15 - Design and Spec Flashcards

1
Q

When do you enlist the services of sa third party ? How do you appoint them ?

A

direct appointment from the client

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2
Q

What is NBS Chorus ?

A

NBS Chorus is a collaborative specification platform supporting global design and construction, aimed at those professionals who need to produce high quality specifications efficiently. … We see NBS Chorus as the future of specification and see true value for anyone who wants to come on this journey with us.

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3
Q

What is a specifications ?

A

Specifications describe the products, materials, and work required by a construction contract. They do not include cost, quantity, or drawn information, and so need to be read alongside other information such as quantities, schedules, and drawings. … For more information, see Performance specification

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4
Q

What is a schedule of works ?

A

A Schedule of Works is a contract document that lists the works required on a project. The Schedule references the requirements included in the specifications and contract drawings plus any additional ‘builders work’ or ‘fixing schedule’ type items, this is commonly referred to as a specified schedule of work.

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5
Q

What is a bill of quantities ?

A

A bill of quantities is a document used in tendering in the construction industry in which materials, parts, and labour are itemized. It also details the terms and conditions of the construction or repair contract and itemizes all work to enable a contractor to price the work for which he or she is bidding

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6
Q

What are the type of specifications ?

A

Prescriptive
Descriptive
Performance

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7
Q

What are Preliminaries ?

A

‘Preliminaries’ in a construction contract, or ‘prelims’, is typically taken to mean the section in the bills of quantities which groups together items which are necessary for the contractor to complete the works, but will not actually become part of the works, such as scaffolding, plant, water, the cost of power to the site and other site overheads. The preliminaries section also often summarises the contractual terms and services to be provided by the contractor.

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8
Q

What are Preambles ?

A

A preamble is an explanation of a document, commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities. It can help with the interpretation of the document.

A preamble might include:

A description of the parties to the contract.
A description of the competence (or lack of it) of the parties to the contract. This can be taken to set a general standard for the quality of goods or services expected, or the level of support required.
The background to the document.
A summary of the negotiations.
Tendering procedures.
The objectives of the project.
Other related documents or previous contracts and their relationship to the current document.

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9
Q

What conditions have you implemented from planning and building control ?#

A

Planning
The development to which this permission relates shall begin not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this decision.
Reason: As required by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

The development to which this permission relates shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plan(s) referenced: P2008017/02 received 21.01.21
Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning, and in order to achieve a satisfactory form of development in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and DM20 of the Development and Allocations Plan and Policies CS1 of the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan.

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10
Q

What is the difference between preamble and preliminaries

A

Preambles are the explanation of the works that doesn’t form part of the costings, preliminaries of the costed items required to complete the works, scaffolding, plants etc

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11
Q

What is a feasibility survey. ?

A

Feasibility studies are preliminary studies undertaken in the very early stage of a project. They tend to be carried out when a project is large or complex, or where there is some doubt or controversy regarding the proposed development. If an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required, this may involve assessments best undertaken as part of feasibility studies.

The purpose of feasibility studies is to:

Establish whether the project is viable.
Help identify feasible options.
Assist in the development of other project documentation such as the business case, project execution plan and strategic brief.

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12
Q

• Concrete rear extension onto a timber main floor. What design considerations did you make to sub floor ventilation?

A

Allow for supply and installation of uPVC pipe from ducted vents to new rear extension walls to the sub floor voids to existing house. Ensure any joints are taped. New external air brick to be clay terracotta NOT uPVC.

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13
Q

• Talk me through the obligations contained within part L of the BR? What pros and cons were presented to your client?

A

– Approved document L1B – Conservation of fuel and power within existing dwellings. obligations include :
Upgrading the existing structure to ensure complaint to the u values set out within
Walls – 0.30 W/m2K
Floor – 0.25
Flat roof – 0.18

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14
Q

• With regards to Pethfoot House, can you explain your involvement in the design of the works and specifically what works formed part of the application Planning (listed building and conservation areas) act 1990?

A

my involvement in the design stage include organising and chairing meetings to fully understand the client objectives for the project at an early stage. This would fall with RIBA plan of work stage 0 – strategic definition.
Listed building consent is required to all works of demolition, alteration and extension of a listed building that agents its character. In this example as the listed related to the whole building our works including removal of the sun room in its entirety, remedial works to chimney and internal alterations required this application.

