How Much Does an Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator Cost?
If you are planning a construction project, whether it’s a high-end residential build, a commercial development, or a complex mixed-use scheme, you will need someone to ensure the contract runs smoothly, risks are managed, and your interests are protected. This is where an Employer’s Agent (EA) or Contract Administrator (CA) comes in.
Many clients ask, “How much does an Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator cost?” The answer is — it varies. Fees depend on the complexity of the project, the level of involvement required, the experience of the consultant, and whether additional project management services are included.
Some charge a percentage of the build cost, others work on an hourly or fixed fee basis. While budget is always a consideration, the cheapest option is not always the best value — in many cases, low fees mean the consultant is often stretched across multiple projects and less time is allocated to your project, which can result in costly mistakes and missed opportunities to add value.
👉 Get in touch with ONFORM to discuss your project and get a tailored fee proposal.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
A skilled EA or CA does far more than issue certificates. They act as your single point of contact, sounding board, and early warning system for risks. They:
Ensure clarity before works start — reviewing the contract sum analysis so the contractor is clear on what they are pricing, identifying any exclusions that could become expensive disputes later on.
Proactively identify and manage risks — flagging issues before they escalate into costly delays or legal problems.
Bring valuable experience from similar projects — advising on cost plans, recommending further investigations, and finding opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Oversee compliance and quality — ensuring your project meets all contractual, statutory, and quality requirements.
Assist with dispute resolution — helping to resolve issues quickly without the need for formal proceedings.
📩 Speak to us today about how our EA and CA services can protect your budget and timeline.
What’s Typically Included in EA / CA Services
While the exact duties vary depending on the contract type, here’s what is usually covered in line with RICS best practice:
1. Pre-Contract and Setup
Attend early design, cost, and procurement meetings.
Review planning approvals, statutory requirements, listed/conservation status, and insurance arrangements.
Assist with procurement strategy and preparation of tender or contract documents.
Set up change control and risk management procedures, maintaining a live risk register.
Ensure contracts, appointments and warranties are watertight.
Liaise with the Lender to ensure everything is in place for the initial funds to be released.
2. Construction Phase
Administer the building contract — issuing instructions, notices, and certificates.
Chair regular progress meetings, issuing clear minutes and action points.
Carry out site inspections to monitor quality, programme, and compliance.
Review and agree statutory approvals and test certificates.
Monitor variations, cost implications, and potential risks.
3. Valuations and Payments
Review and certify interim valuations, ensuring claims reflect actual work completed.
Keep an up-to-date record of the adjusted contract sum.
Identify and address potential cost exposures before they occur.
4. Completion and Handover
Assess readiness for practical completion and issue the certificate.
Manage snagging, defects rectification, and the defects liability period.
Agree and settle the final account with the contractor.
5. Added Value and Support
Act as a single point of contact and sounding board for the client.
Provide practical dispute resolution support.
Draw on real-world construction experience — at ONFORM, our background includes working hands-on as site carpenters and builders before moving into consultancy.
Coordinate legal matters such as party wall agreements, neighbourly issues, site investigations, and lender IMS requirements.
📞 Contact us now to discuss how we can adapt these services to your specific project.
Why Bringing Us in From the Start Can Save You Money
We are often called into projects mid-way through, after disputes have arisen or budgets have spiralled. By that point, much of the damage is already done — and resolving these issues can sometimes cost more than our full fee would have been to manage the entire project from the outset.
Early involvement allows us to put robust processes in place, ensure all documents are watertight, and give contractors a crystal-clear brief. This drastically reduces the risk of misunderstandings, delays, and cost disputes.
🚀 Book an early consultation to avoid these pitfalls before they happen.
Tips for Choosing the Right EA or CA
When appointing an EA or CA, consider:
Relevant experience — have they delivered projects similar to yours?
Level of involvement — are they offering hands-on project oversight or just the bare minimum?
Communication style — will they keep you informed and respond promptly?
Approach to risk — do they actively manage issues or simply react to them?
Capacity — will your project get the attention it deserves?
💡 Get in touch and we’ll explain how to compare EA and CA proposals so you know you’re getting true value for money.
Final Word
An Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator is an investment, not a cost. The right appointment can prevent disputes, avoid delays, and protect your financial position — often saving you many times their fee.
If you are planning a project in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol, Berkshire, Surrey, London or the surrounding areas, contact ONFORM today for a no-obligation discussion. We provide clear, proactive, and commercially focused EA and CA services that keep projects on track from start to finish.