General

Question 1

What is the main function of the architect when inspecting works on site?

Answer 1

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).

Question 2

If continuous supervision is required on site, then who should be hired?

Answer 2

A clerk of works

Question 3

The architect’s duty to inspect works on site is defined by what?

Answer 3

The terms of the appointment

Question 4

The architects responsibilities and liabilities pertaining to work on site are not only discussed in the form of appointment. Where else are they discussed?

Answer 4

In the building contract

Question 5

How often should the architect visit the site to inspect works

Answer 5

They should be inspecting works at key stages of the construction

Question 6

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?

Answer 6

The contract

Question 7

The architects duty to inspect is owed to who?

Answer 7

The building owner

Question 8

The standard against which the quality of the work is to be assessed is the standard set out in what documents?

Answer 8

The contract documents

Question 9

The architect should not use what word in relation to his/her inspection duties?

Answer 9

Supervision

Question 10

The degree of inspection should partly be governed by what?

Answer 10

The architects confidence in the contractor

Question 11

Can the architect rely on the contractor to advise when inspections should be carried out?

Answer 11

No

Question 12

Important matters should be inspected by the architect; matters of detail regarding investigating site works can be left to who?

Answer 12

The clerk of works

Question 13

Is it necessary for the appointment form to state the particular inspection services to be performed?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

Without standard definitions of services, prepared with the assistance of legal experts, the architect is vulnerable to what?

Answer 14

Increased liability

Question 15

Should the architect offer to carry out reduced or partial site inspection services?

Answer 15

Absolutely not ( if they certify work that has not been properly inspected it would likely constitute professional negligence)

Question 16

List 10 factors that should be taken into account when considering the time that will be required to inspect the works of a project?

Answer 16

1. The expected contract period
2. The size of the job
3. Office Resources
4. Whether or not site staff are to be employed
5. The amount of time that site staff will be spending on site
6. The capabilities of the contractor
7. The standard of quality required by the contract documents
8. Other relevant terms of the contract, such as the frequency with which certificates for payment are to be issued
9. The time required to carry out other construction stage activities
10. The health and safety implications of the design

Question 17

If a clerk of works is employed by the architect rather than the client then is the architect liable for the inspectors negligence?

Answer 17

Yes

Question 18

What should the architect do if defective work is found?

Answer 18

Immediately report it to the contractor’s site management

Question 19

Who’s responsibility is site safety?

Answer 19

The contractors. NOT the architects.

Question 20

Who should the architect contact if the contractor refuses to fix unsafe working conditions on site?

Answer 20

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

Question 21

As with safety, if the architect thinks something is not right regarding site security, he or she should express such concerns to whom?

Answer 21

The contractor

Question 22

Name 8 matters that commonly cause delays on site

Answer 22

1. Late production information
2. Components or materials ordered too late
3. Subcontractors not arriving on site when due
4. Insufficient or poorly skilled people deployed on site
5. Problems arising from discrepancies in production information
6. The need to make good defective work
7. Variations
8. Bad weather conditions

Question 23

Name 4 things that an architect should take onto site for inspecting works.

Answer 23

1. The production drawings
2. A camera
3. A tape measure
4. A torch

Question 24

Name the 3 categories for an architect’s inspection duties

Answer 24

1. Predictive Inspections
2. Periodic Inspections
3. Spot checks

Question 25

Before work starts on site, the architect should look at the contractors construction programme and prepare what type of plan?

Answer 25

An inspection plan that correlates to the construction programme

Question 26

Before visiting site should the architect prepare a checklist of items that need to be checked at each particular site visit?

Answer 26

Yes

Question 27

Name one method, other than writing by which an architect can accurately record their own inspection notes

Answer 27

Use a tape recorder

Question 28

Name three means by which an architect can record defects and progress on site

Answer 28

1. Writing
2. Photographing
3. Videoing