01 Progress and Quality Control

Question 1

How do you ensure quality control on site?

Answer 1

1. Ensure continuous and open communication with Contractor
2. Regularly visit site
3. Inspect works completed and works in progress of being completed
4. Ensure clear instruction and information is given
5. Ensure Contractor has allowed adequate time and resources for tasks

Question 2

How regularly would you inspect a job on site?

Answer 2

At least once a week but frequency will depend on key stages of the programme

Question 3

What information do you log when visiting site?

Answer 3

1. Date, time, weather, number of workers on site
2. Review of progress in relation to the programme
3. Quality of workmanship (may be necessary to cross-reference with the specification, British Standards, Approved Document 7 etc.)
4. Check on materials being used (packaging, labelling etc. if specific products are not identifiable - may need to ask for proof of purchase)
5. Ensure works conform to specification and drawings (may need assistance from structural engineer / M&E engineer)
6. Take measurements of works where critical (e.g. door opening widths, ceiling heights)
7. Health and safety arrangements on site
8. Take photographs

Question 4

How long would you need to keep the records of site visits for?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What do you do if you are not satisfied with the works on site?

Answer 5

1. Issue instructions to put the works right
2. Instruct Contractor to open works up for inspection
3. Exclude unsatisfactory work from interim valuations
4. Terminate contract (if the relevant provisions are met, e.g. Contractor not working diligently)

Question 6

Who bears the cost for works that have to be opened up/uncovered for inspection?

Answer 6

Cost for opening up and making good is borne by the Contractor unless no defect is discovered

Question 7

What standard procedural methodologies could be used to deliver a construction project?

Answer 7

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Question 8

Apart from hitting the completion date, does a contractor have to follow the construction programme?

Answer 8

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Question 9

What can you do if a contractor does not finish on time?

Answer 9

Client can claim LADs

Question 10

What are project deliverables?

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

What are project milestones?

Answer 11

Specific points along a project timeline that signal how the project is advancing

Question 12

How would you determine the critical path on a construction programme?

Answer 12

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Question 13

Define the term ‘critical path’.

Answer 13

The sequence of critical tasks upon which the overall duration of the project is dependant

Question 14

Define the term ‘float’.

Answer 14

The ‘spare’ time available in which an activity can be delayed without it impacting the critical path

Question 15

What is a Gantt Chart?

Answer 15

1. A scheduling method that shows activities on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis
2. Each individual activity is designated a start and completion date which is represented by horizontal bars on the chart
3. Used to show the total construction programme and identify the required sequence of work, the critical path and any float on tasks

Question 16

In a phased project, what are the knock-on effects if the first phase is delayed?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What contractual status does a contractor’s programme have under the major standard forms of construction contract?

Answer 17

1. Forms part of the contract documents under most NEC contracts (not Short Contract unless it is stated that one is required)
2. Under JCT, a programme is only required for SBC

Question 18

What would you normally find on a pre-start meeting agenda?

Answer 18

1. Introduction of parties
2. Purpose of meeting
3. Scope of works
4. Programme (start date, completion date, phasing etc.)
5. Site matters (working areas, restrictions, access, security, welfare facilities, hours of working etc.)
6. Statutory matters (planning and building control consents, fire precautions and means of escape, environmental considerations etc.)
7. Contract administration (site meetings, snagging, variation procedures, payment provisions etc.)
8. Health and safety (CDM duties, asbestos)
9. Any other business/queries
10. Date of next meeting

Question 19

What would you normally find on a progress meeting agenda?

Answer 19

1. Matters arising from previous meeting
2. Contractor’s progress report
3. Site issues (quality of work, access etc.)
4. Upcoming stages of programme
5. Finance (variations/Compensation Events/valuations)
6. Health and safety
7. Outstanding information required
8. Any other business/queries
9. Date of next meeting

Question 20

What would you do if there was a conflict of design information on site?

Answer 20

1. Determine the correct design
2. Issue a contract instruction if necessary
3. Assess any claim for an extension of time and/or loss and expense

Question 21

What would you look for when assessing the quality of the construction of a new wall?

Answer 21

1. Consistent brickwork used
2. Even courses
3. Plumbness (can measure using a plumb line)
4. DPC laid at least 150mm above external ground level
5. Wall-ties (number, spacing and levelness)
6. Clear cavity (no bridging between external and internal leaf)
7. Sills sloping away from wall