General Flashcards
Why do you believe you’re competent to be a Principal Designer (CDM)?
- I don’t.
- APS accredited course needed (Association for Project Safety).
- Technical knowledge and experience.
- Design involvement allows me to compile PCI and plan works with the principal contractor.
How did you identify possible EPC upgrades?
Energy consultant was used to advise on this who suggested including the heating and cooling unit.
How did you achieve an EPC B rating in a Victorian age property?
- Energy efficient heating and cooling.
- Double glazed sash windows.
- LED lighting.
- Insulation to suspended ground floor.
Did you approve the contractor’s designs?
Got Building Control Approver sign off at design stage. I reviewed the energy consultant’s sign off to be sure it achieved EPC B.
How was the design repsonsibility split between you and the contractor?
- Contractor undertook designs for the terrace and M&E.
- I undertook design for remaining building fabric (performance spec).
- Structural engineer: Floor structure [and chimney for KI 1].
- Energy consultant: EPC B rating.
How are sub-contracts warrantied? What forms were used?
- Collateral warranties.
- JCT form (as a deed).
What are the current MEES ratings and their dates?
C - 2028, B - 2030, net zero - 2050.
Chimney (KI 1): How much more would it cost to go with Option 2 rather than Option 3?
£5,000.
Chimney (KI 1): How much longer would Option 2 have taken versus Option 3?
Around 1 week.
How did you report to the client in terms of project costs?
Provide a breakdown showing:
- Original contract sum.
- Costs to date.
- Payment certificates.
- Variations.
[Check interim payment certificates and variations for costs to date]
How did you deal with the variation of the works on a contractual basis?
- I agreed works with the contractor.
- Put this onto a variation order with costs.
- Issued to contractor.
How did you value the variations?
- Tendered works (one other contractor).
- Previous jobs of similar nature where possible.
[- Cross-checked with BCIS.]
Could the contractor have refused the variation? If so, on what basis?
Yes, based on:
- Quantity [or quality] of the works.
- Changes to the design.
- [Site access].
How was the structural engineer appointed under the works?
Appointed directly through the client.
What would the procurement route be for Windsor Walk?
- Traditional procurement route.
- Single stage tender of 3 contractors and selected Quinn.
Why did you decide to use a MW contract?
- JCT guide (decision tree).
- Contract value around £250k.
- Complexity of the project.
[- Traditional procurement route.]
You have stated that you prepared the preliminaries on the project, what did you include in these?
Described the nature of the works and how these should be carried out.
What information did you include in the preambles?
Background information and objectives.
What provisional sums did you include?
Asbestos discovery.
What was the tender period?
- 3 week tender period.
- 3 week lead-in to begin works.
What did you check regarding the contractor’s insurance?
- PII (negligence).
- Public liability (accidents).
- All-risk (property) [covers the value of the works].
- In-date.
What were the variations on the project?
- Chimney breast (originally localised repairs > structural works).
- Flat roof repairs (originally localised repairs > overcoating roof, water ingress repairs).
- Lintels to basement (contract instruction).
What was your role for releasing the retention at Windsor Walk?
I released 2.5% on PC. [2.5% released when Making Good Certificate issued but I left Hollis before that].
Is the Contractor’s Design Portion optional?
Yes.