Question 1

What contracts do you administer as Employer's Agent?

Accepted Answer

Predominantly JCT Design & Build (2016, and earlier editions). We also administer JCT Major Projects and, less often, bespoke D&B contracts and some NEC variants. We do not take appointments on contracts we aren't fluent in, if it's an unusual form we'll tell you.

Question 2

Are you independent from the contractor?

Accepted Answer

Always. Cifra Solutions is engaged solely by the Employer. We have no commercial relationship with contractors on the projects we administer, and we decline appointments that would compromise that independence. Under a JCT D&B contract the EA is explicitly required to act fairly, but fairly within the terms of a contract written to protect the Employer.

Question 3

How are interim valuations certified?

Accepted Answer

Every valuation is based on a physical site visit, a measured assessment of works properly executed, an adjustment for materials on and off site per the contract, and deduction of retention and previous payments. We issue the payment notice with supporting schedules, never a bare number. The contractor sees the working, and so does your lender.

Question 4

What happens at Practical Completion?

Accepted Answer

We inspect, produce a defects schedule, confirm the statutory and commissioning documentation is complete, and issue (or decline to issue) the Practical Completion certificate under the contract. If the works aren't ready, we say so in writing, with reasons, and we don't issue under pressure.

Question 5

Can you also act as Quantity Surveyor on the same project?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and commonly we do, combining EA and QS reduces duplication and keeps commercial and contractual decisions aligned. Some lenders prefer the roles separated for independence; we're comfortable either way and will advise on which fits your project governance.

Question 6

What if a dispute can't be resolved at our level?

Accepted Answer

The contract mechanism takes over: adjudication under the Construction Act, mediation, or ultimately arbitration or litigation. We document decisions so the evidence is in order if that happens, and we work actively to keep disputes out of formal process, most are resolved at EA level when the contractual position is clear and properly communicated.

Employer's Agent.

What's included.

A repeatable, transparent process from appointment to close-out.

Appointment

Administer

Certify

Resolve

Close

What you'll receive.

Who this suits.

The questions we answer on first calls.

Often commissioned together.

Quantity Surveying

Project Management