How do you ensure quality control on site?
- Ensure continuous and open communication with Contractor
- Regularly visit site
- Inspect works completed and works in progress of being completed
- Ensure clear instruction and information is given
- Ensure Contractor has allowed adequate time and resources for tasks
How regularly would you inspect a job on site?
At least once a week but frequency will depend on key stages of the programme
What information do you log when visiting site?
- Date, time, weather, number of workers on site
- Review of progress in relation to the programme
- Quality of workmanship (may be necessary to cross-reference with the specification, British Standards, Approved Document 7 etc.)
- Check on materials being used (packaging, labelling etc. if specific products are not identifiable - may need to ask for proof of purchase)
- Ensure works conform to specification and drawings (may need assistance from structural engineer / M&E engineer)
- Take measurements of works where critical (e.g. door opening widths, ceiling heights)
- Health and safety arrangements on site
- Take photographs
How long would you need to keep the records of site visits for?
Records of site visits should be kept for a minimum of 6 or 12 years, depending on how the contract was executed, however negligence claims can be made up to 15 years after work was undertaken, so may need to keep for longer
What do you do if you are not satisfied with the works on site?
- Issue instructions to put the works right
- Instruct Contractor to open works up for inspection
- Exclude unsatisfactory work from interim valuations
- Terminate contract (if the relevant provisions are met, e.g. Contractor not working diligently)
Who bears the cost for works that have to be opened up/uncovered for inspection?
Cost for opening up and making good is borne by the Contractor unless no defect is discovered
What standard procedural methodologies could be used to deliver a construction project?
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Apart from hitting the completion date, does a contractor have to follow the construction programme?
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What can you do if a contractor does not finish on time?
Client can claim LADs
What are project deliverables?
Tangible/intangible objects produced as a result of the project that are intended to be delivered to the client (e.g. a part of the site in section completion/partial possession)
What are project milestones?
Specific points along a project timeline that signal how the project is advancing
How would you determine the critical path on a construction programme?
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Define the term ‘critical path’.
The sequence of critical tasks upon which the overall duration of the project is dependant
Define the term ‘float’.
The ‘spare’ time available in which an activity can be delayed without it impacting the critical path
What is a Gantt Chart?
- A scheduling method that shows activities on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis
- Each individual activity is designated a start and completion date which is represented by horizontal bars on the chart
- Used to show the total construction programme and identify the required sequence of work, the critical path and any float on tasks
In a phased project, what are the knock-on effects if the first phase is delayed?
In phased projects, any delays can have knock-on effects to the overall completion date unless there is sufficient float to make up for the delays without affecting the critical path
What contractual status does a contractor’s programme have under the major standard forms of construction contract?
- Forms part of the contract documents under most NEC contracts (not Short Contract unless it is stated that one is required)
- Under JCT, a programme is only required for SBC
What would you normally find on a pre-start meeting agenda?
- Introduction of parties
- Purpose of meeting
- Scope of works
- Programme (start date, completion date, phasing etc.)
- Site matters (working areas, restrictions, access, security, welfare facilities, hours of working etc.)
- Statutory matters (planning and building control consents, fire precautions and means of escape, environmental considerations etc.)
- Contract administration (site meetings, snagging, variation procedures, payment provisions etc.)
- Health and safety (CDM duties, asbestos)
- Any other business/queries
- Date of next meeting
What would you normally find on a progress meeting agenda?
- Matters arising from previous meeting
- Contractor’s progress report
- Site issues (quality of work, access etc.)
- Upcoming stages of programme
- Finance (variations/Compensation Events/valuations)
- Health and safety
- Outstanding information required
- Any other business/queries
- Date of next meeting
What would you do if there was a conflict of design information on site?
- Determine the correct design
- Issue a contract instruction if necessary
- Assess any claim for an extension of time and/or loss and expense
What would you look for when assessing the quality of the construction of a new wall?
- Consistent brickwork used
- Even courses
- Plumbness (can measure using a plumb line)
- DPC laid at least 150mm above external ground level
- Wall-ties (number, spacing and levelness)
- Clear cavity (no bridging between external and internal leaf)
- Sills sloping away from wall
