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1
Q

Please compare aluminium vs composite window?

A

Aluminium

More durable
Holds more weight
Greater acoustics
Material more expensive 
Better aesthetics 
£275/m2 more expensive
Composite
Meets performance requirements
Cheaper
Maintain aesthetics
Greater themal properties

Both had life expectancy of 50 years
Aluminium more expense to repair
Glass replacement every 15 yrs

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2
Q

What life cycle costs were considered when you carried out the window?

A

The supply chain was able to confirm that Composite will have a longer lifespan (if engineered timber)

Replacement of glass is every 15 yrs

Both window types are similar cost for damages

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3
Q

Why Intermediate over minor works?

A

No L&E
No EOT
No Sec Comp

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4
Q

Can you tell me how you believe Covid / Brexit has effected procurement / tendering?

A

Unknown impact of covid may lead to contractors being more inclined to seek the more management routes and avoid fixed price routes due to:

  • unknown impact on inflation & construction costs generally so difficult to price in their costs
  • similar for tendering strategies above
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5
Q

What are the deliverables under the PCSA?

A 
Open book
Competitive tender to 3 SCs
Carry out design & contribute to buildability & risk
Method of construction
Work collaboratively w/project team
Reconcile target cost plan
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6
Q

What was the further VE you achieved with the Contractor?

A

£200k 50% tiling

£300k acoustic layer to cheaper alternative

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7
Q

How would your two stage tendering option work? How would you carry out EW alongside PCSA?

Outputs in 1st and 2nd Stages?

A 
1st stage under PCSA
Prelims
OHP
Programme
Designed packages
PCSA Fee
Target Cost Plan to assess against

2nd Stage to develop S2 to S3/4 to arrive at a Contract Sum
Finalise design
Agree outstanding packages
Rules placed into 2nd stage (min 3 tenderers, open book, evaluation)
Contractor in charge of tender

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8
Q

What was the market appetite to work on single stage as opposed to two stage?

A

Letters of enquiries were sent out to a number of contractors to establish market appetitie and generally the response was positive

However a number of tenderers within the PQQ who pulled out during the PQQ process due to the tender not being two stage.

The reason being:

Design risk on SS
Missed scope
Resource, time and cost

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9
Q

What was specified for the lighting as the saving?

A

Omission of 6 LED Lights with the addition of 1 ceiling light to the kitchen and living room areas gave saving of £2k/unit

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10
Q

Why was intermediate used?

A

Intermediate is :
£250k
Adds more robust procedures with regards to EOT and L&E that minor works does not have

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11
Q

How did you back up the elements that could produce savings?

A

Through benchmarking and market testing.
I would expect to see:
External Walls @ £260/m2 not £300/m2
Glazing @ £110/m2 not £170/m2

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12
Q

In your documents you have highlighted the advantages/ disadvantages of Steel v Concrete. Could you talk me through some of these?

A

Steel

Advantages:- 
Quicker to construct- 
Recyclable- 
Strong tensile strength
Lighter than concrete 
Disadvantages- 
More volatile pricing
- Low compression strength
- Low sound/fire resistance
- Requires soundproofing

Concrete

Advantages

  • High compression strength
  • Good noise resistance
  • Good fire protection
  • Low maitenance

Disadvantages

  • Slower to construct
  • Need for reinforcement
  • High embodied carbon-
  • Not as square and flat as steel
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13
Q

Are you aware of any renewable technology techniques?

A 
London 0% Carbon
Local labour
Photo voltaic panels
Blue / Green Roof
Presence detectors
ASHP 
GSHP
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14
Q

What is embedded carbon?

A

Embodied carbon is the carbon footprint of a material.

It considers how many GREENHOUSE GASSES are released throughout the supply chain and is often measured from cradle to (factory) gate, or cradle to site (of use)

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15
Q

You mention that you have an understanding on the different choices of facades that can be used for high rise and low buildings. Please explain which facades are commonly used in both cases and why.

A

Low rise :- Traditional as lower cost and less need for construction to be lighter

High Rise : - greater cost on foundation, SFS system will reduce load bearing capacity moving down the structure

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16
Q

How did grenfell change the way facades are built?

