What is a CCDC 5B Contract?

If you’re planning a clinic or dental renovation project in the Toronto area or anywhere in the GTA, you’ve probably stumbled upon the term CCDC 5B contract and found yourself scratching your head asking what its all about. Construction contracts can be a real challenge to wrap your head around, especially when you’re under pressure to create a safe, up to date and functional healthcare space for your patients. The good news is that once you get to grips with how this contract works, you can expect to save some time, manage your costs better & steer clear of major renovation headaches down the line.

What is a CCDC 5B Contract?

CCDC 5B Contract, also known as the “Construction Management Contract for Services and Construction”, is a widely-used, standard agreement created by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC). At its core, it’s designed for projects where an owner brings in a construction manager (CM) to sort out the pre-construction planning and then takes the reins to oversee the actual construction work.

To put it simply, this kind of contract lets owners—like a clinic or dental practice owner in the GTA—get a close-up look at what’s going on from the very start. The construction manager will offer early advice on design, scheduling & budgeting, and then keep a close eye on how the renovation or build comes together as it gets underway. This way of working is often referred to as a “construction manager at risk” model – because the CM essentially promises to meet the project’s deadline and stay within budget once work actually starts.

The CCDC 5B contract breaks down into two main stages:

1. Pre-construction phase – where your CM provides hands-on services like cost estimating, scheduling & conducting site reviews to make sure things can be built.
2. Construction phase – where the CM has their finger on the pulse for all the trade contractors, materials & site activities right up to the finish line.

This format, you see, is all about teamwork – and if you’re doing a healthcare or dental clinic renovation, where things often get tweaked at the last minute or just don’t go as planned, it makes all the sense in the world to have a contract that keeps everything as flexible as possible. Unlike a traditional lump-sum contract, the CCDC 5B lets owners keep an eye on costs and make sure they know exactly what’s going on at every stage.

In Canada – and especially in Ontario – the CCDC 5B is a top choice for a reason – it’s a tried & true contract format that just about everyone can get behind. And when it comes to healthcare renovations, it means fewer hiccups along the way, a budget that’s more predictable & a renovation process that fits the bill, timelines-wise.

Why Choose a CCDC 5B Contract? 

Choosing the right construction contract is one of the most important steps in any renovation project. For clinic owners, healthcare professionals and construction managers in Ontario the CCDC 5B contract stands out for its flexibility, transparency and teamwork approach.

Here’s why many professionals prefer a CCDC 5B construction management contract for healthcare and clinic renovations:

• Early collaboration from day one: The construction manager joins the project early in the design stage. This helps identify design issues, material choices or cost concerns before construction begins — reducing costly surprises later on.
• Transparency in costs and budgets: The CCDC 5B structure promotes open-book cost management. Owners can see where every dollar goes which builds trust and maintains financial control throughout the renovation.
• Tailored for complex projects: Clinics and healthcare spaces have strict regulations for hygiene, ventilation and layout. With this contract the construction manager can coordinate these technical details to meet all medical standards.
• Shared responsibility and clear communication: The CCDC 5B contract encourages a “team approach” between the owner, architect and construction manager. This ensures everyone is aligned on design goals, timelines and quality expectations.
• More flexibility for design changes: In medical or dental renovations design changes often happen mid-project. The CCDC 5B model allows these changes to be managed without disrupting the entire process.
• Peace of mind for owners: Owners have a trusted professional overseeing the project, managing trade contractors and ensuring the work meets safety and performance standards.

CCDC 5B vs Other Contract Forms 

When planning a construction or renovation project, it’s important to know which contract type is right for you. The CCDC 5B contract is just one of several standard contracts created by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC). It’s for projects where the construction manager takes on more responsibility, helping with pre-construction planning and the actual build. But how does it differ from other contracts in Canada?

CCDC 5B vs CCDC 5A

The CCDC 5A contract only covers the services of a construction manager — budgeting, scheduling, advising during design phase. Once construction starts, a separate agreement is usually needed to hire trade contractors.

The CCDC 5B contract combines both services and construction into one agreement. This is a more complete construction management at risk model, where the construction manager is responsible not just for coordination but also for delivering the project at an agreed upon price and schedule. For clinic or dental renovation projects in the GTA, this means owners have more accountability and smoother communication from start to finish.

