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APC RG > 22 - Works Progress and Quality Management > Flashcards

22 - Works Progress and Quality Management Flashcards

1
Q

Works Progress and Quality Management - Extract from Candidate Guide - Aug 2018 (updated Feb 2022)

A
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2
Q

How do you check the product is correct as used by the contractor?

A
  • Check the specification
  • Reference British Standards
  • Check Manufacturers data
  • Physically inspect
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3
Q

What do you if the contractor comes to you with an alternative product?

A
  • Check the suggested difference
  • Ensure the same standard is reached or improved.
  • Consider costings
  • Consider guarantee
  • Consider suitable application
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4
Q

When you carry out site inspections, what do you include in the inspection report?

A
  • Date
  • Time
  • Weather
  • no operatives on site
  • health and safety
  • progress
  • discussions had on site
  • action points
  • progress
  • Requests for information
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5
Q

What tests on concrete can you carry out on site?

A
  • Slump test

* Rebar cover

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6
Q

How can progress be recorded on a project ?

A

Base against contract programmed to monitor the progress.

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7
Q

What might be the difference between the duties of a contract administrator and a clerk of works?

A
  • A Clerk of works only responsible for the progress and quality on site. A clerk of works or clerk of the works (CoW) is employed by an architect or a client on a construction site. The role is primarily to represent the interests of the client in regard to ensuring that the quality of both materials and workmanship are in accordance with the design information such as specification and engineering drawings, in addition to recognized quality standards. The role is defined in standard forms of contract such as those published by the Joint Contracts Tribunal. Clerks of works are also the most highly qualified non-commissioned tradesmen in the Royal Engineers. The qualification can be held in three specialisms: electrical, mechanical and construction.
  • In the construction industry, the contract administrator is the individual responsible for administering the construction standard contracts. The contract administrator may be the project architect, but could also be the lead consultant, the cost consultant, a specialist consultant, a client representative or employer’s agent, the project manager or an engineer. On a construction management contract, the role of contract administrator might be attributed to the construction manager, and on management contracts the management contractor will perform the role of contract administrator. Contract administrators are appointed by the client, but when certifying or giving an assessment or decision, they should act honestly and reasonably and their decisions are open to challenge via the dispute resolution procedure unless the contract makes their decisions final and conclusive.
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8
Q

Why is it important to record progress?

A
  • To ensure the programmed is evolving and to try and meet the construction programmed.
  • Proof that you were monitoring the progress against the project timescale should any disputes arise.
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9
Q

How regularly might site visits be undertaken and why?

A
  • Dependent on complexity and size.

* I normally carry out weekly inspections unless prompted for more.

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10
Q

Did you prepare reports following your site inspections? If you did, explain what was included in these.

A 
Site inspection record details
•	Date
•	Time
•	Weather
•	no operatives on site
•	health and safety
•	progress
•	discussions had on site
•	action points
•	progress
•	Requests for information
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11
Q

How do you ensure that the project is kept on track?

A

I chair regular meetings with the site manager and if required, the client. At this meeting, I will discuss the current status of the project to ensure that it is on track both in terms of timing and finance. Before I chair these meetings, I will review the most recent payment certificate as well as the variations that were applied for, I will then make a note of how much work has been carried out based on the programmed of works provided by the contractor. I will then inform the client of the next payment application that is expected as well as what works should be completed by then so that they have an idea of the amount of money they need to make available.

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12
Q

How do you carry out a site inspection?

A

I will first check all the latest correspondence and make notes on anything I need to pay particular attention to such as for valuation purposes or quality standards etc. I will then confirm who will be on site to show me the progress of work and ensure that I am wearing all the relevant PPE. I will then review the progress of the work according to the specification and make a note of any concerns and raise this with the site manager and client.

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13
Q

Why do you need to record the progress of works?

A

The purpose of recording progress is to ensure that the project does not fall behind schedule and where it is, the necessary actions can be implemented to pick up any slack or delay. This will also help mitigate disputes between employer and contractor as the communication is kept regular and issues can be quickly addressed.

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14
Q

What quality descriptors are you aware of?

A

The contract will be appended with the agreed spec. This will include the quality standards in the preambles that the contractor must achieve. This could be the type of paint to be used on a material and the amount of coats required or the render/plaster mixture to apply to the wall and how many coats are required.

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15
Q

What is clerk of works?

