General Flashcards
What is the role of the Principal Contractor?
Plan, manage and coordinate construction phase Prepare Construction Phase Plan Provide welfare facilities Give site specific inductions Take steps to prevent unauthorised access to site Only appoint people with suitable skills, experience and organisational capacity
What is F10 and when is a project notifiable?
Notice to HSE to notify them of a relevant project Notifiable if: longer than 30d, more than 20 workers at once or more than 500 person days
What info would the instructions to tenderers contain in an ITT?
Date for return Address for return Site visit details Details for clarifications What must be included in the submission
What should be considered when selecting a procurement route?
Details of the project Client’s attitude to risk Client’s requirements re cost, programme, quality
What is novation?
New contract that transfers the rights and obligations of one part to a third party
What should be in place if the client novates the design team?
Collateral warranty in case there are any breaches of contract
When have you experienced a novation?
Transfer of design team to contractor on D&B TWBC - transfer from County Council to Borough Council
What are the differences between Management Contracting and Construction Management?
Under Construction Management the client has direct contractual relationships with each trade contractor Under Management Contracting the client has contract with the Management Contractor
When and how do you identify client requirements before recommending a procurement route?
On St. Marylebone, held a procurement workshop with client and design team to identify priorities re cost, time, quality and attitude to risk
If the client wishes to start on site ASAP what procurement route would you recommend?
Construction Management if don’t mind about no cost certainty. Otherwise D&B
What is GMP? What are the advantages/ disadvantages?
Guaranteed Maximum Price Lump sum contract where price doesn’t change unless scope changes. Contractor prices in risks and design development. Ad: greater price certainty Dis: contractor’s risk allowance likely to be higher than the reality so client pays too much, can be adversarial if you’re trying to design if something is design development or a change
What is PFI and what sort of projects might it be used on?
Private Finance Initiative - private sector provides finance for capital costs and is paid back through maintenance contract e.g. schools, hospital
What contracts can be used for partnering?
JCT Framework Agreement NEC3 Framework Contract
What are the main methods of tendering?
Open Restricted - single or two stage Negotiation Serial/ Framework Joint Venture
What do tenderers return at first stage of a two stage process?
Price of prelims % for OHP Construction programme Experience and team Info on sub contractors
What is serial tendering
Contractor is appointed to deliver one project on the understanding that if it goes well they will be asked to carry out others of a similar nature using the same rates
What could happen if you select the wrong contractor?
Issues with H&S due to lack of experience, skill or organisational capacity Unhappy client Insolvent contractor Risks/ issues due to inexperience
What should be in a set of tender documents
ITT Instructions to Tenderers Conditions of Contract Prelims Pricing Document Specification Design info e.g. drawings Empoyer’s Requirements Pre Construction Info Form of Tender Submission of Bona Fide Tender
How did you decide which contractors to go out to?
recommendations from design team made inquiries PQQ
What happens if a tender is late?
Better not to accept it as there is a risk of collusion If private client it’s their decision but I’d advise the risks If its only a few minutes late then you’d use your discretion but discuss with the client
How do you evaluate tenders for D&B?
Cost/ Quality Programme Contractor’s proposals against ERs Method statement Team
How do you with errors in tender returns?
Depends what was stated in the instructions to tenderers Alternative 1 - contractor invited to stand by tender price or withdraw Alternative 2 - contractor given opportunity to confirm or amend errors
What info would you include in a tender report?
Process followed List of tenders received and their tender sums Assessment of quality Revised tender sums Recommendation
Is there an alternative to Liquidated Damages?
Yes, you can claim damages through litigation
How do you execute a contract?
Under hand - 6y liabilities As a deed - 12y liabilities
What are the insurance options under JCT?
A - Contractor takes out all risks insurance for the works B - Employer takes out all risks insurance for the works C - Employers takes out all risks insurance for the works and to cover the existing building against specified perils
What climate agreements has the UK signed?
Paris Agreement - cut carbon emissions 68% by 2030. COP26 this year to discuss progress against commitments
How can you transfer the benefits of a contract?
3rd Party Rights Collateral Warranties Assignment
What is a capital allowance?
UK income and corporation tax reliefs for businesses on capital expenditure Client is allowed to deduct capital allowances from taxible profit so can help business case for doing work e.g. plant, lifts, M&E, office equipment
What were the pros and cons of Passivhaus certification on PHG?