Implementing a CCDC 5B Contract: Practical Guide for Clinic Renovation Owners

Using a CCDC 5B contract for your clinic renovation in Ontario doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, it can actually make your project smoother, more transparent and easier to manage from start to finish. This type of contract—also known as a construction management at risk agreement—allows clinic owners to work closely with a construction manager who oversees both the planning and building phases. Below is a simple guide to help you get it right.

1. Pre-Construction Phase

This is where your project foundation is built—long before any walls go up. In the pre-construction stage, your construction manager (CM) will provide input on cost estimating, design planning and project scheduling. For a dental or healthcare renovation, this ensures every element—from patient flow to infection control—is considered early.
Before you sign your CCDC 5B contract, make sure:

• The Scope of Services clearly outlines what your CM will do (budgeting, permits, trade coordination etc.).
• You have a clear outline of fees—one for services, one for the cost of work.
• Your CM has experience with medical or dental renovations in Ontario, since these require attention to strict building and hygiene standards.

2. Construction Phase

Once construction starts, your CCDC 5B contract becomes the framework for keeping everything on track. It outlines how costs are managed, how trade contractors are hired and how progress is reported.
During this phase:

• Ensure your construction schedule matches your clinic’s operational needs—especially if you’ll be partially open during renovations.
• Keep an eye on cost tracking and ask for regular financial updates. The CCDC 5B model gives you transparency so you know where every dollar goes.
• Discuss how change orders will be handled since adjustments often arise once work begins (especially in older clinic spaces).

3. Post-Construction and Handover

The final stage of a clinic renovation is just as important as the first. The CCDC 5B contract includes terms for substantial performance, ready-for-takeover and warranty periods. Understanding these will help you get the project finished smoothly.
At this stage:

• Verify all healthcare regulations and safety codes are met before you reopen your clinic.
• Review the final as-built documents and maintenance manuals.* What kind of warranty and post-renovation support will your CM provide.

4. Clinic Owner Quick Check

• Is CM role defined in services and construction?
•  Are cost of work and fees clear?
• Is there flexibility for schedule changes or phased renovations?
• Are healthcare specific requirements (hygiene, ventilation, accessibility) in the agreement?
• Have you reviewed the 2025 CCDC 5B changes, including termination and liability?

Why the CCDC 5B Contract Matters for Clinic & Healthcare Renovations in Ontario

The CCDC 5B contract isn’t just a bit of paper to sign – it’s the foundation on which you can build a renovation project that’s not only on time, but also within budget and exactly what you need. Built around the construction management at risk model, the contract brings in a construction manager early on to help guide the project from its inception right through to the end. And that’s good news for anyone trying to navigate the complex world of healthcare renovations in Ontario.

Here’s Why the CCDC 5B Contract Really Matters:

• Planning Ahead – By getting your construction manager on board from the design stage you can make informed decisions about how to use your space, what materials to use, and how to stay on top of your budget, before you’ve even started breaking ground.\
• No Surprises When it Comes to Cost – The CCDC 5B contract includes detailed estimate and pricing structures, which means there are fewer unexpected expenses to deal with down the line.
• Room to Move – Medical and dental renovations never go exactly as planned – and that’s okay. The CCDC 5B contract allows you to adjust your design and change your plans as you go, and responds quickly to changes in regulations or the design of the project.
• Getting Everyone on the Same Page – With clear roles and responsibilities, everyone involved knows what’s expected of them – no more miscommunication or delays.\
• Ideal for Healthcare and Clinic Renovations – Clinics have some very specific requirements when it comes to hygiene, accessibility, and operational needs, and the CCDC 5B framework ensures these get taken care of throughout the project.\
• Built to Comply with Ontario Construction Standards – Because the contract is designed specifically for the Canadian market, you can be confident it will meet all of the necessary construction standards, building codes, and healthcare regulations in Ontario.

Also Read: https://greenstonerenos.ca/designing-an-efficient-operatory-layout-for-dental-practices/

Conclusion

Understanding what a CCDC 5B contract is can make all the difference when planning your clinic or healthcare renovation in Ontario. This contract gives owners greater control, cost transparency, and collaboration throughout the construction process. For dental and medical renovations in the GTA, the CCDC 5B construction management contract helps ensure projects meet strict hygiene and regulatory standards while staying on schedule and within budget. By choosing the right construction partner and using this proven framework, you can turn complex healthcare renovations into smooth, successful projects that support your patients and your business.

Frequently Asked Questions