A

No combustible materials to buildings over 18m
RICS have an EWS Process
- appointed fire professional carries out risk assessment
- Looks at new / existing properties
- Valid for 5 years

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17
Q

Why would you recommend using an SFS over traditionally constructed wall?

A

3 month Programme / Prelim benefits with concurrent fit out and external wall
Structural implications
No wet trades

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18
Q

What is the cost difference between traditional and SFS?

A

Around £200/m2 and fairly cost neutral when considering prelims

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19
Q

How did you calculate the cost difference in the prelims with regards to SFS vs blockwork?

A

Mace logistics were able to advise that using SFS would make a saving to the overall prelims of 2 months

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20
Q

Can you tell me about what forms of modern methods of construction you are aware of?

A 
Modular construction
Bathroom Pods
3D Printing
Modular grids (internal walls) 
Minimise unit types
Precast stairs
Utility cupboards
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21
Q

What are green / brown / blue roof?

A

A green extensive roof is planted for ecological and aesthetic purposes.

A brown roof is to mirror as best as possible local ecological conditions

A blue roof is onethatstoreswater.

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22
Q

What was the cost difference between steel partition and blockwork?

A

£50/m2 blockwork (just blockwork)

£100/m2 SFS w/steel mesh

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23
Q

What is an air source heat pump?

A
  1. Air drawn in from outside
  2. Air passes through heat exchanger
  3. Heat transferred to refrigerant from liquid to gas
  4. Passes through compressor heating temperature
  5. LTHW runs through ASHP which is heated by refrigerant
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24
Q

What is an ground source heat pump?