Pros: clear standard to work to more efficient building higher performing building lower carbon impact lower running costs Cons: additional capital costs intrusive on historic fabric needs design team and contractor with relevant expertise and commitment
On IWM what were the merits of an insitu concrete frame vs pre cast concrete vs steel?
Pre cast - quicker to assemble on site, better quality control, no additional fire protection Steel - quicker to assemble on site, longer lead in time, bespoke, lighter so less foundations
How did you develop the brief for St. Marylebone?
Reviewed the clients statement of need Had a workshop with them to further understand their needs Included: Objectives Business case Statutory constraints e.g. listed building Operational requirements e.g. keep it open KPIs Phasing requirements Benefits/ outcomes Site info and restraints Understand time/ quality/ cost balance e.g. critical dates BIM Sustainability
How do you check contractor’s financial information at tender?
Credit checks through Experian Ask to submit accounts
What are BCIS Indices?
Data gathered by RICS on cost and price to enable you to benchmark and forecast inflation
What are the four different types of risk
Design development Employer’s changes Construction Employer’s other
What can you claim under loss and expense
direct loss and expense, not normally consequential loss e.g. loss of profit but it depends on wording in contract
What is a work breakdown structure?
diagram that breaks the project down into work packages
What is a precedence diagram?
Logic network that shows duration, float and critical path
What is a resource curve?
Line graph that sets out time/ resources
What is a gantt chart?
A bar chart that shows tasks set out over time
What is a retaining wall?
Structure designed and built to withstand lateral pressure of soil
What are the thresholds for the Public Sector Procurement?
£4.7m works £189k services
How has procurement been effected now we have left the EU?
OJEU regulations have been replaced by Government’s Procurement Policy Notes All contracts over the thresholds must be advertised on Find A Tender
When should you submit a non-material amendment?
When there is a small change to a planning application which doesn’t conflict with conditions or increase height of roof or size of external envelope. Avoids the need for a new planning application
What do you include in a closeout report?
Summary of the project Contact details of key people Details of any unresolved issues Lessons learnt Confirmation that project has been signed off
Give an example of a project where you have set KPIs
PHG - set KPIs for the design team e.g. Complete RIBA 2 by X, ensure it is within budget, submit progress reports one week before progress meeting, consultation with Conservation Officer
What are SMART objectives? Give some examples
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely E.g. delivery of X no. of workshops by X to X different schools with feedback forms collected
What is Senge’s theory on Learning Organisations?
The people within organisations need to continually learn and grow together, if they do this then the organisation will be more adaptable to changing environments Need to put systems in place to enable growth
What does RICS Value the Planet say?
Talks about the significant impact of the built environment industry on the planet in relation to drawing on resources and impacting the lives of people. Surveyors have a big role to play in developing trust in the profession and to demonstrate that we act for the public benefit. 40% of UK’s carbon emissions are from built environment
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
17 goals to provide a blue print for a better sustainable future e.g. good health and wellbeing, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities
What is SKA rating?
RICS sustainable standard for retrofitting buildings
What is EPC? When do you need it?
Energy Performance Certificate Required for buildings over 50sqm when sold, let. Exemptions are listed buildings, churches, temporary
What was the Green Deal?
Linked to the Energy Act 2011 Aims to make homes and businesses more energy efficient by removing up front costs for sustainability measures Low take up due to unattractive finance rates
What’s the role of the CA under JCT?
Act impartially Administer the contract Issue instructions re changes and clarifications Certifies sums due Assesses delays and grants cost and time
How is EA different to CA?
EA is client’s advisor to protect their interest. CA is impartial.
What status does programme have under JCT?
None
What is a non-completion certificate? What are the consequences of it?
Certificate to say that works have not been completed by sectional or practical completion date in the contract Employer has right to withhold LDs. Must issue a pay less notice and write to the contractor to notify them of their intention to withhold LDs
What is Practical Completion? What are the consequences?
Point that the contractor finishes work and hands over to the client Must be fit for purpose, nothing should not be done that prevents it from being used % of retention released - often 50% Defect period starts, often 12months Client needs to insure site and take responsibility for the building No longer able to impose LDs
What can you do if the CA does not believe that work is in accordance with the contract?
CA can instruct opening up works. Contractor’s cost if not in accordance with Contract. Employer’s cost if is.
What is an Extension of Time?
Provision in the Contract that allows the CA to extend time to fix a new PC date. This prevents time becoming at large and employer’s ability to recover LDs.