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15
Q

• I can see you have referenced a couple of the approved documents, what are they?

A

They are document that provide guidance on how building regulation can be satisfied that fall under the Building Act 1984. (Just be aware of the differences between the Regs and Approved Documents )

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16
Q

• When do you need to comply with building regs?

A

For any new dwelling or new construction work to the affected areas. Not required to comply for the whole building retrospectively.

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17
Q

Are you aware of any British standard for disabled design ?

A

BS8300 is a British Standard that sets out how buildings should be designed,

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18
Q

What u values did you achieve for the extension ?

A

Floor 0.25
Walls 0.28
Ceiling 0.18

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19
Q

What does SAP stand for ?

A

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a methodology introduced by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of buildings to make sure that any new developments will not only meet Building Regulations, but also all energy and environmental policy initiatives.

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20
Q

Pinehaugh: Who was liable for the structural designs?

A

The structural Engineer

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21
Q

Did you carry out the measured survey? If not how could rely on the measurements? (carry out site checks)

A

I carried out the measured survey

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22
Q

What standards did you refer to for the disabled bathroom? Look up BS:8300

A

Approved Doc M - Access to and use of building

BS 8300 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment

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23
Q

What was the clear width door opening?

A

800mm

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24
Q

What information is included in the RICS Guidance Note on Design & Specification?

