The client is the person or legal entity that commissions and pays for the works and services provided on a construction project.
The client sets the project requirements, funds the work and is ultimately responsible for decisions on scope, budget and programme. Different contract forms use different names for the role: NEC4 contracts use “Client”, NEC3 used “Employer”, and JCT contracts use “Employer”. The client also has specific legal duties, for example under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which place responsibilities on the client for making suitable arrangements for managing a project safely.
- A client QS (or PQS) advises the client on cost, procurement and contract matters.
- In a subcontract, the main contractor takes the equivalent role towards the subcontractor.
Related terms: employer, client requirements, contract administrator, project brief.