What’s the process for claiming an EoT?
As soon as becomes apparent that delay is likely, notify CA in writing, identify cause and if cause is a Relevant Event give likely extent of delay CA notify outcome in writing Contractor must make all efforts to mitigate effect of delay
How long does CA have to grant EoT?
12w from notification If less than 12w to PC, should try to decide before PC
What is Pre Construction Information?
Allows tenderers to be aware of H&S requirements and to make suitable allowances in their tender Includes: Description of works Client considerations and management requirements Environmental restrictions Existing onsite risks Significant design and construction hazards H&S file
What is the H&S file?
Prepared following the completion of construction Includes info for future construction, cleaning and maintenance PD ensures it is prepared with info from client, designers and contractors Includes: description of works any hazards info re dismantling/ removal of plant and equipment Nature and location of services residual hazards and how dealt with e.g. asbestos survey
What are the different forms of excavation?
excavation for foundations cut and fill reduced level dig (to reach formation level to start construction) stripping top soil site clearance
What do you need to consider when excavating?
nature of soil moisture content excavation method need to prop ground proximity to existing buildings archaeology tree roots UXO
What are temporary works?
Any works required to enable construction but will not be there at the end of the project e.g. scaffolding, shuttering, temporary propping
What is scaffolding?
Temporary platform to work from
What is shoring?
Temporary support to existing buildings or structures to prevent collapse, damage or injury
What is substructure?
Everything below the super structure, normally below damp course membrane e.g. foundations
What is the purpose of foundations?
To transfer loads from the building to the ground
What determines foundation choice?
load of building nature and bearing capacity of ground
Name some different types of foundation
Strip, pad, Raft, Piles
Name some different types of piles
Bored, Screw, Driven, Sheet
What is heave?
upward movement of ground due to expansion of clay soil when wet
What is SUDS?
Sustainable Urban Drainage System Reduce reliance on existing drainage by slowing and holding back water e.g. attenuation tank, green roof
What is a raft foundation?
Large foundation which covers the footprint of the building Spreads the load over large area to reduce the load per sqm Good for low load bearing soils
What is a pad foundation?
Provides a base for column Usually made of reinforced concrete
What is pile?
series of columns inserted or constructed into the ground to transmit load to a lower level of subsoil Good when high water table or no suitable foundation conditions near ground Good in build up area with no space to construct other foundations Either end bearing or friction
What is superstructure?
Everything above the substructure e.g. frame, external and internal walls, roof, doors, windows, upper floors, stairs
What are some different types of brick bond?
English - alternate headers and stretchers Stretcher - single brick width
What do you need to consider when designing external walls?
Weather protection Fire resistance Noise reduction Thermal performance Structural performance Aesthetics
What are different types of load on a building?
Dead load - weight of building Live load - people moving around in it Superimposed load - wind, snow
What is curtain walling?
non structural cladding system typically aluminium framing with glazing/ opaque panels
What are the advantages and disadvantages of timber frames?
Ad: Sustainable Can recycle Aesthetics Quick to assemble on site Lightweight Disad: Need skilled workman Need additional fire protection Rot, infestation
What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete frame?
Ad: material readily available no additional fire protection required thermal and acoustic properties low maintenance Disad: not renewable material high carbon emissions lengthly set up and drying times on site heavier so needs larger foundations
What are the advantages and disadvantage of steel frame?
Ad: large spans quick to assemble on site recyclable lighter than concrete Disad: needs additional fire protection no acoustic or thermal properties can fail under extreme heat long lead in times price of steel varies
What factors should you consider when choosing a framing system?
fire protection requirements size of spans required height of building foundation design aesthetics programme requirements market conditions and supply costs
What factors affect choice of internal partitions?
acoustic requirements need for glazing/ doors need to hang things on them fire rating requirements fixed or movable
What is CAT A?
the shell, open plan space with air conditioning, fire and smoke alarms, raised floors and suspended ceiling
What is CAT B?
Finished including decoration, below floor power and data, IT and comms, FFE, fully fitted kitchen
What is 3 phase supply?
Supply of three AC voltages 120degrees out of phase with each other
What is Cat II lighting?
light fittings that limit glare on computer screens
What issues would you consider in design of a ventilation system?
occupants requirements and use cost (lifecycle cost) external conditions e.g natural unfeasible due to pollution outside level of control needed space for air handling units BREEAM requirements
What is a UPS?
