Works Progress and Quality Management

Question 1

At High St, Ilfracombe, what did you do when the contractor’s workmanship fell short of expectations?

Answer 1

• Reference the standards set out in the contract documents.
• Clause 2.1 of MW says works must be to the standard set out in the contract docs.
• As CA I pointed this out to the C without becoming involved in directing the C on how to rectify it.

Question 2

How can you get a Contractor to ensure quality workmanship is delivered on site, as per the contract documents?

Answer 2

• Day-to-day supervision is beyond the scope of the CA’s role.
• If closer supervision of the works is deemed to be required, then a Clerk of Works could be appointed, or an Approved Inspector to verify works at set points.
• As CA, I would expect to coordinate these visits from an Approved Inspector (if appointed client-side), and to request reports etc.

Question 3

You have determined that a Contractor is behind on programme. What do you need to consider, and what are your options under the contract?

Answer 3

*The contractor is free to organise its own working methods and sequences (provided it complies with Construction Phase Plan).
*Is the contractor proceeding ‘regularly and diligently’? If not, this could be grounds for terminating the contract.
* Check that the delay is ‘culpable delay’ i.e. caused by the contractor, and not because of the client or 3rd party event/occurence, otherwise an EoT will need to be issued to preserve employer’s right to claim LADs.
* Ultimately, the employer is protected from losses suffered as a result of delay through the provision of LADs.

Question 4

How would you verify on site that installed insulation achieved 0.18 w/m2K?

Answer 4

• Normally achieved through an Approved Inspector who would want to verify product data sheets and inspect work at relevant intervals.
• If necessary, a Heat-Flow Meter monitoring conditions on both sides of the element. This would be an additional expense but is there as an option if further verification required on site.
• Clerk of Works?

Question 5

When you carryout site insepctions what do you include?

Answer 5

date, time, weather, no. of operatives on site, h&s, progress, discussions had on site, action points, requests for info.

Question 6

What is a Clerk of Works?

Answer 6

Client represetative to check progress and quality on site are in accordance with contract documentation.
Role is defined in standard forms of contract e.g. JCT.

Question 7

Why is it important to record progress of works?

Answer 7

Client cashflow - mkaing them aware likely amount of interim payments.
If falling behind, are there things that can be done - acceleration?
Also, anticipation of notices - EoT, loss and expense , LADs.
Dispute avoidance.