Construction Project Types & CCDC Contracts

Project Types

Construction work spans diverse sectors, each with distinct characteristics, stakeholders, and delivery approaches.

Residential

Homes, mid-rise, multi-unit, seniors' living.

Commercial

Offices, retail, hospitality, mixed-use.

Institutional

Schools, hospitals, universities, civic facilities.

Industrial

Process plants, warehouses, manufacturing.

Infrastructure / Heavy Civil

Roads, bridges, transit, waterworks.

Energy & Environmental

Solar and wind farms, substations, treatment plants.

CCDC Contracts (Core Set)

The Canadian Construction Documents Committee publishes standardized contract forms used across the industry. Understanding when to use each form is essential for clarity and risk allocation.

CCDC 2

Stipulated Price Contract. Fixed price for defined scope; the most common building contract.

When to choose: scope clarity high; fixed price desired.

CCDC 3

Cost Plus Contract. Actual cost plus a fee; useful when scope is evolving.

When to choose: design evolving; transparency preferred.

CCDC 4

Unit Price Contract. Payment by measured quantities; typical for civil/heavy works.

When to choose: quantities vary; civil/heavy scope.

CCDC 5A

Construction Management for Services. CM acts as advisor; multiple trade packages.

When to choose: advisory CM; early trade input.

CCDC 5B

Construction Management for Services and Construction. CM "at-risk"; manages and constructs.

When to choose: CM at-risk; fast track delivery.

CCDC 14

Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract. One entity for design and construction.

When to choose: single point of responsibility; speed.

CCDC 17

Trade Contractors Contract for CM Projects. Agreement between CM and trade contractors.

When to choose: CM project requiring trade contracts.

CCDC 18

Civil Works Contract. Tailored for infrastructure projects.

When to choose: infrastructure-specific terms.

CCDC 30

Integrated Project Delivery Contract. Shared risk and reward; high collaboration.

When to choose: high collaboration; shared risk/reward.

CCDC 31

Service Contract between Owner and Consultant. Engaging architects and engineers.

When to choose: professional design or consulting services.

Industrial Delivery Models

Large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects often use specialized delivery models that align design, procurement, and construction for efficiency and risk management.

EPC

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction. Turnkey delivery by a single contractor through design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.

EPCM

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management. Consultant manages design, procurement, and construction on the owner's behalf; owner holds trade contracts and retains more risk.

EPIC

Engineering, Procurement, Installation, and Construction. EPC model including installation in operational environments such as offshore, subsea, or heavy modules.

Why It Matters

Choosing the right delivery and contract form sets expectations for risk, cost, schedule, and collaboration. The goal is clarity, accountability, and outcomes aligned to the owner's priorities.

Risk allocation - who carries what and when.
Speed and sequence - procurement, phasing, shutdowns, cutovers.
Change handling - RFIs, CDs/CCOs, pricing protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between design-bid-build, CM, design-build, and IPD?

Roles, risk, speed, and collaboration differ. DBB separates design and construction. CM involves a manager coordinating trade packages. Design-build provides a single point of responsibility. IPD shares risk and reward across core parties.

When is CCDC 2 better than 5A or 5B?

Choose CCDC 2 when scope is well defined and a fixed price is preferred. Choose 5A/5B when early trade input, phasing, or market conditions make CM models more effective.

Can I mix forms or add supplements?

Yes. Use supplementary conditions to align insurance, prompt payment, digital signatures, and project-specific requirements. Seek legal review.