A

Their role is to check the quality and progress of the works carried out on site according to the specification and report this back to the client/CA. They have no authority to administer any contractual changes.

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16
Q

How do you prepare site reports?

A

I will list out who carried out the inspection, who I met with, the date, time, weather, what I went to see, if there are any issues with what I had seen, if previous issues had been addressed and the agreed date for the next inspection. I then formulate this in an easy to read format that can be tracked using bullet points which can be referenced easily.

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17
Q

How do you determine if something has been done to the correct quality?

A

I can check that the work has been carried out according to the specification. Certain work can be judged based on experience but on occasion, we use specialists to ensure that the construction has met the standards as designed particularly with sound proofing. The works can be opened up if I believe it has not been done to the required standard although this is a last measure as it can lead to issues with the client in terms of EoT etc.

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18
Q

How do you inform your client that the project is behind schedule?

A

By reviewing the project programmed, I can identify where the project should be, I will prepare a second programmed to overlay on top of the existing programmed to show where the delay is and what the knock-on effect is to the next stages of work. This helps the client understand how far the work can potentially be pushed back to. This is first done verbally after my site visit so that they are aware and then I detail all my findings in an email as outline what action can be taken to make up the delay in time.

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19
Q

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

A

No, most standard form contractors do not require a programmed to be followed activity by activity. The obligation is to finish by the completion date and meet the required standards. (The programme is treated different within different contracts)

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20
Q

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

A

Make a claim for Liquidated damages if an extension of time has not been submitted and or approved.

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21
Q

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

A

6-12 years depending on how the contract was executed (under hand or deed), 15 years in relation to the limitations act.

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22
Q

What are project milestones?

A

Key stages of a project that are define in the contract documents.

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23
Q

What is a Gantt chart?

A

Diagram used to plan and schedule a project. Shows the path tasks must be completed by in order to complete on time.

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24
Q

What contractual status does a contractors programmed have under the major standard forms of construction contract?

A
  • Under JCT, the contractor does not have to follow it as it is not considered contract document.
  • In NEC3, it is considered contract data and has to be updated regularly and approved by the PM.
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25
Q

1What would you normally find on a pre-start meeting agenda?

A
  • Attendee
  • start dates
  • welfare
  • completion estimate
  • first site visit
  • confirmation of payment terms
  • additional items.
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26
Q

What would you normally find on a progress meeting agenda?

A
  • Dates
  • works completed
  • delayed works
  • works to be completed by next visit
  • issues identified
  • cost estimates
  • variations
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27
Q

A sub-contractor tells you he hasn’t been paid. What do you do?

A

Make a note of this for the records and remind the contractor that the contract is with the contractor and needs to handle it through them. This could be an early warning sign regarding cash flow issues for the main contractor.

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28
Q

How do you define how often a site visit should be completed on site ?

A
  • And pre-defined stages
  • During specific inspection routines
  • If and when during an issue arises
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29
Q

What is benchmarking ?

A

Benchmarking is defined as the process of measuring products, services, and processes against those of organizations known to be leaders in one or more aspects of their operations. Benchmarking provides necessary insights to help you understand how your organization compares with similar organizations, even if they are in a different business or have a different group of customers.

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30
Q

What is ISO 9001 ?

A

The ISO 9000 family of quality management systems is a set of standards that helps organizations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service.

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31
Q

What does ISO stand for ?

A

International Organization for Standardization

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32
Q

How would you check progress on site ?

A
  • Reference program
  • Check against cash flow
  • Check against contract sum
  • Check progress son site
  • Check material on site
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33
Q

How can you check quality control ?

A
  • Sample panel
  • Snagging
  • Site inspection
  • Compare specification
  • Check against reports
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34
Q

Can a clerk of works issue CI ?

A

No

35
Q

What is the NEC Supervisor ?

A

The NEC3 Supervisor ensures that the works are carried out in line with the quality defined by the Works Information. The Supervisor will have a regular presence on site, providing independent scrutiny of the works, ensuring the correct materials are used and to the correct standards.

36
Q

What is the relevant case law in relation to inspection intervals ?

A

McGlinn v Waltham Contractors Ltd

Inspections should not be dictated by the project value and should be relevant to the works and need for inspections.

https://www.fenwickelliott.com/research-insight/articles-papers/covid-19/inspection-obligations-architects

37
Q

What are Preliminaries ?

