The appropriate scope depends on the building’s current condition and the result you expect at handover. For a new factory, you can commission shell construction only, complete the building services and finishes in an existing shell, or plan the construction process on a turnkey basis.
Shell construction: a structural frame ready for subsequent works
Shell construction is an option for investors who wish to commission foundations, reinforced concrete and structural works as a separate package. If other teams will undertake the installations and finishes, the handover boundaries between teams should be defined from the outset.
- Starting point: structural works defined by the site and construction drawings
- Handover: the shell construction works defined in the contract
- Also clarify: responsibilities for precast production, transport, assembly, roof and facade
Unfinished building completion: finishing the outstanding works
This means preparing a building with a completed shell or partially completed works for use. Defining the scope by floor area alone, without assessing the existing condition, can lead to an incomplete evaluation. Works to retain, rectify and carry out anew should be listed separately.
- Starting point: inspection of the existing building, drawings and completed works
- Handover: completion of the agreed installations, finishes and interior works
- Also clarify: suitability of existing works, missing documents and responsibilities shared with other contractors
Turnkey construction: preparing the building for use
This covers construction from excavation and foundations through building services, finishing works and the landscaping included in the contract. A single handover description does not automatically include every investment cost. Items such as production machinery and specialist process equipment are defined separately.
- Starting point: investment requirements, site, design and scope of work
- Handover: a building completed for its agreed use
- Also clarify: machine connections, specialist equipment, applications and handover documents
Which option suits your investment?
If construction has not started, decide who will coordinate the teams and works after shell completion. If you already have a structural shell, the priority is to identify outstanding works. If you want one construction organisation for the whole process, discuss a turnkey scope.
- New site + foundations or structural frame only: consider shell construction.
- Existing shell + installations and finishes: consider unfinished building completion.
- New investment + comprehensive construction and handover management: consider turnkey construction.
These three scopes are not structural system choices. A precast reinforced concrete or steel factory can be delivered under different scopes.
Compare quotations against the same work schedule
Comparing total prices alone is not enough. Area definitions, quantities, material specifications and handover boundaries must also match. An excluded item undertaken by another team affects both the overall investment plan and the programme.
- Included and excluded works, with material and workmanship specifications
- Area breakdown for production, storage and administration
- Coordination between teams, site access and phasing
- Programme start conditions and handover criteria
Ask which stage a stated duration covers
The durations for foundations or column pockets, precast assembly and ready-for-use handover may be different. Rather than applying a reference project’s programme directly to your investment, request a programme based on your area, current condition and scope. A firm price or delivery date should not be given before the project is reviewed.
Let’s Discuss Your Investment
Share what you know about your site, production requirements or existing project. If the construction system and scope are not yet defined, we can review them together.
Tell us about your investment