Construction Observation

After the Design Stage 1 this is the next most exciting part of the process for our clients.

Your building will be constructed under a contract between ‘the principal’ (client) and ‘the contractor’ (usually the builder).

Usually we are engaged to administer the construction contract and observation of construction progress throughout the build.

This is because the construction process is complex and most people do not have the experience or the time to administer their own contracts.

Having been responsible for the design and documentation, we are well placed to know what is required from the contractor.

Our experience and professional judgement is used to protect client interests by ensuring that the contractor maintains quality and by monitoring time and cost requirements.

This stage usually includes the following :

Preparing contract documents for the principal and the contractor to sign.
Regular site visits to monitor progress and compliance with the contract documents.
Convening project site meetings.
Reviewing and monitoring the building programme.
Reviewing and marking up shop drawings, samples and prototypes.
Liaising with and supporting the Main Contractor to coordinate sub-consultants.
Providing the Main Contractor with any additional information or clarification that they need to complete the build.
Issuing variations and all instructions to contractual parties.
Maintaining records on costs, including all variations.
Certifying that the contractor’s claims for payment and variations to the contract are valid.
Issuing certificates for payment.
Notifying any faults during the Defects Liability Period.
Issuing the Defects Liability Period Certificate (project completion)

In some instances, there may be retentions included in the contract, not many contractors agree to retentions at the moment so it is not common any more but if required we can oversee the collection and release of retentions as well.