A

Preliminaries (or ‘prelims’) may appear in tender documents, providing a description of a project that allows the contractor to assess costs which, whilst they do not form a part of any of the package of works required by the contract, are required by the method and circumstances of the works.

NBS suggest that ‘the purpose of preliminaries is to describe the works as a whole, and to specify general conditions and requirements for their execution, including such things as subcontracting, approvals, testing and completion.’ Preliminaries and work sections together describe what is required to complete the works required by the contract.

The costs attached to preliminaries may also be referred to as ‘preliminaries’ or ‘prelims’, or as ‘site overheads’, or general cost items or expenses. The Code of Estimating Practice published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) describes preliminaries as:
‘…the cost of administering a project and providing general plant, site staff, facilities, and site based services and other items not included in the rates.’

38
Q

What is a Preamble ?

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.

It should only include important information and should avoid including or repeating rights or obligations which should be set out in the main body of the document.
NB: Preambles should not be confused with preliminaries. For more information, see Difference between preliminaries and preambles

39
Q

What is a defined provisional sum ?

A

Defined provisional sums are those that are sufficiently well defined and/or detailed to allow the contractor to make allowances for them in their programming, planning and pricing preliminaries.

40
Q

What is an undefined provisional sum ?

A

Undefined provisional sums are less well described as they refer to work which is not completely designed. As such, the contractor cannot be expected to make allowance for them in their programming, planning and pricing preliminaries. This means the contractor may be entitled to an extension of time and/or additional payments when the actual works are undertaken.

An example of an undefined provisional sum might be work required below an existing structure, where the ground conditions, and so the extent of work required, cannot be determined until the structure is demolished and the ground opened up.

41
Q

What the equivalent of a provisional sum in NEC ?

A

A risk item

42
Q

What are the types of specification ?

A
  • Performance
  • Prescriptive
  • Descriptive
  • Proprietary
43
Q

What are the three main standard you would consider when assessing works on site ?

A

Cost, time and quality

44
Q

What is a BRE Doc ?

A

BRE delivers innovative and rigorous products, services, standards and qualifications which are used around the globe to make buildings better for people and for the environment.

45
Q

What is a British Standard ?

A

British Standards are the standards produced by the BSI Group which is incorporated under a royal charter and which is formally designated as the national standards body for the UK

46
Q

What checks do you make to ensure the materials you specified have been used on site ?

A

During my site inspection inspect these items, I make specific reference to these items within my schedule of works to allow for the CA to inspect prior to covering. Sufficient notice should be given to allow for travel etc and attendance to site.

47
Q

What is a clerk of works ?

A

A clerk of works inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and reports back to senior managers and clients. As a clerk of work, you’d be conducting regular site inspections and checking that building plans are being followed correctly. You’d check that work is being carried out to the correct specifications and legal, safety and environmental standards.

48
Q

How do you monitor progress on site ?

A

Site inspection based on the programme, schedule of works, quality standards, specification etc

49
Q

What would you do if a contractor suggest an alterative material ?

A

Consider its application, costs, suitability, guarantees attached and meeting the required standards.

50
Q

When inspecting works, what kind of things do you look out for?

A

Quality, workmanship, health and safety of the operatives, progress sin relation to the program, suitable materials

51
Q

How do decide how often site visits are required during a construction project?

A

Dictated by the works, contract programme, unforeseen works, inspection details in schedule of work for inspect for laying roof of roof deck etc

52
Q

In what circumstances might a project require more frequent site visits - give examples.

A

A technical project, a project that uncovered various issues, a lack of confidence or new contractor.

53
Q

Give me some examples of the quality standards you include in your specifications.

A
  • BS 8300:12 Decoration
  • BS 8612 for Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems
  • BS EN 845-1:2003 Specification for ancillary components for masonry. Ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets
54
Q

How does the contract administrator’s role differ from the role of a clerk of works?

A

The contract administrator is not a clerk of works; it is not a site based position although frequent site visits are required. For large projects it may be appropriate to appoint a clerk of works to make daily visits and to report to the contract administrator. For most projects this level of oversight is not required but weekly visits and stage inspections with regular meetings are required.

The contract administrator fills many roles. Initially this will include setting up the formal contract, issuing documents to the contractor, checking insurances and that the approvals are in place. It will also involve oversight of the contractors programme; this may include ensuring that specific target dates stated in the tender invitation have been factored in. As the work on site progresses the programme will be used to monitor the contractors performance.

