Anyone who has had to implement any construction project knows: from the idea to the grand opening of the facility, there are many challenges to overcome. The answer to how to overcome this path rationally is general contracting, when the company hired for the construction undertakes to implement the entire project: from concretizing the idea, designing to performing all construction work and handing over the keys. How general contracting is beneficial to the client, reveals Almantas Čebanauskas, director of EIKA Construction, a company within the real estate (RT) development group of companies EIKA Group.
The head of EIKA Construction, which has accumulated almost a quarter of a century of experience, emphasizes that the company’s essential service is general contracting. The company has also focused its competencies on the Design–Build service, when designers and engineers create and implement everything from idea to turnkey, offer design services, perform concreting and masonry assembly of structures, installation of outdoor engineering networks and infrastructure work on their own, and with the help of proven partners who carry out other engineering systems and finishing installation work, fully manage the project until the completion of construction and handover to the customer.
General rank with pluses
“What does general contracting mean to the client, what makes us unique in providing this service? We look at it and implement it much more broadly than other companies with similar activities. We are not only ready to build a project, but also, using our existing competencies and resources, we can conduct project analysis and manage design even at the initial construction stage. Construction is usually delayed because the project implementation has not been properly prepared, possible challenges and choices have not been analyzed, unforeseen solutions have not been made or they are irrational. Because of this alone, the completion of the project can be delayed by several months. Therefore, we have assembled a strong team with various competencies to solve these possible problems, so that construction can be properly prepared for the start of construction,” says A. Čebanauskas, who has been managing the company for almost a decade.
According to him, one of the most important advantages of general contracting is that the price and terms are fixed in the contract with a single economic entity. In addition, the earlier the project is analyzed at the initial stage, the more accurately the budget and terms are determined and the risk of surprises for the customer that the project will become more expensive and delayed is reduced.
He also emphasizes that EIKA Construction is able to perform many works on its own. The company employs specialists with appropriate competencies, so it can optimally plan the work, its sequence and quality, and strictly adhere to deadlines.
“Everyone who has had at least some experience with construction or even apartment renovation knows that a lot of discussions on a construction site or in a project arise about the quality of projects, which affects deadlines. Therefore, the company has created a design and design management department, which manages and controls the design process. We have become convinced that often allocating additional resources, even from our own funds, really helps the general contractor implement projects more rationally and maximally meet the client’s expectations,” says A. Čebanauskas.
Modern technologies are also needed to achieve the goal
EIKA Construction’s clients appreciate that the general contracting company is proactive.
“As soon as a problem arises or is just forecast, we do not sit idly by, but promptly seek solutions and propose them. With the help of a general contractor with the relevant experience of implemented projects, this is exactly how it should be: he, not the client, must propose possible actions here and now so that the project is implemented on time and with high quality,” A. Čebanauskas is convinced.
According to him, for example, the first phase of the development of the Rūdninkai military town infrastructure is being carried out according to the “Design–Build” principle, when the company itself prepares project proposals and technical work projects, coordinates them and implements them on its own or with the help of partners.
“A company providing general contracting services must respond to market changes in order to provide the greatest benefit to its clients. Construction services from start to finish are not everything. They must be provided as rationally as possible, with all processes under control. For this, it is necessary to use modern technologies. For example, EIKA Construction manages project budgets – financial flows, risks, and the planned final result and change from the original – with the Bauwise program, and the Dalux program is a project data repository, where IFC models, drawings, and other information are exchanged, defects are recorded, and necessary corrections are indicated. It is also used for communication between project participants, coordination and assurance of materials, and occupational safety control,” A. Čebanauskas shares his experience.
“We have implemented various projects. If you correctly arrange the project management matrix, responsibilities, use the right technologies and competent specialists, are always close to the client and make decisions promptly, you can successfully build a training ground, an airport, a residential or commercial building. It is important to plan everything as accurately as possible, and if risks arise or problems become apparent, to identify and solve them as quickly as possible. These are the advantages of an experienced company providing general contracting services,” the director of EIKA Construction assures, based on many years of practice.
“Invest” magazine, September 2025.