15 - Design and Spec Flashcards
When do you enlist the services of sa third party ? How do you appoint them ?
direct appointment from the client
What is NBS Chorus ?
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.
What is a specifications ?
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
What is a schedule of works ?
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.
What is a bill of quantities ?
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
What are the type of specifications ?
Prescriptive
Descriptive
Performance
What are Preliminaries ?
‘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.
What are Preambles ?
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.
What conditions have you implemented from planning and building control ?#
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.
What is the difference between preamble and preliminaries
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
What is a feasibility survey. ?
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.
• Concrete rear extension onto a timber main floor. What design considerations did you make to sub floor ventilation?
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.
• Talk me through the obligations contained within part L of the BR? What pros and cons were presented to your client?
– 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
• 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?
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.
• I can see you have referenced a couple of the approved documents, what are they?
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 )
• When do you need to comply with building regs?
For any new dwelling or new construction work to the affected areas. Not required to comply for the whole building retrospectively.
Are you aware of any British standard for disabled design ?
BS8300 is a British Standard that sets out how buildings should be designed,
What u values did you achieve for the extension ?
Floor 0.25
Walls 0.28
Ceiling 0.18
What does SAP stand for ?
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.
Pinehaugh: Who was liable for the structural designs?
The structural Engineer
Did you carry out the measured survey? If not how could rely on the measurements? (carry out site checks)
I carried out the measured survey
What standards did you refer to for the disabled bathroom? Look up BS:8300
Approved Doc M - Access to and use of building
BS 8300 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
What was the clear width door opening?
800mm
What information is included in the RICS Guidance Note on Design & Specification?
Principles behind the role Design process management Establishing the project Outline design and specification Preparing for detailed design Design production
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.
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.
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.
At what stage would a building regulation application be made?
4 - Technical Design
Following a client instruction, how might you ensure that their brief is met?
Reviewing the KPI and key requirements, feedback and communication throughout.
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.
Give me some examples of modern methods of construction which you have experience/knowledge of.
Timber frame
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.
When are design risk assessments required?
Under CDM by the Principal Designer
Why is CDM important in the design process?
Allows for risk and hazards to be design out
What technical standards are you aware of and do you use when writing specifications?
BRE digest
BS - British Standards Manufacturer Documents
Approved Documents
How might an existing building be made more energy efficient?
Renewable Energy New Glazing Led Lighting Increasing insulation Draft Stripping
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
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
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 .
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.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using specification writing software such as NBS?
Time-consuming
Costly
How do you determine the length of contract period for a project - what factors are considered?
Size
Complexity
Client requirements
KPI’s
List the various constituent parts that make up a specification.
Specifications describe the products, materials, and work required by a construction contract
What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Design & Specification?
Labour, material, delivery, face to face meetings
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.
Q. what considerations did you consider when designer the car park?
TBC
Q. what was the tarmac build up?
TBC
Q. what other approved documents did you consider when designing the car park?
TBC
