Lean Construction Addendum - 305

ConsensusDocs 305, commonly referred to as the Lean Addendum, offers a flexible and practical solution for construction teams that want to implement Lean tools and collaborative project delivery practices without adopting a fully Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) agreement such as ConsensusDocs 300. This addendum is especially suitable for projects structured under a Construction Manager (CM) At-Risk agreement, with the ConsensusDocs 500 CM At-Risk agreement being the most compatible base contract.

The Lean Addendum allows project participants to take advantage of key Lean construction principles such as collaborative planning, pull scheduling, target value design (TVD), and continuous improvement without overhauling their existing contract structure. It introduces Lean techniques in a contractually supported format, promoting team alignment, transparency, and efficiency across all phases of the project—from preconstruction to final delivery.

Unlike a full IPD contract, ConsensusDocs 305 provides a low-barrier entry point for firms new to Lean thinking or hesitant to fully commit to IPD. It emphasizes shared decision-making, promotes early stakeholder involvement, and supports the establishment of project-wide goals and accountability measures that can significantly improve outcomes in terms of cost control, scheduling, and quality.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with traditional contract models, especially CM At-Risk, this Lean Addendum can be customized to meet specific project needs. It provides a contractually enforceable way to implement Lean methodologies, allowing teams to reduce waste, enhance collaboration, and deliver greater value without the complexity of a fully integrated delivery method.

For construction professionals and project owners aiming to modernize their delivery methods and improve project performance, ConsensusDocs 305 offers a strategic path to adopting Lean construction in a manageable and legally supported manner.