ABSTRACT
One of the most important tasks facing a client when embarking on a scheme of construction work must involve making the correct choice of contractor for the project and to enable him to do this a number of different methods are available to suit a variety of circumstances, the most common system of contractor selection utilising the traditional bill of quantities which together with a number of corresponding drawings can be used to generate competition between rival contractors in order to obtain keen prices. However, whilst this method is perhaps the most common, there are many instances of where such a system cannot be used nor would it be in the client's best interests in all cases to follow the traditional path even if it were feasible. The correct choice of the method employed in selecting a suitable contractor and the contractual arrangements to be adopted is of vital importance if the client is to obtain the best value for money in the light of the particular circumstances surrounding his project. Each contract is unique and is worthy of careful individual consideration with the 'traditional' method chosen only where an alternative system cannot be seen to give the client a better deal, and to this end heavy reliance will be placed upon the expert professional advice of the architect and quantity surveyor.
