Case Study Flashcards
As NRM 1, do we include a contingency for design development risks?
Yes, there is a allowance in NRM1 for design development risk, which is a percentage cost, so base cost estimate x by risk percentage.
What were the perceived benefits of the 2-week PCSA period?
The client has been in discussions with the nomindated joinery subcontractor and architect and ID which we had not been party to and he had developed the design in his workshop. He was nervous about cost increases and due to this he wanted to utlise the time before start on site to obtain prices from the company and get ahead of the process of engaging them on the project as the joinery was on the Critical path.
What design information was missing at contract award?
As it was a two stage tender design information was missing for the later packages, which is the normal however, when budgets were put together it was at RIBA stage 2 and not Stage 4.
What needs to happen between contractor appointment and construction phase?
Design Checking Period
Cotractor produces Health and Safety information - CPHSP
How long should this period be?
Depends on the size of the project but normally 4 weeks.
Where is this set out?
How did CDM apply to this project?
Yes the project was a notifiable project under CDM Regulations and this was documented in Recital 10 of the JCT contract.
F10 in place
Site set up
How does the importance of Value Engineering relate to the client’s key drivers?
Value Engineering is the process of maximising value so as the client wanted to sale or rent the property this was key as VE can also mean reducing life cycle costs, reducing initial costs, reducing risk etc. However, in practice it appeared quality meant more to him than anythign else.
What was your role in identifying the alternative construction solutions?
My role was to advise on the cost implications of the optioned proposed in a time manner to ensure the client made an informed decision.
Talk me through how you used your knowledge of construction technology to identify issues with Option B – Concrete Rib Deck?
Through my knowledge on construction technology I reviewed the proposed works and identified clashes on site, notably the steel being positioned where the existing box gutter was positioned. I also highlighed the movement of concrete through a property that has recently has new stairs installed. Chasing the party wall was also an issue as there was not once in place and finally the steel running from party wall to party wall would require a splice as it could not be craned in, this would incur further costs and design for steel connections which was not required previously.
Talk me through how you priced the variation Option C – Installation of shallow steel beams with internal timber joist work.
I priced the VO with rates from the CSA, ammended rates from the CSA, direct labour and material costs, plus a provisional sum for the bespoke drain which was yet to be designed. The roofing, leadwork, stainless steel gutter and scaffold were subcontractor costs. I also allowed a contingency for construction risks.
Talk me through the structure of your procurement schedule?
- Subcontractor Package
- Supplier Options
- Procurement Route
- CDP element
- Full Design Info
- Out to tender
- Tender Duration
- Tender Review
- Appoint Subbie
- Manufacture (survey, sign off + manufacture)
- Start on site
What were your reasons for engaging with the supply chain in respect of the Tier 1 joinery as Option A?
To prove value for money for the client, he was not an experienced client so therefore I found it important he understood the costs.
As a QS, did you/the project team/client not have confidence that ‘I believed the costs provided to be a true representation….’?
I believe this is a tricky statement as it may not necessarily be a confidence thing but we had not worked with them before and a relationship needed to be built and I wanted to ensure they understood the cost increase and what elements were causing this.
What benefit(s) did you consider engaging with the wider market for these works provided, to offset the additional time it took?
I know the clients main objective was quality so I wanted to make him aware this was a fair market value for what he has requested so he would feel more comfortable making a decision.
