Case Study

Question 1

Why was 5m2 considered to small? how did you come to this conclusion?

Answer 1

The guidance does not recommend size. 1 toilet for every 20 pupils or 1 for every 10 aged 2-4. Used BB103 and DfE school output specification for sanitary ware for cubicle and pan sizes.

Question 2

Did you consider a value engineering exercise for option 1?

Answer 2

No, I discussed the priorities with the client and consulted the design bulletin.

Question 3

Apart from the CDM regulations what other regulation requires the appointment of a PD and PC?

Answer 3

Under the Building Safety Act 2022 these roles are now part of the Building Regulations (Part 2A). With effect from 1st October 2023.

Question 4

Do unisex toilets met with Dfe guidelines?

Answer 4

Regarding this project not all toilets met with DfE guidance after establishing the pupil ages using the toilets with the client. Some of the toilets would be ok due to the children being under 8 yrs old, so this option may have come to fruition in part.

Question 5

What factors did you consider when recommending the JCT Minor Works contract for the case study project?

Answer 5

Traditional procurement, contractor’s design, full design and detailed documents, complexity of the works, named sub-contractors.

Question 6

How did the JCT Minor Works contract address the specific needs and requirements of the project?

Answer 6

Suited to traditional procurement with full design and specification documents produced by myself. The project was simple in nature and moderate value.

Question 7

How were liquidated damages assessed for this project?

Answer 7

The council takes full risk and liquidated damages are not implemented.

Question 8

What tendering protocol was used?

Answer 8

Traditional procurement route with invitation to tender closed to selected contractors.

Question 9

How were arithmetical errors dealt with?

Answer 9

Checked pricing if there was an error the contractor was allowed to correct their error or stand by their price. Alternative 2.

Question 10

How did you monitor and manage project risks throughout the refurbishment process?

Answer 10

PCI, Early design meeting, pre-commencement meeting, Risk register, contractor site inspection report, weekly site inspection

Question 11

What measures did you take to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations during the refurbishment works?

Answer 11

R&D Survey, PCI, Contractor’s CPH and RAMS. H&S file.

Question 12

Did you encounter any regulatory or compliance issues during the design process, and if so, how did you address them?

Answer 12

Asbestos - removed via the PC through a licensed contractor and issue of consignment note. Lack of fire detection in the void - M&E colleague provided advice to install void detection. Removed all dead legs and water storage tank to remove legionella risks.

Question 13

How did you ensure that the design of the refurbished toilets met the needs and preferences of the end-users?

Answer 13

Through the client brief and consulted guidance in the form of BB103 and DfE school output specification.

Question 14

Can you discuss any sustainability considerations or initiatives implemented during the refurbishment project?

Answer 14

Sensor operated cistern and flush as a water saving feature. Wash hand basins would be replaced with more user-friendly wash troughs with sensor taps positioned outside the washrooms. Energy saving lighting with PIR sensors.

Question 15

What documentation and reporting processes did you implement to keep stakeholders informed about project progress?

Answer 15

‘Construction progress report’ Weekly emails including photos and bullet points. Internal weekly meetings to discuss progress and issues.

Question 16

How did you communicate the recommended option to stakeholders and the client?

Answer 16

Via face to face verbal meetings using data and plans as aids to advise the recommended option.

Question 17

What steps did you take to ensure that the works were completed to a high specification, within budget, and within the 6-week programme?

Answer 17

On site inspections to check quality of materials matched the schedule of works and specification. Discussions with the contracts manager to check any unforeseens or potential variations. Checking the programme issued by the contractor matched the progress on site.

Question 18

What sources and guidelines did you consult to inform your design?

Answer 18

BB103 & Dfe output specification for toilets and sanitary ware.

Question 19

How did you address water-saving features in the design?

Answer 19

Building Regulations AD - G (G2) regulation 36. Sensor operated cistern and flush as a water saving feature. Wash hand basins would be replaced with more user-friendly wash troughs with sensor taps positioned outside the washrooms.

Question 20

Can you discuss the rationale behind the decision to remove urinals?

Answer 20

To promote children’s privacy the decision was made to remove the urinals and to improve hygiene within the toilets. Not recommended by Ofsted.

Question 21

What factors led to the recommendation of replacing 1970’s heating coils with LST radiators?

Answer 21

Cleaner finish, pipework not an obstruction. More hygienic and temperature can be controlled with TRV. Old pipework with the potential for corrosion and leaks.

Question 22

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles you encountered when designing?

Answer 22

Fitting in all the sanitary ware into the space.

Question 23

How did you ensure that the recommended design changes aligned with the overall aesthetic and goals of the school?

Answer 23

Clear communication, sharing product information with the client. Hygienic ceiling grid, walls and flooring.

Question 24

What considerations did you take into account to ensure the proposed design changes would be cost-effective and within budget?

Answer 24

Cost information from the manufactures sanitary ware and cubicles. Online case studies from reputable manufactures. BCIS.

Question 25

What are the implications of two projects on site in relation to the CDM Regulations?

Answer 25

More than 1 principal contractor for two independent projects. Clarity of roles and sites. cooperate and coordinate their work. Take account of any shared interfaces between the activities of each project e.g. share traffic routes.

Question 26

How did you determine whether the works would be notifiable?

Answer 26

working days, and person days. Because if your project is over 30 working days with more than 20 workers, or if it’s over 500 person days, then it’s a notifiable project under CDM. For example, a project lasting 6 weeks with construction work occurring Monday – Friday (5 x 6 = 30) will come in just under the 30-day threshold. under CDM 2015, your project is only notifiable for the 30 working day threshold if you also have more than 20 workers on-site at any point.

Question 27

How did you assess and communicate the risks associated with running the two projects concurrently at the school?

Answer 27

Clarity of roles and sites. cooperate and coordinate their work. Take account of any shared interfaces between the activities of each project e.g. share traffic routes, skip locations, delivery times, parking, toilet and kitchen facilities.

Question 28

What strategies did you recommend to stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination between the two projects?

Answer 28

Formal meetings, shared meeting minutes. Clear sharing of information - communication and cooperation.

Question 29

Can you discuss any lessons learned from this experience that you would apply to future projects to prevent similar issues?

Answer 29

Broader set of questions for the school site manager in terms of what issues are currently present i.e. defective instant hot water heaters. Additional questioning of colours of walls, flooring and cubicles. Further investigations at the design stage.

Question 30

Looking back, what lessons did you learn from managing multiple contractors on-site?

Answer 30

I learnt there can be 2 principal contractors on one site if there are 2 independent projects running. Communication and cooperation is required to comply with the CDM regulation.

Question 31

What would you do differently next time?

Answer 31

CCTV drainage survey, further questioning of the client, detailed discussions at the concept stage of the projects regarding CDM.

Question 32

How did you act ethically?

Answer 32

Acting in the interest of the client. Treated the contractor fairly regarding payments. Declared a conflict of interest. Carried out CPD to better understand project requirements.

Question 33

What were your key achievements?

Answer 33

Robust design and budgeting. Advised on cost and programme. High level of service to the client. Low cost variations. Communication and cooperation. Energy saving features. Greater understanding of the CDM regulations and improving health and safety on site.