Competency Questions

Question 1

What are the different types of basement waterproofing?

Answer 1

Type A - Barrier Protection
A casing is introduced inside or outside the building to stop water from entering the building material. This type is used when there is no primary protection against water.

Type B - Structurally Integral Protection
The building is constructed to resist water penetration from the ground. For example, water resistant concrete can be used.

Type C - Cavity Drainage.
An internal cavity is created to manage and depressurize water that enters the building. This is the most modern method of basement waterproofing.

The best type of waterproofing for a basement depends on the ground conditions and how the building will be used.

Question 2

Names some common types of roof structures?

Answer 2

Pitched roofs: The most common roof type in the UK, pitched roofs are effective at shedding water. They slope downwards from a central beam, usually in two sections.

Gable to gable or duo pitch: A classic roof shape with two equal sides at an angle.

Lean-to or mono-pitch roof: A simple roof type often used for small extensions.

Purlin roof: A roof that uses a horizontal beam to support the rafters, common on terrace houses.

King post and struts roof: A roof that uses king posts and struts in addition to purlins for extra support.

Modern truss roofs: A common roof type in new house construction, these roofs are made up of prefabricated units that are easy to install.

Question 3

Names some different types of glazing system

Answer 3

Curtain wall glazing
An external wall cladding system that uses a frame or grid fixed to the building’s face, with glass infill panels.

Rooflights and structural glazed rooves
Part of a roof’s construction, providing thermal and weather protection.

Spandrel panels
Can be made of opaque glass or coated aluminum, and are used to disguise the ceiling zone and floor slab edge.

Toughened glass
Used in single-pane glazing or in the outer pane of an insulated glass unit at height. It has superior tensile strength to laminated and monolithic annealed glass, making it resistant to thermal stress from heat build-up.

Question 4

List 5 key parts of the Building Regulations.

Answer 4

SFSTA

Part A: Structure
Covers structural safety, ensuring buildings can support loads and withstand various forces.

Part B: Fire Safety
Addresses fire safety measures, including escape routes, fire detection, and prevention to protect occupants and property.

Part C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
Focuses on preparing the site for construction, addressing ground contamination, and preventing moisture issues.

Part D: Toxic Substances
Regulates the use of toxic materials in construction to minimize health risks to occupants and workers.

Part M: Access to and Use of Buildings
Ensures that buildings are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, by setting standards for entrances, facilities, and circulation space.

Part L: Energy efficiency and emissions
Assesses buildings’ energy efficiency and carbon emissions to reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing buildings

Question 5

Advantages of screw piles

Answer 5

• Not labour intensive
• Installation is not weather dependant
• Can be installed in a variety of conditions
• Instant load carry

Question 6

Disadvantages of screw piles

Answer 6

• Only certain soil types
• Toque rating and installation equipment

Question 7

What is a screw pile?

Answer 7

A screw pile is a steel shaft with a helical head that is screwed into the ground to create a foundation for a structure.

Question 8

What is a strip footing?

Answer 8

A strip footing is a type of shallow concrete foundation, that spreads the weight of Supports load-bearing walls, interior walls, and slabs across the soil.

Question 9

Advantages of strip footings?

Answer 9

• Cost effective
• Quick to install
• Can be used with other forms of foundation

Question 10

Disadvantages of strip footings?

Answer 10

• Not suitable for all soil types
• Not suitable of large load bearing buildings

Question 11

What is CLT?

Answer 11

Cross Laminated Timber

Question 12

What are the advantages of CLT?

Answer 12

• Sustainable
• Prefab so fast to install
• Relatively cheap compared to steel / concrete
• Fire performance - despite being a natural product

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of CLT?

Answer 13

• Maintenance costs
• Fire performance
• Longevity
• Moisture

Question 14

What are the main changes to the 2024 JCT contracts?

Answer 14

Modernising and streamlining - Gender neutral / Electronic signatures

Extension of Time - New relevant events / EOT 12 to 8 week response

Loss and Expense - New relevant events & matters. Explosives, contamination, asbestos

LDs - Levied up to termination even if works not complete
Payment due date after termination

Disputes - requirement for parties to notify potential disputes to senior executives to seek a negotiated settlement

Fluctuation - JCT fluctuation hub

Legislative changes - Building Safety Act, Termination accounting and payment provisions reflecting the Construction Act;

Future Proofing - Supplemental provisions relating to Collaborative Working, and Sustainable Development and Environmental

New Form of Contract - JCT Target Cost Contract (TCC)

Question 15

Difference between a relevant matter and event?

