questions on case study

Question 1

what does employer need to provide for jct minor works

Answer 1

provide drawings, a specification, or work schedules to define the quantity and quality of work, as well as the requirements for the Contractor’s Designed Portion.

Question 2

why did you use minor works for demolition works and why was it separate contract?

Answer 2

The JCT Minor Works Building Contract is designed for smaller, basic construction projects where the work is of a simple nature which demolition was and there was no design needed. less than 500k. Scope as per contract particulars. we had 2 contracts due to main contract t&c’s were not agreed on. So to meet programme we had to issue a mw contract.

Question 3

what is sectional completion?

Answer 3

Sectional completion refers to a provision within the contract which allows different completion dates to be set for different sections of the works. Common on larger projects where completing the works in sections allows the client to take possession of the completed parts whilst construction continues on others.

Question 4

where are the dates for sectional completion kept?

Answer 4

they are noted in the contract paticulars with seperate lads.

Question 5

what happens if sectional completion isn’t on time.

Answer 5

Generally contracts containing sectional completion will also
have liquidated damages applicable to each
section, however the liability on each section will
cease once the relevant sectional completion is
certified

Question 6

what are lads

Answer 6

Liquidated damages are a predefined sum to be
payable in the event of delay beyond the
completion date and are thus recoverable without
proof of loss.

Question 7

what happens if no completion date is written in contract?

Answer 7

If nocompletion date is set by the contract, time is ‘at
large’ and damages cannot be deducted.

Question 8

what standard terms did symphony not agree with?

Answer 8

They didn’t agree with the LADS amount, alongside cross contract set off. If we started this negotiation route this would have further prolonged the time to get the kitchen’s onto site.

Question 9

define cross contract set off

Answer 9

whether a party can look to reduce its liability on one contract by setting off that liability against debts due under another contract

Question 10

why was the brickwork sum a prov sum?

Answer 10

Due to PCSA stage being so quick we had to finalise a lot of the final orders on stage three drawings which were not very detailed in terms of elevation perceptions. Now detailed design has come through it was raised as a VO.

Question 11

What are the punishments for not complying with section 106

Answer 11

Within our contract subcontractors are fined a define sum within the scope of works. So for our contract it was £7K. SC needs to actively work with the local authority to source local labour. This could be an apprentice/work experience.

Question 12

why mend relations

Answer 12

Mend relations due to the local community not being in favour of the two new blocks being built. So in order to mend this we did a lot of social value for the community- we did new flooring for local community/sourcing local labour/school visits.

Question 13

how did external stakeholders influence design and delivery of scheme

Answer 13

Due to planning we had to make the windows the same finish as the school across the road which was white this impacted design. We had deliveries only being made after 9am when children were in school which impacted delivery of each trade. Design of community hall was contributed to by the local community i.e paint/flooring.

Question 14

what does PCSA stand for

Answer 14

Pre-Construction Services Agreement

Question 15

What is PCSA

Answer 15

Typically, a PCSA is used during the second stage of a two-stage tendering process to enable a design and build contractor to commence design work before the main contract has been agreed and executed by the parties. This early contractor involvement is seen in design and build projects.

Question 16

WHAT IS letter of intent

Answer 16

an agreement to carry out works prior to the formal building contract being entered into.

Question 17

what does a letter of intent contain

Answer 17

contain legal rights or obligations such as:
-an end date on which the letter will expire (explaining how the parties will progress if the end date is reached and the building contract is not signed);
-specification of the amount of work to be carried out under the LOI;
-payment provisions limiting the amount of money the contractor can be paid under the LOI

Question 18

with the prov sum who did the risk lie with?

Answer 18

defined prov sum risk lies with the contractor

Question 19

who does undefined prov sum lie with?

Answer 19

Contractor cannot be expected to include programme and prelim allowances for undefined provisional sums so the risk will remain with the Employer.

Question 20

does nec have prov sums?

Answer 20

Nec does not have prov sum. This is due to the uncertainty and risks associated with provisional sums.

Question 21

JCT how do you issue prov sum

Answer 21

Under the JCT forms of contract, an instruction needs to be issued to carry out works defined in the provisional sum schedule.

Question 22

what mitigation strategies for the brickwork subbie

Answer 22

any long lead times on the materials we derisked by putting other products forward to the architect for approval. labour issues from one plot having low

Question 23

difference between defined and undefined

Answer 23

rics defines prov sum as -the nature of construction is understood, that quantities can or will be provided based on the indicated scope and that any restrictions are understood.

Question 24

why should you use NRM

Answer 24

NRM provides a consistent basis for porduction of order of cost estimates and cost plans. provides added confidence for the employer as its seen as best practice to follow

Question 25

what is GEA/

Answer 25

gross external area- area of building measured externally at each floor level
net internal area- area of usable space measured to internal face of perimeter wall at each floor level.

Question 26

NIA

Answer 26

net internal area- area of usable space measured to internal face of perimeter wall at each floor level.

Question 27

GIA

Answer 27

gross internal area- area of the building measured to the internal face of the perimeter wall at each floor level

Question 28

what do you expect % of nia to gia to be

Answer 28

percentage depends on the type of project for e.g. school/hospital. in the case of an office building it would be 70-85%.

Question 29

purpose of boq?

Answer 29

provide estimator with accurate picture of scope of works and consistent basis for pricing. Also enables works to be assessed and valued for purposes of interim payment.