A
Principles behind the role
 Design process management
 Establishing the project
 Outline design and specification
 Preparing for detailed design
 Design production
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25
How do you make your client aware of their duties under the CDM Regulations?
During the initial project meeting, my company adopted the durites of the client via a formal agreement.
26
What are the different stages of the design process?
``` 0 - Strategic definition. 1 - Preparation and briefing. 2 - Concept design. 3 - Spatial coordination. 4 - Technical design. 5 - Manufacturing and construction. 6 - Handover. 7 - Use. ```
27
Outline the key stages of the RIBA plan of work.
``` 0 - Strategic definition. 1 - Preparation and briefing. 2 - Concept design. 3 - Spatial coordination. 4 - Technical design. 5 - Manufacturing and construction. 6 - Handover. 7 - Use. ```
28
At what stage would a building regulation application be made?
4 - Technical Design
29
Following a client instruction, how might you ensure that their brief is met?
Reviewing the KPI and key requirements, feedback and communication throughout.
30
What do you understand by the term, “modern methods of construction”?
Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building. Creating panelled units in factories, which can be quickly assembled onsite to create 3D structures.
31
Give me some examples of modern methods of construction which you have experience/knowledge of.
Timber frame
32
What is the purpose of the preambles in contract documentation?
A preamble is an explanation of a document, commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities. It can help with the interpretation of the document. A preamble might include: A description of the parties to the contract. A description of the competence (or lack of it) of the parties to the contract. This can be taken to set a general standard for the quality of goods or services expected, or the level of support required. The background to the document. A summary of the negotiations. Tendering procedures. The objectives of the project. Other related documents or previous contracts and their relationship to the current document.
33
When are design risk assessments required?
Under CDM by the Principal Designer
34
Why is CDM important in the design process?
Allows for risk and hazards to be design out
35
What technical standards are you aware of and do you use when writing specifications?
BRE digest BS - British Standards Manufacturer Documents Approved Documents
36
How might an existing building be made more energy efficient?
``` Renewable Energy New Glazing Led Lighting Increasing insulation Draft Stripping ```
37
Explain the different forms of specification available.
Performance – describes the operational requirements of the concept. Prescriptive – describes the materials and workmanship required for a development
38
Explain the key difference between prescriptive and performance specifications.
Performance – describes the operational requirements of the concept. Prescriptive – describes the materials and workmanship required for a development
39
Why might you recommend the use of a performance specification?
Prescriptive specifications give the client more certainty about the end product when they make their final investment decision (i.e. when they appoint the contractor), whereas a performance specification gives the contractor and suppliers more scope to innovate and adopt cost effective methods of work, potentially .
40
How would the tender evaluation differ when using a performance specification to ensure you chose the best solution offered by the tenderers, rather than simply selecting the cheapest?
The request for further information regarding how the contractor proposes to complete this.
41
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using specification writing software such as NBS?
Time-consuming | Costly
42
How do you determine the length of contract period for a project - what factors are considered?
Size Complexity Client requirements KPI's
43
List the various constituent parts that make up a specification.
Specifications describe the products, materials, and work required by a construction contract
44
What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Design & Specification?
Labour, material, delivery, face to face meetings
45
Q. what is the size of a disabled parking space?
A. standard parking space applies which is 2.4 x 4.8m plus 1.2m on either side for the doors to open and wheel chair operation. Plus dropped kerb providing access.
46
Q. what considerations did you consider when designer the car park?
TBC
47
Q. what was the tarmac build up?
TBC
48
Q. what other approved documents did you consider when designing the car park?
TBC
49
Q. what design consideration did you consider as part of the accessible WC?
A. from a building perspective to ensure level access was provided. Also looking at foul drainage to be connected into existing foul connections.
50
Q. what other details were specified to ensure WC requirements?
A. Doc M pack? Anti slip vinyl floor covering – ensuring the spec and gauge were suitable to application, grab rails, HWB, WC, emergency pull cord.
51
Q. what is the min. door width for accessible WC? Turning circle?
A. turning circle 1500mm.
52
Q. What did you do to ensure the designers/engineers had the full information as part of the WC?
A. I held DTM’s with the relevant engineers to ensure they are fully briefed on the design requirements.
53
Q. what is included in the tender documents?
A. tender documents may include: a letter of invitation, the form of tender, prelims including PCI, the form of contract and contract conditions and amendments, a tender pricing document (or contract sum analysis on D&B, design drawings, specifications.
54
How did you decided how big the new extension needed to be?
Based on the clients requirements
55
How did you design the layout of the new extension?
Inline with the clients requirements
56
When positioning the new window openings how did you determine structural integrity would be maintained?
I reviewed Approved Document A in relation to masonry v glazing and fht applicable sizing
57
Explain how the existing loads would be supported whilst the new structural openings were formed.
Via Acro needle / pin props
58
Explain how you specified the stonework repairs/replacement
TBC
59
Explain how you sized the replacement floor and ceiling joists.
I reviewed current Traata tables to conform the required timber size, depth grade and centres.
60
What other details were specified to ensure the floor joist were installed properly?
The ends were wrapped in DPM, the tier was treated and acclimatised on site.
61
What floor structure was specified and explain how you specified for it to be fixed?
Timber suspended floor
62
What type of lintels were specified for the new structural openings?
Sought confirmation from the conservation officer than create lintel could be installed as they would be hidden from the face
63
Explain how the new lintels were installed.
Via Acro needle / pin props
64
Explain the specification of the new casement windows.