55
Q

Explain how you carried out your site inspections to assess the progress and quality of the work undertaken.

A

A physical inspection of the entire site, taking in account h&S, contract programme, quality specified, discussion with site manager

56
Q

Explain how you recorded the progress made to date?

A

Site inspection record and photographs

57
Q

Explain how you determined if the work was progressing to time. (i.e. how is progress on site ).

A

In reference to the contract programme

58
Q

Explain how you determined which stages of the project were “critical” and how you timed your site visits to ensure you witnessed the necessary works.

A

They were defined in the schedule of works to allow for this

59
Q

How did you ensure the materials you specified had been used on site ?

A

Regular site inspection and evidence

60
Q

How did you check and record this and what physical checks do you make ?

A

Quality, material, placement, sizing etc

61
Q

What would you have done if you found the project falling significantly behind programme ?

A

Review with the contractor, considerer acceleration

62
Q

When you identified the sub-standard workmanship to what quality standards did you refer to identify the work was not to the required standard ?

A

I referred to British standards for the acceptable quality required as previously defined.

63
Q

As a building surveyor, what is the importance of regular site visits and progress meetings?

A
64
Q

How would you manage expectations of clients and contractors during project progress meetings?

A
65
Q

Could you explain the individual responsibilities of the project team members, including the Contract Administrator, Project Manager, Consultants, Contractor, and Subcontractors?

A
66
Q

What is the importance of high-quality contractual documents, and how do you ensure appropriate version control?

A
67
Q

When assuming the role of NEC Supervisor or requirements under JCT Clerk of Works, what are some of the key contractual procedures that you would follow?

A
68
Q

Could you describe a situation where you monitored site activity against the Accepted Programme, and how did you raise any risk items accordingly?

A
69
Q

In the context of a demolition and reconstruction project, what steps would you take to ensure successful project delivery, particularly with respect to monitoring adherence to revisions of the rebuild technical information?

A
70
Q

How would you address concerns about non-compliance with project specifications, as in the case of lower-strength concrete being used on site? What steps would you take as NEC Supervisor to notify parties of such defects?

A
71
Q

In UoM University Place, you acted as the NEC Supervisor for a demolition and reconstruction project. What were some of the key risks that you identified during site visits, and how did you raise these to the project team?

A
72
Q

In UoM University Place you monitored adherence to the revisions of the rebuild technical information. Can you explain how you ensured that the Contractor complied with the updated technical information, and what measures did you take to keep records?

A
73
Q

In Musselburgh Driving Test Centre, you identified a discrepancy in the packaged concrete strength at the site. How did you ensure that the correct specification was followed, and what was your role in notifying parties of the Defect as the NEC Supervisor?

A
74
Q

How do you ensure that the quality of contractual documents is high, and what measures do you follow to maintain version control?

A
75
Q

As an NEC Supervisor, how did you monitor site activity for the demolition and reconstruction of defective brickwork cladding?

A
76
Q

Can you describe a time when you identified a potential quality issue on site and what actions did you take to address it?

A
77
Q

Referring to your external hardstanding musselburgh works, what concrete had been specified and what had been used?

A

I had specified a C35 concrete but they had used a C25.

78
Q

Referring to concrete strengths, what is meant by C35 na d so?

A

C35 refers to its strength in Newtons after curing

79
Q

Can you add anything else to concrete to improve its performance?

A

Plasticisers – this makes the mixed concrete more workable and free-flowing. Ideal if it needs to be laid quickly.
Fibres – these can increase the concrete’s strength and help prevent cracking.
Retardants – these additives slow down the curing process of concrete, giving you more time to work.
Accelerants – these additives speed up the curing process, ensuring the concrete begins to cure much faster than normal.

80
Q

Did the carpark have rebar?

A

No as it was fully supported by the ground so had less tensile strength to endure than if it was a span slab

81
Q

If it had had rebar, how much cover would have been required?

A

500mm

82
Q

What could you have done if the concrete had already been poured?

A

Test it, including a pullout test or a rebound hammer

83
Q

What other issues might the concrete have presented other than being the wrong specification?

A

It may have been prepared/mixed wrong, which is inadequate under Regulation 7.

84
Q

Why might you use Regulation 7?

A

To determine/dispute the suitability and adequecy of materials.

APC RG (26 decks)

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