Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/library/glossary/eci
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-10

# ECI (early contractor involvement)

Bringing a contractor in at the design stage, before the price is fixed.

by [Jack Butler-Kettle](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#jack-butler-kettle>) · About 1 min readShare

## Further detail

Read this alongside [the NEC Dictionary of Terms](<https://www.neccontract.com/resources/dictionary>).

Early contractor involvement brings construction input into planning or design before the full delivery arrangement is fixed. The early stage may cover buildability, procurement or pricing. Payment for that input, design responsibility and any commitment to later work should be expressly agreed.

Check the early-stage appointment on its own terms. A [Construction contract review before signing](<https://www.quantsurv.com/quantity-surveying?service=%2Fcontract-review%2Fservices%2Fpre-signing-contract-review#client-types>) can identify obligations that could outlast an unsuccessful tender.

## Sources

1.  [NEC Dictionary of Terms](<https://www.neccontract.com/resources/dictionary>). NEC Contracts.

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