Double glazed casement open out windows to match ns scale, material and size of the original
65
How were the new windows fixed into the structural openings?
Frame installed and fix the stonework via resin anchor bolts.
66
Level 3
TBC
67
Q. what were you design consideration on the flat roof?
TBC
68
Q. what approved documents did you consider?
TBC
69
Q. what were the U-values for an existing flat roof replacement you achieved?
TBC
70
Q. explain a flat roof build-up?
TBC
71
Q. what is the difference between warm and cold deck flat roof?
TBC
72
Q. what is an inverted flat roof?
TBC
73
Q. what alteration works were required to the adjacent windows?
TBC
74
Q. what were the end user requirements for the windows?
TBC
75
Q. draw design detail of the window?
TBC
76
Q. you said, Part L was considered for thermal efficiency, what did you consider?
TBC
77
Q. you said you discussed with the LPA and was considered under permitted development, what is permitted development?
A. certain types of works can be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called Permitted Development rights. I liaised with the LPA to discuss the proposals and I asked for a ‘lawful development certificate’ at a fee.
78
Q. explain what advise you gave in respect of the roof replacement?
TBC
79
Q. What factors did you consider when giving this advice?
TBC
80
Q. how did you ensure the practicality of installing the new roof covering to the new roof?
A. with it being a live school, I ensured there was clear separate access for the pupils and staff, ensuring that the contractors are aware not to keep materials and plant unattended at any time. Ensuring that the contractors closed the gate to the site compound area. Ensure the site hoarding was maintained properly to stop access from the school grounds.
81
Q. with the removal of the load bearing wall, what factors did you consider when offering this advice?
A. I advised the council that the installation of a steel beam will be required and input from a SE will be needed to calculate and specify the correct size of the beam. Also temporary support will be required for the roof structure.
82
Q. what is the required bearing of the beam?
A. in accordance with the part A the minimum bearing is 150mm.
83
Q. how did you ensure the practicality of installing the new beam?
TBC
84
Q. what other approved documents did you consider for the beam?
A. Part b – fire protection. I advised the client that fire board will be required for the new beam to provide adequate fire protection.
85
Q. was there any need for asbestos consideration?
TBC
86
Q. explain the advice you offered in respect of asbestos?
TBC
87
Explain what advice you gave in respect of the size of the Velux windows to be installed in the loft conversion.
Various sizes were available but consideration and advice wa sigvenr regarding rh spacing between and the support required for these openings.
88
What factors did you consider when offering this advice?
Cost, time, quality
89
How did you ensure the practicality of installing the new structural steelwork into the roof?
The roof was to be recovered, so the insertion of the steelwork was installed during the period of re roofing where the roof was covered with a tin hat'
90
Explain the reasoned advice you gave in respect of the client’s expectations and their limited budget.
I create initial design and then in turn cost estimates for the work using past tender documentation and BCIS.
91
Explain the advice you gave to try and ensure the floor layouts suited the client’s needs
I produced a number of proposed floor plans that were reviewed din person with the client, these were in reference to the client brief and in line with budget requirements.
92
Explain the advice you offered in respect of asbestos
As the building was constructed in 1910 I advised the client of the requirements for asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012. To protect the works in due course.
93
What features did you recommend to suit your client’s requirement’s?
The floor plan including the provision of the accommodation and disability bathroom and bedroom.
94
Explain why it was important to get early inclusion from the specialist sub-contractor?
Are they can have a direct impact on cost, time, programme of the project.
95
What design guides were used to ensure the spatial requirements suited your client’s needs?
BS 8300 Design of an accessible and inclusive building | Approved document M - access to and use of buildings
96
What are the contents and general items contained within the RICS Design and spec guidance note
``` "Principles behind the role Design process management Establishing the project Outline design and specification Preparing for detailed design Design production" ```
97
What is CDM 2015 ?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) cover the management of health, safety and welfare when carrying out construction projects. CDM 2015 replaced the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) from 6 April 2015
98
Q. what is the NBS? (National Building Specification)
"It is a UK based system of construction specification used by architects and building professionals to describe the materials, standards and workmanship of a construction project. NBS governs the regulations of a specification."
99
Q. explain what your understanding is about the RICS guidance note Design and Specification
TBC
100
Q. What information is included in the RICS Guidance Note on Design & Specification?
TBC
101
Q. How do you make your client aware of their duties under the CDM Regulations?
TBC
102
Q. What are the different stages of the design process?
TBC
103
Q. Outline the key stages of the RIBA plan of work.
TBC
104
Q. At what stage would a building regulation application be made?
TBC
105
Q. Following a client instruction, how might you ensure that their brief is met?
TBC
106
Q. What do you understand by the term, “modern methods of construction”?
TBC
107
Q. Give me some examples of modern methods of construction which you have experience/knowledge of.
TBC
108
Q. What is the purpose of the preambles in contract documentation?
TBC
109
Q. When are design risk assessments required?
TBC
110
Q. Why is CDM important in the design process?
TBC
111
Q. What technical standards are you aware of and do you use when writing specifications?
TBC
112
Q. How might an existing building be made more energy efficient?
TBC
113
Q. Explain the different forms of specification available.
TBC
114
Q. Explain the key difference between prescriptive and performance specifications.
TBC
115
Q. Why might you recommend the use of a performance specification?
TBC
116
Q. How would the tender evaluation differ when using a performance specification to ensure you chose the best solution offered by the tenderers, rather than simply selecting the cheapest?
TBC
117
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using specification writing software such as NBS?
TBC
118
Q. How do you determine the length of contract period for a project - what factors are considered?
TBC
119
Q. List the various constituent parts that make up a specification.
TBC
120
Q. What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Design & Specification?
TBC