Just got back from a site vist where we were appointed to design an extension for our client. We had obtained planning permission and building control. Our appointment had ended here. Despite offering to manage the project on site, our client had chosen to handle build himself.
The contractors workmanship was good, however, he had changed fundamental design. The roof. He had chosen to tile a roof on a very shallow pitch. Unfortunately in a couple of years time, the tiles will fly off and the roof will start to leak. If you are tiling a roof, not all types of tiles will work, particularly if you putting in on a shallow pitch. We also noticed, no lead had been placed, again there is a risk of leakage!
This is not the only example. We had a scheme before Christmas, where the contractor painted the steel with fire retardent paint, He thought it was same as intumescent paint and was cheaper. However one provided fire protection the other didn't, more importantly it was dangerous and did not meet building control.
Unfortunately, these aren't the only examples. To a layperson, they would not notice this and trusts the work the contractor is doing is correct. We would and instruct the contractor to sort the problem out
What contract adminitrator administrators do is as follows:
Prepare the building contracts between the client and contractor;
Check to see if the contract has the right insurance to do the works;
Visit the site regularly to ensure the works are proceeding to plan;
Visit to the site to make sure is following architects plans and not trying to use defective materials
Certify payments for works carried out or completed. Some contractors try to claim money works not done or completed property
Make final inspections and arrange for any defects to be sorted.
This service is particularly important for those who do not understand or have knowledge of the construction process.
Kishor Vekaria ARB RIBA APM Studio V architects