A
  1. Buried pipes beneath ground with anti freeze
  2. Absorbed heat transferred to refrigerant
  3. Heat transferred to refrigerant from liquid to gas
  4. Gas passes through compressor heater temperature
  5. LTHW runs through ASHP which is heated by refrigerant
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25
Talk me through the costs you were able to advise on the SFS vs Blockwork on the facade? And what other considerations aside from cost?
SFS £750/m2 = £5.6m Blockwork £550/m2 = £4.4m + 3 months of prelims = £1m = £5.4m 3 month quicker construction led to the client accepting this option. Impacts on structural were positive with SFS Concurrent process of fit out / facade
26
Talk me through the savings you were able to make on the blockwork vs SFS w/steel mesh to the internal walls? And what other considerations aside from cost?
3000m2 of area SFS £100/m2 + £40/m2 for steel mesh = £420k Blockwork £50/m2 + 3wk prelims = £240k (£80k / wk) = £390k Overall £30k difference but client opted for 3 wk quicker construction Shortage of bricklayers left unknown on costs
27
How is a steel frame constructed?
Steel columns will be cast into the slab Installation of universal beams Beams run across the upper floor area for floor finishes Purlins to run across the roof Accessories to fix and tie the frame together
28
What is the process for RBP?
``` Form Pile Mat Mobilisation Excavation / disposal Secure excavation w/steel casing / bentonite Insitu conc Rebar Cut piles Test piles ```
29
What are the pros and cons of SFS?
``` Pros Lighter frame Programme benefits Concurrent fit out / facade Prelims savings ``` Cons More expensive Limited suppliers Fire resistant barrier installed to façade
30
What are the members of a steel frame?
Beams, Columns, Purlins, Cladding rails, erection, anchors
31
How did you advise on design efficiencies?
£13m but circa 20% across 8 buildings increase on Net Areas on the projects which would have lead to greater returns on investment for my client Smaller communal areas Reduction of overall footprint but keeping the same NIA Rationalisation of core areas Thinner internal wall build ups
32
How did your advise on design economics influence the design?
The design team would have tried as best as possible to reach the targetted NIA:GIA that I set out in the early stage estimates, therefore design reflective of this. It may mean costs increase, but there will be a greater area of net sellable area for the client to drive returns
33
Name some assumptions and exclusions in your cost plan?
``` ASSUMPTIONS 1Q 2020 Base Date Assumed fit out specification Assumes external works specification Assumed for removal of contaminated material ``` ``` EXCLUSIONS Professional Fees Inflation Land Costs VAT Impacts of Covid-19 & Brexit ```
34
How did you present your façade / internal walls options to your client?
This was done in a workshop to run through each option, summarising: ``` Cost Impact Prelims / Programme Logistics Quality Recommendation ```
35
Can you tell me about Modular Construction Pros and Cons?
PROS Quicker construction Better quality More sustainable ``` CONS Lead in times Lack of cost data Design freeze (no flexibility) Comes at a premium Valuations ```
36
What are the heads of claim?
``` Prolongation Materials Labour Disruption OHP ```
37
How do you assess L&E claims?
``` Within 28 days of receipt Assess an entitlement to RM Assess the heads of claims Negotiate and Agree with Contractor Instruct ```
38
How do you assess EOT Claims?
Notice of extension by contractor citing R.E 12 weeks to assess Assess overview of the facts Agree and grant EOT
39
How do you assess materials on site?
Check Contract for M.o.S cls Go to site, ascertain the qty of materials (brickwork) Ensure that it is for supply only and hold money for the installation of the material
40
What came out of the Hackett Report?
RC Frame preferrable No combustible materials to façade Update to Building Regs
41
You mention viability, what does this actually mean?
``` Incorporates the possibility of success looking at: Cost for land Construction costs Returns on investment Yield ```
42
What planning conditions were relevant to your project?
``` Section 106 S278 Works (improvement of rds) New build Cafe Employ local labour Section 73a (in event of redesign) ```
43
What were the costs above the clients budget?
Windows £300/m2 cheaper than expected Ext Walls £200/m2 cheaper Mansard roof not priced which is around £200/m2 more expensive
44
It seems a tight programme for the 2 stage tendering, given that you finished your S2 Cost Plan was finished at the end of January, could you let out the first stage in 6 weeks?
Utilising my clients framework, I sought to understand if the market believed this would be achievable. The general feedback is that it would have been achievable, however, I informed my clients on the risk that it would be a tight deadline and we'd seek to agree a Target Cost Plan that meets their £55m budget.
45
What if you couldn't carry out the full two stage process? How would you meet the GLA requirement?
In the event the single stage could not be agreed prior to the end of March, a LoI could have been possible but this is not best practice
46
What is affordable housing
Home rented or owned costs comprise less than 30% of the household monthly income
47
What is Shared Ownership?
The purchaser pays a mortgage on the share they own, and pays rent to a housing association on the remaining share
48
Main regulations in the industry?
``` Construction Act Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 HASAWA 1974 CDM Regs Anti Bribery Proceeds of Crime Act GDPR Data Protection Act 2018 ```
49
What is clients requirements under CDM Regs?
Issue F10 Appoint PD Ensure safety considerations are made at all phases of the project
50
Provide an example of where you have assessed an EOT?
Ecology surveys were delayed by the client as a planning condition, lead to an EOT being granted to EW Contractor of 3 weeks
51
What are the supply chain issues you are seeing as impact of brexit / covid?
Demand hasn't been able to recover as quick as supply leading to increase cost Labour shortage due to covid / brexit Some Contractors more risk adverse
52
What did the construction act introduce?
``` Interim, Stage, Periodic Remove paid when paid Suspend for non payment Inform when paying less Right to adjudication ```
