Construction supervision

What it means

Construction supervision is a qualified person who oversees that construction follows the building permit and design documents, complies with regulations and meets the required quality. They check the progress of work, the materials used and how defects found are remedied.

On larger projects the developer must appoint one and notify the building authority. The supervisor must be authorised for this activity and may not also be the contractor on the same project, so that the supervision stays independent of whoever actually builds.

It should be distinguished from the client's technical supervision, which mainly protects the investor's economic interests, and from the designer's author supervision, which checks consistency with the design. In practice one person may play several roles if contracts and rules allow it.

How it works in practice

The supervisor makes entries in the site diary, recording the state of work, defects found, instructions and accepted parts. These entries carry great weight in disputes with the contractor over quality, deadlines or the scope of work agreed in the contract for work.

They also oversee compliance with occupational health and safety rules on site together with the safety coordinator. In case of a serious breach they can propose stopping work until the problems are fixed, preventing injuries and damage.

Before occupancy approval the supervisor prepares documents showing the building was built as permitted, such as test and inspection reports and records of products used. Complete documentation speeds up the approval procedure and reduces the risk of extra demands from the authority.

What to watch out for

The supervisor is liable for damage caused by breaching their duties, so they usually carry professional indemnity insurance. The developer should check their authorisation and insurance before signing the contract, not at the first problem.

Appointing a construction supervisor does not relieve the contractor of liability for defects. On larger projects it is sensible to add construction all risks insurance, which covers damage to the unfinished structure during construction.