Uninterruptible Power Supply
How many professional groups/ faculties does RICS have? What are they?
18 to cover different surveying services e.g. PM, QS, BS Good way to connect, contribute to standards, guidance and technical journals Also series of sector forums e.g. Building Conservation - can get Building Conservation Accreditation from RICS
What RICS guidance are you aware of?
Black book is suite of all guidance notes e.g. Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution Retention Client Money Handling Surveying Safely
If you were setting up a RICS firm what health and safety factors would you need to take into account?
Risk assessment of work place Adequate fire procedures in place PPE for employees H&S policy Training for staff Lone working policy Check employees are happy in workplace
What is SAP?
Standard Assessment Procedure energy assessment for commercial and new buildings
Can you terminate a JCT contract?
Either side can terminate if: breach of contract e.g. contractor suspends work one party goes insolvent employer does not pay employer interferes with issue of instructions
What are typical defects on a timber frame?
rot, infestation, cracking
What would you expect to be in the PEP?
Aims and objectives Programme Budget Procurement strategy Governance Roles and responsibilities Stakeholder analysis and comms plan statutory consents strategy H&S strategy Sustainability strategy QA strategy
What does the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s Code of Conduct say?
Sets out ethical guidance for procurement
What does RIBA’s post occupation evaluation primer say?
Agree strategy and requirements at the beginning of the project Consider what you will evaluate e.g. project delivery outcomes user feedback energy use building performance compare to expectations benchmark against others
What is the Future Home Standard?
Aims to support the UK’s commitment to get net zero carbon emissions by 2050 From 2025 all new homes to have low carbon heating systems and not be connected to gas Effects Part F and L
What does the National Planning Policy Framework say about inclusive environments?
need to design built environment to ensure that they can be accessed and used by everyone
What are CABE’s inclusive design principles?
inclusive responsive flexible convenient accommodating welcoming realistic
What accidents must be reported?
fractures severe burns member of public going to hospital worker off work for 7d crush certain near misses occupational diseases
What does RIDDOR stand for?
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
Who has to report to RIDDOR?
Responsible person that has control of the site
What must you do when working at height?
Ideally find alternative to risk Risk Assessment PPE
What do you know about asbestos?
Construction material that was banned in the UK in 1999 Greatest cause of work related deaths in UK Blue, brown, white Lagging, floor tiles, ceiling panels, roofing, fire proofing
What is the party wall process?
BO issues notice to AO, 1m in advance of start date AO has 14d to respond (do nothing, accept, dissent) If AO doesn’t appoint PW surveyor BO can appoint one for them Surveyors review each others terms and agree 3rd surveyor for dispute Complete schedule of condition of AO property Agree works to be completed Confirm in writing
What does it mean if your insured on each and every claim basis?
Every single claim made during insurance year is entitled to the full indemnity limit
What are the advantages and disadvantage of two stage tender process
Ad: early contractor appointment can bring PC forward expert input into design improve buildability encourage collaboration Dis: 2nd stage not competitive
What is difference between Prime Cost and Prov Sum?
Prime cost - allowance for item (excl. profit and attendance) when not chosen brand, model e.g. carpet Prov sum- allowance (est. by QS) that’s inserted into tender docs for item not yet defined enough for tenderer to price
What act governs contracts and payments?
Construction Act 1996 and amended in 2011 -right to be paid in interim -no pay when paid clauses -incl date for payment, issue payment notices
What level of PI are there?
value of project what client asking for worst case scenario
What are typical defects on steel frame?
corrosion in humid/ marine climates
What do companies need to provide in accordance with Companies Act 2006
company accounts (profit and loss, balance sheet and notes) signed directors report signed auditors report
What do small companies submit to Companies House?
Abridged accounts No audit if turnover under £10.2m, under 50 employees, not public
What is gross income?
All income
What is net income
all income minus any discounts e.g. bulk order, early payments
What is gross profit?
net income minus cost of sales
What is operating profit?
gross profit minus overheads and fixed costs e.g. rent, marketing, wages
What is net profit?
profit after tax
What is equity?
assets minus liabilities
What is retained earnings?
profit not paid to shareholders and used to reinvest in the business/ reduce debt/ fund expansion
What different types of liabilities are there?
current - due in one year long term - deferred tax, long term debts
What are fixed/ non-liquid assets?
land, building, equipment