Contractor management and construction supervision

Contractor Management & Construction Supervision in Jamaica

Jamaica’s construction environment is governed by the Building Act, 2018 and the National Building Code of Jamaica, which adapts the 2018 International Codes to local conditions (hurricane winds, coastal exposure, seismic risk). Duke Sterling’s supervision framework keeps your project aligned with Jamaican law, permits, and best practice from concept to handover.

Why choose us

Jamaica-ready designs

We design to the National Building Code of Jamaica (NBCJ)—customized from the 2018 International Codes—and current local bylaws, so your plans meet code from day one.

Approvals support

We package and submit drawings that match Municipal Corporation requirements and, where applicable, manage referrals (NEPA, NWA, Fire Brigade, MOH, NWC, ODPEM).

3D & BIM clarity

Photorealistic 3D views and model-based coordination reduce redesign, RFIs, and site clashes.

What we do

Owner’s Representative & Clerk-of-Works
Contractor Pre-qualification & Tender Support
Regulatory Pathfinding
Construction Supervision
Programme, Cost & Change Control
Quality Assurance (QA/QC)
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
Handover & Close-out

Our supervision method

Mobilise correctly : Verify permits, licences, insurances, site logistics plan, and PPC credentials before a shovel hits the ground.
Plan the work : Contractor’s work method statements reviewed against the Jamaica Building Code chapters (structure, fire/life safety, egress, accessibility).
Inspect what matters : Hold-points for foundations, steel, formwork/falsework, MEP rough-ins, waterproofing, roofing, fire-stopping, finishes, and commissioning.
Control cost & change : Measured works checked against BoQ; VO/claims validated; monthly pay app certifications with percent-complete evidence.
Assure compliance : Maintain inspection/test records for municipal and code compliance; close non-conformances before concealment.
Deliver & de-risk : Pre-handover commissioning, training, and defects schedule; environmental close-out if NEPA conditions apply.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a NEPA permit to start construction?

Not always. NEPA permits/licences apply to prescribed categories (e.g., coastal, rivers/streams, certain industrial/commercial works). We screen your scope against NEPA’s checklist and handle applications when required.

What’s the difference between municipal approval and NEPA approval?

Municipal bodies issue building approvals under the Building Act/Code; NEPA handles environmental permits/licences where activities meet prescribed thresholds. Some projects need both.

Do my contractors have to be PPC-registered?

For Government of Jamaica projects over set thresholds, yes—PPC registration (formerly NCC), correct category/grade, and a valid TCC are mandatory. For private projects, PPC isn’t legally required but is a strong quality filter we recommend.

What codes do you supervise against?

The Jamaica Building Code (customised from the 2018 I-Codes), including chapters for structural, fire, mechanical, electrical, and existing buildings where applicable.

How do you address hurricane and corrosion risks?

We enforce wind-load design/anchorage, water-shedding, robust roof details, and coastal corrosion countermeasures (cover, coatings, stainless hardware where needed) per code and manufacturer data.

Can you step in mid-project to fix delays or quality problems?

Yes. We perform a rapid audit (schedule, quality, compliance), stabilise critical path activities, close non-conformances, and renegotiate sequencing or resources where necessary—documented through instructions and revised look-aheads.

How do you control variations (VOs) and claims?

We require priced change proposals with scope, programme, and cost impact; validate quantities; and only issue instructions once approved—keeping a clean VO register tied to your budget.

Will you certify monthly payments?

Yes. Our valuations align with measured progress, test results, and accepted work. We don’t certify concealed work without evidence and sign-offs.

Do you manage safety on site?

We require contractor HSE plans, method statements, inductions, and toolbox talks; we audit daily and stop unsafe work. Environmental controls follow NEPA guidelines where relevant.

What documents do I get at handover?

As-built drawings, O&M manuals, commissioning records, warranties, defect lists/closure logs, and a final account reconciliation ready for occupancy approvals.