In the context of residential projects in the UK, it is common practice for contractors to charge an attendance fee when clients supply fixtures and fittings or subcontract certain areas of work. This fee, known as the attendance fee, serves multiple purposes and helps ensure the smooth execution of the project.
The attendance fee covers the contractor's time and expenses associated with overseeing and coordinating the work performed by subcontractors or the installation of client-supplied items. It compensates the contractor for their presence on-site, ensuring that the subcontractors adhere to the project requirements and coordinate the installation of client-supplied fixtures and fittings. This involvement is crucial for maintaining quality standards and ensuring that the project progresses efficiently.
One important aspect to consider is compliance with Health and Safety legislation, specifically the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). These regulations require contractors to plan, manage, and coordinate construction work to ensure the health and safety of all workers and those affected by the works. The attendance fee contributes to ensuring compliance with these regulations by allowing the contractor to allocate resources to oversee and enforce safety measures, specifically when working with client nominated sub contractors.
Additionally, the attendance fee also takes into account potential waste removal, such as packaging from the client-supplied items. The contractor normally operates on a fixed fee contract, which included the cost of waste removal which can be significant and require additional time and resources.
Furthermore, the attendance fee considers the potential disruption to the main contractor's workflow. When subcontracting certain areas of work, the main contractor needs to ensure that the space is ready for the subcontractor on a specific day and that they cannot work in the same areas, which may disrupt their programming. The attendance fee compensates for the extra coordination and planning required to minimise disruptions and ensure the smooth progression of the project. Note however that this does not remove the potential liability for unexpected delays caused by client nominated subcontractors. If the subcontractors do not adhere to their agreed program, the main contractor may still be entitled to claim and extension of time and additional costs.
Overall, the attendance fee is a standard industry practice that helps to ensure the smooth progress of residential projects in the UK. It facilitates effective coordination, compliance with Health and Safety legislation, waste removal, and minimizes disruptions to the main contractor's workflow. By understanding the purpose and importance of this fee, clients can appreciate its value in guaranteeing a successful and secure construction process.