For homeowners and property investors undertaking construction projects for the first time, the structure of the UK construction industry — the different trades, professional roles, contractual arrangements, and delivery routes — can be confusing. Here is a practical explanation.
The Main Delivery Routes
Design-and-build: A single company (the design-and-build contractor) takes responsibility for both design development and construction. The client deals with one party from early design through to practical completion. This is what rcbGroup provides.
Traditional (design by architect, build by contractor): The client separately appoints an architect (who designs) and a main contractor (who builds). The architect acts as contract administrator. The client has two separate professional relationships and must coordinate between them.
Self-build / direct labour: The client manages trades directly, without a main contractor. Cheaper in principle (saves main contractor margin) but transfers all coordination, programme management, and risk to the client. Suits experienced self-builders; high risk for first-timers.
Principal Contractor vs Subcontractor
Principal Contractor (PC): Under CDM 2015 regulations, the PC has specific legal duties — managing the construction phase health and safety plan, coordinating subcontractors, controlling the site, and managing construction phase risk. For projects with more than one trade on site, a principal contractor must be appointed. rcbGroup acts as principal contractor.
Subcontractor: A trade company appointed by the main contractor to carry out a specific package — groundworks, structural steel, brickwork, plastering, electrics, plumbing, joinery, decoration. Subcontractors work to a main contractor's programme and are managed by the main contractor.
The Main Construction Trades
Groundworks: Foundation excavation, drainage, concrete slab. Often the first trade on site for an extension.
Brickwork / masonry: Structural blockwork, brickwork facing, cavity wall construction.
Structural steel: Erection of steel beams, lintels, and structural columns.
Carpentry: First-fix carpentry (roof structure, stud walls, floor joists) and second-fix (doors, skirtings, architraves, built-in furniture).
Plastering: Wet plaster or dry lining (plasterboard + skim) to walls and ceilings.
Plumbing: Pipework, drainage, hot water, heating systems.
Electrical: Wiring, consumer unit, sockets, lighting, data.
Tiling: Wall and floor tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas.
Flooring: Timber, engineered wood, LVT, carpet (though rcbGroup does not supply or install carpet).
Painting and decorating: Internal and external decoration.
The Professional Team
Architect: Designs the project, produces planning and building regulations drawings.
Structural Engineer: Designs structural elements — beams, foundations, roof.
Party Wall Surveyor: Manages party wall notices and awards where applicable.
Planning Consultant: Advises on planning strategy and may manage the application process.
rcbGroup
rcbGroup provides an integrated design-and-build principal contractor service — managing architects, structural engineers, and all trade subcontractors from a single point of responsibility.