Technical Design

Three plan types that build on each other but do not replace one another: prepared for the building authority, for construction, and for procurement.

Permit plan

The document for the building authority procedure under the Hungarian Construction Act (Act LXXVIII of 1997, Étv.). Its content is strictly defined by the relevant building regulations.

Construction plan

The core document of the actual build, containing detailed connection details, material lists and technical solutions the contractor uses to execute the project.

Tender plan

Prepared for the procurement or bidding procedure so bidders can submit comparable, accurate price offers. Not a category named in statute but a practitioner concept, typically construction-level documentation prepared for procurement purposes.

The most efficient setup is when procurement considerations appear early in the design phase, because the technical content and estimated value together determine which procedure type the project can be tendered under. If the designer works independently and the procurement consultant only sees the finished plans, it often turns out the design documentation is not directly suitable for procurement. Joint involvement adds the most value at the tender plan stage, where the format of the technical specification, the option of partial bids and the eligibility requirements must be aligned with the planned execution.

A technical supervisor monitors construction work on behalf of the investor, independently from the contractor, checking compliance with the plans, the quality of materials and structures installed, and the basis for performance certification. In certain cases the use of a technical supervisor is required by law, but even where it is not mandatory the role significantly reduces risk. The investor approves performance and certifies invoices based on the supervisor's opinion, so most hidden defects and over-billing can be caught during construction.

Engaging a construction technical supervisor is mandatory under Section 16(1) of Government Decree 191/2009. (IX. 15.) in five cases:

1. when the construction work is carried out by multiple general contractors,
2. when the investment falls under the scope of the Kbt. (Public Procurement Act),
3. when it qualifies as a priority investment (kiemelt beruházás),
4. when the work concerns a listed national monument,
5. when a construction escrow agent (építtetői fedezetkezelő) is involved.

In a public procurement context, investments under the Kbt. are the most relevant case, because every construction investment under the Kbt. requires a technical supervisor. Engaging the supervisor is the responsibility of the investor (építtető), and the mandate must be in writing.