Urakoitsijan

Urakoitsijan is the Finnish term for a contractor in construction projects. The contractor is the party contracted to perform construction work or to supply services and materials required by the project. The urakka is typically awarded by a client (tilaaja) and involves coordination with architects, engineers, and suppliers. In practice, the market distinguishes between a pääurakoitsija (general or main contractor), who holds overall responsibility for delivering the project, and alihankkijat (subcontractors), who perform specialized portions of the work under the main contractor’s supervision.

Key responsibilities of a contractor include planning and managing the work within the defined scope, schedule, and budget; procuring materials and subcontractors; ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with applicable building codes and standards; coordinating interfaces between trades; handling changes through change orders; and providing warranties and post-construction support. The contractor also bears risk related to performance, delays, and defects, and may be required to secure performance bonds or other insurances.

Contract arrangements vary by form and risk allocation. Common types include fixed-price (lump-sum) contracts, unit-price contracts, and design-build arrangements in which the contractor also handles design responsibilities. Payment terms typically tie compensation to milestones, completed work, or approved progress.

In most jurisdictions, urakoitsijan operates under legal and regulatory frameworks governing construction, labor, safety, and environmental protection. Effective contract management and clear communication are essential to align expectations between the client, contractor, and any subcontractors, and to achieve timely, compliant project delivery.