A construction contract plays a central role when working with a subcontractor. Find out exactly what a construction contract is and what you need to look out for in this article.

What is a construction contract? 

A building contract is a contract that is concluded between the builder Subcontractors is concluded. The construction contract regulates the central conditions for the collaboration. This includes important details such as the scope of services. In addition, the construction contract regulates the scheduled time for the provision of the services and, of course, the remuneration. Other rights and obligations of both parties can also be legally regulated in a construction contract, as well as details such as the materials to be used or a clearly defined time frame for the rectification or repair of any defects.

A construction contract is therefore essential, as the subcontractor undertakes to carry out all agreed construction work professionally and on time. The other party to the contract, i.e. the client, undertakes to pay the agreed price on time.

What types of construction contract are there?

ImportantConstruction contract is not the same as construction contract. A distinction is made between BGB contracts and VOB contracts. The former are based on the German Civil Code, while the latter are based on the German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB). VOB contracts contain, for example, special regulations for dealing with defects and invoicing, while BGB contracts are often more general and are mainly used in private residential construction. Further information on the legal details and differences can be found at here view.

Working with a subcontractor in the construction industry - what is important? 

The construction contract regulates all important framework conditions and details. In short: it regulates the What. However, there are other factors that are taken into account when working with a subcontractor. These include the following in particular, which to a certain extent are the How regulate: 

1. Clear communication
   Fixed contacts and regular coordination are important here, as they ensure that everything runs smoothly during the construction project, which can be quite dynamic.
2. Flexibility and meeting deadlines
   In a construction project, it is common for things to change at short notice. A good subcontractor strikes a balance between flexibility and adherence to deadlines as stipulated in the construction contract.
3. Quality control
   The work of a subcontractor should be checked as part of regular quality control in order to recognise any defects at an early stage. 

With a thoroughly drafted construction contract and compliance with the above-mentioned framework conditions, successful cooperation with Subcontractors in construction nothing stands in the way.

Temporary work in the construction industry

One way of recruiting qualified personnel for construction projects is Temporary work (also Temporary employment called). Employees are loaned from one company to another for a certain period of time, for example until a project is completed. This allows companies to quickly and flexibly employ the labour they need - even in times of a shortage of skilled workers.

However, temporary work in the construction industry is characterised by a major peculiarity. It is only permitted if the hiring company and the supplying company are both active in the construction industry. They must even both be in the same construction sector. There are five of these in the construction industry. These are

• Demolition trade
• Building trade
• Building construction
• Scaffolding
• Roofing trade
• Gardening and landscaping

The transfer of employees is therefore only possible from one construction trade to another, from one demolition trade to another, etc. 

If you have any questions about construction contracts or would like to find out more about temporary work in the construction industry, please get in touch with us. Our team will answer your questions within two working days. We will also be happy to provide you with an initial, non-binding offer for the placement of personnel in the construction industry.

Contact us >>>