Question 30

what do you measure in accordance with?

Answer 30

working in london we use the new rules of measurement although rail and civils would use civil engineering standard method of measurement

Question 31

how would you prepare a take off?

Answer 31

i would complie all info i.e. drawings/spec/schedules. i would break down the works into sectios/areas i.e. substructure/superstructure/external works. then commence takeoff from substructure upwards. i would then look to address general items section and preambles.

Question 32

how would you strcutre a boq?

Answer 32

in accordance with elemental breakdown under nrm2. Including prelims/substrcuture/superstructure/internal finishes/prov sums

Question 33

how would you describe prelims in boq

Answer 33

prelims detail items of work that are required to enable construction but are not associated with permamant measured of works this includes: site set up/management supervsision/insurances/task lighting

Question 34

what info is needed to price prelims?

Answer 34

contract duration/location/size of project/security/programme/services/employers accomadation

Question 35

if it was found that a bill rate was wrong how would this be resolved

Answer 35

works would be valued in accordance with agreed rate contained within contract. if identified within tender docs prior to contract being agreed then rate could be amended in accordance with tendering rules in place. but otherwise both parties would have to stand by that rate.

Question 36

how would you deal with BOQ missing after mc was on site

Answer 36

i would check to see if it were included as part of tender docs and contract sum. if not then responsiblity would lie with employer. providing works are still required by employer it would be treated as a variation to the contract.

Question 37

what would you include within boq where works are to be carried out by nominated sc

Answer 37

prime cost sum would be incoprated including– allowance for cost of the nominated sc///allowance for contractor to price for attendances such as accom.welfare,storage//percentage addition for anyother profits.

Question 38

define cost reimburable contract

Answer 38

A cost reimbursable contract might be used where the nature or scope of the work to be carried out cannot be properly defined at the outset. so contractor is reimbursed the actual costs they incur in carrying out the works, plus an additional fee.

Question 39

how would you undertake an audit on a cost reimburable contract

Answer 39

so i would review all costs incurred to date in respect of labour plant and materials staff ohp. reconcile this against the fee schedules and rates within the contract. check timesheets/invoices/applications/delivery tickets.

Question 40

what is simpsons rule

Answer 40

can be used for measuring trenches/ formula for approximating area under a curve over a given internal.

Question 41

what items would you include for measuring an example of a basement T.W.B.R.C

Answer 41

depends on how the basement woukd be constructed. when measuring a basement with piled walls and assuming the site was clear i would measure excavation top soil, waterproofing,blinding,reinforcement,finishes to concrete.

Question 42

how are obstructions dealt with on site? and in which package do you see them included

Answer 42

obstructions dealt with by a prov sum within boqs due to undetermined nature of the works. ousually included in the earthworks contractors package responsbile for excavating foundations

Question 43

how do you measure cut and fill

Answer 43

obtain drawings with existing levels and proposed levels/ divide area of excavation into grid to establish average existing and proposed level. this gives me an area of where theres cut and fill needed.

Question 44

is quantity for excavation similar as disposal?

Answer 44

yes providing there is no backfilling required and assuming form of contract and method of measurement doesn’t allow for bulking, shrinkage or waste

Question 45

how would you measure something unique for example statue

Answer 45

if it could be broken down easily into the parts that are in accordance with method of measurement, i would use this as the basis for measurement. or i would include it as a detailed description with a section to include prov sum.

Question 46

how do you deal with groundwater in nrm2

Answer 46

ground water is measured under sectio 5 for excavating and filling. measured on itemised basis with the original below ground level being stated to whether water is polluted. if post contract water level differs from precontract level measurements must be taken and revised accordingly.

Question 47

what is preamble

Answer 47

explanation of a doc that is commonly found in contracts, spec and boqs. can help with interpretation of doc. descirption of parties to the contract. measurement procedures that have been adopted.

Question 48

what are method related charges

Answer 48

one off item related to method of carrying out work and does not form part of the permanent works.

Question 49

time related charges meaning

Answer 49

method related charges that are considered proportional to time taken to carry out works for example plant hire.

Question 50

what are fixed charges

Answer 50

method related charges that don’t vary eith time for e.g. service connection charges.

Question 51

why did you change some ve options for the flooring and what is slip rating?

Answer 51

due to original spec not adhering to slip rating needed so we have r9 and wet areas needed r10.

Question 52

what is slip rating

Answer 52

important to consider the area in relation to slip potential. Areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways can be exposed to surface water contamination

Question 53

what is a notice to commence

Answer 53

is a formal communication to the Contractor stating the date the Contractor can begin work. period is normally 2 weeks before the start= date

Question 54

what is ntc is late

Answer 54

if the original commencement date cannot be achieved and that the project timescales will need to be pushed out as a consequence.

Question 55

how to measure slip rating where do you find this?

Answer 55

this is found on the data sheets for the flooring. The Pendulum test is the British standard method of measuring slip resistance. known as a swing test it is swung across the floor type to measure slip resistance.

Question 56

whats the build up to a brick wall? SDFWB

Answer 56

brick anchors fastened through to sheathing/drywall/fiberglass insulation//weep holes//brick ties

Question 57

breakdown to soft floor? FSALV

Answer 57

floor slab/screed laid/adhesive and latex to level before vinyl flooring is laid.