Answer 15

A relevant event entitles the contractor to an extension of time and a relevant matter entitles the contractor to claim direct loss or expense.

Question 16

What is the purpose of a Pay Less Notice?

Answer 16

To adjust requests for payments to reflect the actual value of work done or to account for any set-off or discount that the employer believes is warranted.

Question 17

Can LDs be challenged?

Answer 17

Yes.
The contractor may challenge the recovery of liquidated damages if the notice requirements within the contract are not complied with.

Question 18

What are the RIBA stages?

Answer 18

Stage 0: Strategic Definition.
Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing.
Stage 2: Concept Design.
Stage 3: Spatial Coordination.
Stage 4: Technical Design.
Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction.
Stage 6: Handover.
Stage 7: Use.

Question 19

Schedules included in a contract?

Answer 19

Schedule 1: Design submission procedure
Schedule 2: Variations and acceleration quotation procedures
Schedule 3: Insurance options
Schedule 4: Code of practice for opening up of works
Schedule 5: Third party rights
Schedule 6: Forms of bonds, such as advance payment bond or off-site materials bond

Question 20

Conditions included in a JCT contract?

Answer 20

Definitions
Control of the works
Payment
Variations
Insurance
Assignment, third party rights, and collateral warranties
Termination

Question 21

How a preliminaries calculated in a cost plan?

Answer 21

• Early on usually a % basis.
• Programme duration and appropriate rates
• Include items such as site set up and any additional requirements specific to the project.

Question 22

What is included in a PQQ

Answer 22

• Company details (including legal status).
• Details of insurance cover.
• Financial information (such as recent accounts).
• Relevant experience.
• Information about technical and professional ability.
• Information about capability and capacity.
• Health and safety policy.
• Quality assurance policy.
• Environmental management policy.
• Equal opportunities policy.
• Relevant references.

Question 23

Purpose of a PQQ?

Answer 23

Assess the qualifications and capabilities of potential suppliers or contractors before they are invited to bid on a project.

Question 24

What is the purpose of VE?

Answer 24

To maximize the value of a product or project by reducing costs without sacrificing value, quality, effectiveness

Question 25

What document details the 3 types of basement waterproofing?

Question 26

What are liquidated damages?

Answer 26

Liquidated damages are a predetermined sum specified in a contract that a party agrees to pay if they fail to meet a contractual obligation, such as completing a project on time.

This amount is intended to provide compensation for anticipated losses resulting from the breach and must be reasonable, not punitive, to be enforceable.

Question 27

Can professional fees be included in LDs?

Answer 27

Yes.
LDs can include fees, along with other costs such as loss of rent, loss of income, storage costs, and rental costs.

Question 28

How can a contractor get out of paying LD?

Answer 28

Dispute the agreement
The contractor can go to court and argue that the liquidated damages are punitive, were calculated incorrectly, or that a breach did not occur.

Extension of time
An extension of time provision can be included in the contract to ensure the contractor is not liable for liquidated damages if something is beyond their control.

Question 29

What happens if a contractor does not respond to an invoice sent by the client for liquidated damages?

Answer 29

Non-Response Consequences: The client may interpret the lack of response as an acceptance of the claim, particularly if the contract stipulates that failure to contest an invoice may be seen as agreement.

Follow-Up Communication: The client may follow up with the contractor to seek clarification or to reiterate the demand for payment. This could involve phone calls, emails, or formal letters.

Formal Dispute Resolution: If the contractor still does not respond, the client might pursue formal dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, as outlined in the contract.

Legal Action: As a last resort, the client may decide to take legal action to recover the liquidated damages. This could involve filing a lawsuit, which may also include additional costs and legal fees.

Question 30

What makes a competitive tender?

Answer 30

Tendering to 3 or more contractors as per the RICS guidance note on tendering strategies.

Question 31

What triggers practical completion

Answer 31

The project is complete enough to be used, except for minor defects that can be fixed without disturbing the occupants.

• The architect or an independent tester certifies the building as practically complete
• The certifier issues a “snagging list”
• The client can take possession of the completed building