentially lowering costs.
Gives clients a clear view of costs from multiple builders upfront.
Works well for straightforward projects with clear, finalised designs.
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Limited builder input during the design phase, which can lead to design inefficiencies or unforeseen construction challenges.
Can result in higher variation costs if documentation is incomplete or changes arise.
Builders may provide lower initial quotes to win the tender but increase costs later through variations.
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Projects with fully completed designs where cost control is the primary focus.
Key Differences
Aspect
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Timing of Builder Engagement
Builder’s Role
Cost Certainty
Client Commitment
Project Complexity
ECI Approach
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Early, during the design phase
Collaborate in design and cost optimisation
Transparent budgeting with reduced variations
Required early in the process
Ideal for complex or high-end builds
Tender Process
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After design completion
Submit quote based on provided documents
Competitive pricing but higher variation risk
Minimal until the contract is signed
Suitable for straightforward projects
