This kind of agreement is often comfortable for both clients and consultants, providing a degree of protection for both parties where uncertainties exist. This must be defined by the nature of the task. It may be necessary for the engineer or consultant to perform all of the work on the premises of the client, or some or all of the work may be performed at the consultant's office. Data gathering, inspection of facilities, observations of procedures and the like require client-premise work. Interviews, meetings or discussions may be conducted in either venue, sometimes alternating between the two during extended projects.
Circumstances generally dictate the best arrangements.
Choosing a consultant is not unlike hiring an employee. The techniques of effectively accomplishing either task involve the evaluation of knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the work. In either case, selection criteria should also include personal characteristics, e.g., integrity, punctuality, appearance, professionalism, ability to work with others and the like. In selecting a consultant, one must also determine if necessary credentials are held by serious candidates. Care must be taken to assure that firms or individuals possess resources and skills adequate for the tasks to be assigned.