53
What was the update to the construction act?
``` Payment dates Remove pay when certified Pay less notices Default payment notice Further options to suspend ```
54
Can you tell me about a time you advised on a type of Contract to use?
D&B Suitable where entire design > Contractor Provisions pass more responsibility to Contractor High value complex works Cost, time, design risk w/Contractor JCT
55
What would you do if your contractor went insolvent?
TBC
56
Benefits of novation
More control of design by novating | Historic knowledge
57
How could NIA:GIA be improved?
``` MEP build into suspended ceilings UF Heating Reduce commercial areas to make the most of NIA Efficient cores Bolt on balconies as opposed to inset Thinner partition walls ```
58
How can Wall:Floor be improved?
Less structural items, leads to thinner slabs, and a smaller wall area MEP build into suspended ceilings or raised floors
59
What do you understand by the term VM?
Establish early what value is for the client and managing that throughout the design stages Manage expectations and value for money against quality Assess clients KPI's and what is value?
60
What are the CDM Regs?
The CDM Regulations places a responsibility on all those in the construction industry generally but places inparticular importance of ensuring that the design is prepared to ensure construction is carried out in a safe and competent manner
61
How do you assess materials off site?
``` Quantify Insured In the Clients name (to avoid retention of title cls) Vesting certificate Ensure Contractor has paid the supplier Safely stored ```
62
Can you name relevant events?
TBC
63
Can you name relevant matters?
TBC
64
What came out of the Hackett Report?
RC Frame preferrable No combustible materials to façade Update to Building Regs
65
You mention viability, what does this actually mean?
``` Incorporates the possibility of success looking at: Cost for land Construction costs Returns on investment Yield ```
66
What planning conditions were relevant to your project?
``` Section 106 S278 Works (improvement of rds) New build Cafe Employ local labour Section 73a (in event of redesign) ```
67
What were the costs above the clients budget?
Windows £300/m2 cheaper than expected Ext Walls £200/m2 cheaper Mansard roof not priced which is around £200/m2 more expensive
68
It seems a tight programme for the 2 stage tendering, given that you finished your S2 Cost Plan was finished at the end of January, could you let out the first stage in 6 weeks?
Utilising my clients framework, I sought to understand if the market believed this would be achievable. The general feedback is that it would have been achievable, however, I informed my clients on the risk that it would be a tight deadline and we'd seek to agree a Target Cost Plan that meets their £55m budget.
69
What if you couldn't carry out the full two stage process? How would you meet the GLA requirement?
In the event the two stage could not be agreed prior to the end of March, a LoI could have been possible but this is not best practice
70
What is affordable housing?
Home rented or owned costs comprise less than 30% of the household monthly income
71
What is Shared Ownership?
The purchaser pays a mortgage on the share they own, and pays rent to a housing association on the remaining share
72
Main regulations in the industry?
``` Construction Act Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 HASAWA 1974 CDM Regs Anti Bribery Proceeds of Crime Act GDPR Data Protection Act 2018 ```
73
What are the CDM Regs?
The CDM Regulations places a responsibility on all those in the construction industry generally but places inparticular importance of ensuring that the design is prepared to ensure construction is carried out in a safe and competent manner
74
What is your role under CDM?
To act a designer as I have an influence on design | Ensure the client is aware of their duties under the CDM Regs
75
What is clients requirements under CDM Regs?
Issue F10 Appoint PD Ensure safety considerations are made at all phases of the project Employ competent people
76
Provide an example of where you have assessed an EOT?
Ecology surveys were delayed by the client as a planning condition, lead to an EOT being granted to EW Contractor of 3 weeks
77
Benefits of novation?
More control of design by novating | Historic knowledge
78
How could NIA:GIA be improved?
``` MEP build into suspended ceilings UF Heating Reduce commercial areas to make the most of NIA Efficient cores Bolt on balconies as opposed to inset Thinner partition walls ```
79
How can Wall:Floor be improved?
Less structural items, leads to thinner slabs, and a smaller wall area MEP build into suspended ceilings or raised floors
80
What do you understand by the term VM?
Establish early what value is for the client and managing that throughout the design stages Manage expectations and value for money against quality Assess clients KPI's and what is value?
81
What is a defined provisional sum?
Means a sum of money set aside to carry out work that cannot be described and given in quantified items in accordance with the tabulated rules of measurement.
82
What is an undefined provisional sum?
Means a sum provided for work that is not completely designed, but for which the information required for a defined provisional sum cannot be provided
83
What were the changes from 2011 to 2016 JCT contracts?
``` CDM to PD Payment - Construction Act All risk insurance Performance Bonds or PGC Intro of interim valuation date Must submit a notice of delay ```
84
What is not subject to retention?
- Loss and expense - Fluctuation provisions. - Insurance options.
85
Provide me a time you've dealt with a claim?
On the APF scheme, the client was responsible for completing ecology works as a planning condition, and works could not commence until these were carried out. This result to a loss and expense claim and an EOT of 3 weeks due to the demo works not being able to commence. Costs equated to time related prelims x 3 weeks.
86
How did you price the risk of covid and brexit into your risk contingency?
Steel prices increased by 50%, included all steel included in design x 50% E/O Labour prices included by 10% Increased prelims costs due to social distancing Contractors pricing risk

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