General contractor's liability in modular versus traditional construction

General contracting involves the comprehensive execution of the work involved in the construction of a property - from the preparation of the cost estimate to the finishing work. What exactly is the responsibility of a general contractor? What is the difference between constructing buildings using the traditional method and using prefabricated elements? Find the answers in our article!

What is the implementation of the investment in traditional construction?

Building technology is developing rapidly. Every year, new solutions are developed to improve the comfort and safety of users. This generates the need to involve many specialised companies. In order to efficiently manage the entire investment, it is necessary to coordinate the various stages of work on an ongoing basis. This is most often done by a general contractor, who acts on behalf of the investor. His tasks include, among others:

• development of cost estimates,
• analysis of project documentation,
• supervising the works,
• respecting and updating established schedules,
• cost optimisation,
• risk assessment, monitoring and control,
• preparation of as-built documentation.

Although the general contractor draws up a cost estimate, taking many elements into account, there are some things he cannot predict. Rising inflation, unreliable service providers, problems with the availability of resources, construction errors - these are just some of the factors that affect fees and completion times. To avoid additional expenses, it is a good idea to include details of any changes to the price list in the contract.
Why rely on general contracting for modular construction?

With prefabricated houses, cooperation with subcontractors is kept to a minimum. Responsibility for all stages of the work rests with the selected company, which is also the general contractor. Modular construction therefore reduces the time involved in erecting buildings and eliminates the risk of unforeseen situations.

Modular construction makes use of modern engineering solutions. The manufactured elements are distinguished by high thermal insulation, excellent acoustics and have fire protection. They meet the requirements of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 12 April 2002 on the technical conditions of buildings. Importantly, most of the work takes place in a closed production facility, under controlled conditions and in accordance with established procedures. At the project site, only the individual components are connected, the necessary installations are set up and the façade and insulation are installed.

It is worth emphasising that the contractor's responsibilities do not differ from those of a general contractor in a traditional construction system. Companies specialising in prefabrication deal with the drafting of the design, production of the modules, preparation of the foundations, transport and assembly of the finished parts. They also carry out the final acceptance and procedural documents.
Advantages of general contracting in a modular construction system
Investors appreciate the advantages of modular construction and general contracting for:

Consistency at every stage of implementation

Implementation is entrusted to one company, which ensures consistency. At the start of cooperation, the client is provided with a precise timetable taking into account the technical requirements adapted to the type and purpose of the building.

Saving time in supervising the work

As more than 90 per cent of the activities take place in the production hall, there is no need to keep an eye on the construction site. As a result, the developer does not need to spend time monitoring the progress of the work.

Less stress

The absence of the need for constant supervision, the reduction of the role of subcontractors to a minimum, the use of modern and proven technologies - these are elements that reduce the risk of unforeseen situations.

Timeliness

The modules are manufactured according to defined and repeatable procedures, so that module production times are predictable. The builder does not need to fear that the work will be delayed.

Very good communication

The advantages of modular construction also include the transparency of operations and good contact with the client. The client receives ongoing reports on the work carried out.

Low risk of execution errors

Prefabrication technology involves repetition and the work takes place under controlled conditions and under the guidance of specialised personnel. This minimises the risk of errors.

Predictability of costs

Refined technologies and the absence of subcontractors make the price of the investment predictable and unchanging.