From roof repairs and parking garage restorations to lobby remodelling and HVAC installations, condominium construction projects always accompany a certain level of risk.
In no time at all, construction projects can get complicated, too. What duties and obligations are the owner, contractor, and subcontractor responsible for? What happens if a party fails to abide by their obligations? How will risks be shared or divided during the project? Documents and contracts endorsed by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) can help keep responsibilities organized. Here’s what you should know about CCDC documents and why you should be using them for your next construction project.
What is CCDC?
Since 1974, the CCDC has acted as a national joint committee that develops, creates and reviews shared construction contracts, forms and guidelines.
The CCDC documents are developed through a consultative process involving representatives from all construction industry divisions. The Association of Consulting Engineers Companies – Canada (ACEC), Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (Architecture Canada) are also involved with endorsing all CCDC documents. A Canadian Bar Association lawyer acts as an ex-officio committee member.
After reaching a consensus by these parties, the CCDC documents are endorsed.
Who Uses CCDC Documents?
The CCDC’s series of standard construction contracts can be used for construction projects countrywide. There are a total of 13 contract forms endorsed by CCDC, with seven of them administering the relations between owners and prime contractors. They can be divided into three categories:
General Contract – The owner assigns the prime contractor (who can sub-contract directly to any trade contractors) with the overall job duties. Certain CCDC contracts outline how the prime contractor is compensated. For example, CCDC 4, Unit Price Contract, remunerates the prime contractor on the basis of a pre-established fixed amount for each unit of work completed.
Design-build – Under CCDC 14, Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract, the owner delegates the prime contractor with overall job duties plus its design. If needed, the contractor has the ability to engage consultants to complete the required design services using CCDC 15, Design Services Contract between Design-Builder and Consultant. CCA 1, Stipulated Price Subcontract, can be used to sub-contract work out to trade contractors.
Construction Management – When an owner uses a construction manager to provide advisory, administration, and oversight services, CCDA 5A, Construction Management Contract for Services and CCDA 5B, Construction Management Contract for Services and Construction, are used to subcontract work to trade contractors.
What are the Benefits of CCDC Documents?
As Canada’s only source for recognized Canadian standard construction industry documents, CCDC’s standardized construction documents can help make your next construction project go smoothly. Build trust, simplify bidding and contracting, fairly allocate risk and feel confident using these established legal precedents. Let Canadian Design and Construction help you organize your CCDC documents during your next condominium renovation project! Contact us today to learn more about our building services.
By Sarah McKenzie
