General Flashcards
What is the main function of the architect when inspecting works on site?
To see that the client gets value for money (the architect cannot be blamed for the failures of the contractor, but should not certify payment for work
that is not done properly).
If continuous supervision is required on site, then who should be hired?
A clerk of works
The architect’s duty to inspect works on site is defined by what?
The terms of the appointment
The architects responsibilities and liabilities pertaining to work on site are not only discussed in the form of appointment. Where else are they discussed?
In the building contract
How often should the architect visit the site to inspect works
They should be inspecting works at key stages of the construction
Where an architect undertakes to grant certificates upon which a contractor should be paid, by these certificates the architect certifies that the work done has been done according to what?
The contract
The architects duty to inspect is owed to who?
The building owner
The standard against which the quality of the work is to be assessed is the standard set out in what documents?
The contract documents
The architect should not use what word in relation to his/her inspection duties?
Supervision
The degree of inspection should partly be governed by what?
The architects confidence in the contractor
Can the architect rely on the contractor to advise when inspections should be carried out?
No
Important matters should be inspected by the architect; matters of detail regarding investigating site works can be left to who?
The clerk of works
Is it necessary for the appointment form to state the particular inspection services to be performed?
Yes
Without standard definitions of services, prepared with the assistance of legal experts, the architect is vulnerable to what?
Increased liability
Should the architect offer to carry out reduced or partial site inspection services?
Absolutely not ( if they certify work that has not been properly inspected it would likely constitute professional negligence)
List 10 factors that should be taken into account when considering the time that will be required to inspect the works of a project?
- The expected contract period
- The size of the job
- Office Resources
- Whether or not site staff are to be employed
- The amount of time that site staff will be spending on site
- The capabilities of the contractor
- The standard of quality required by the contract documents
- Other relevant terms of the contract, such as the frequency with which certificates for payment are to be issued
- The time required to carry out other construction stage activities
- The health and safety implications of the design
If a clerk of works is employed by the architect rather than the client then is the architect liable for the inspectors negligence?
Yes
What should the architect do if defective work is found?
Immediately report it to the contractor’s site management
Who’s responsibility is site safety?
The contractors. NOT the architects.
Who should the architect contact if the contractor refuses to fix unsafe working conditions on site?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
As with safety, if the architect thinks something is not right regarding site security, he or she should express such concerns to whom?
The contractor
Name 8 matters that commonly cause delays on site
- Late production information
- Components or materials ordered too late
- Subcontractors not arriving on site when due
- Insufficient or poorly skilled people deployed on site
- Problems arising from discrepancies in production information
- The need to make good defective work
- Variations
- Bad weather conditions
Name 4 things that an architect should take onto site for inspecting works.
- The production drawings
- A camera
- A tape measure
- A torch
Name the 3 categories for an architect’s inspection duties
- Predictive Inspections
- Periodic Inspections
- Spot checks
Before work starts on site, the architect should look at the contractors construction programme and prepare what type of plan?
An inspection plan that correlates to the construction programme
Before visiting site should the architect prepare a checklist of items that need to be checked at each particular site visit?
Yes
Name one method, other than writing by which an architect can accurately record their own inspection notes
Use a tape recorder
Name three means by which an architect can record defects and progress on site
- Writing
- Photographing
- Videoing
