Appointment of a superintendent

The role and functions of the superintendent are regulated by the terms of each construction contract. It is common for the principal to appoint a named individual employee or consultant of the principal. Superintendents are typically engineers, architects or contract administrators. Where a superintendent is an entity external to the principal, the principal will need to engage the superintendent with a separate contract, usually a form of consultancy or services agreement.

The principal is usually required to ensure that there is a superintendent at all times who fulfils the roles and functions expressed under the construction contract. The superintendent is not a party to the construction contract. The role and functions of the superintendent will vary depending on which standard form or other contract the parties adopt.