Pääurakkamuotoon

Pääurakkamuotoon, often translated as lump sum contract or fixed-price contract in English, is a common contracting method in construction and project management. In this model, the contractor agrees to complete a defined scope of work for a predetermined fixed price. This price is established before the project begins and typically covers all labor, materials, overhead, and profit.

The primary advantage of pääurakkamuotoon for the client is cost certainty. They know the total cost of the project upfront, which simplifies budgeting and financial planning. For the contractor, the potential benefit lies in cost savings if they can complete the project more efficiently or for less than the agreed-upon price. However, this also carries a greater risk for the contractor. If costs exceed the fixed price due to unforeseen circumstances, poor estimation, or scope creep, the contractor absorbs the loss.

This contract form requires a very clear and detailed scope of work. Any ambiguities or omissions can lead to disputes. Changes to the project's scope after the contract is signed are usually handled through formal change orders, which involve renegotiating the price and timeline. Pääurakkamuotoon is best suited for projects where the scope is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. It is less ideal for projects with a high degree of uncertainty or where extensive client input is expected throughout the execution phase. The responsibility for managing and controlling costs rests heavily on the contractor.