CC 2002 KCC 2002 K

Information, Quantities and Information, Quantities and

CommunicationCommunication

InformationInformation

The construction industry is unique in The construction industry is unique in its organisational nature.its organisational nature.

Each construction project is unique in Each construction project is unique in it’s planning, organisation and it’s planning, organisation and operation.operation.

During each construction project the During each construction project the information needed, and the information needed, and the construction problems are all construction problems are all different from each other.different from each other.

It is important that clear information It is important that clear information is relayed to whoever needs it.is relayed to whoever needs it.

It is important that information is It is important that information is relayed at the right time.relayed at the right time.

It is important that any information is It is important that any information is clear and easily understood.clear and easily understood.

All of these help to ensure a All of these help to ensure a successful project delivered on time successful project delivered on time and as close to budget as possible.and as close to budget as possible.

Relaying InformationRelaying Information

It is important that people in a building It is important that people in a building team work together to complete a project.team work together to complete a project.

Information can be relayed on site and to Information can be relayed on site and to project personnel in a variety of ways.project personnel in a variety of ways.

It is important that all the members of a It is important that all the members of a construction team or project communicate construction team or project communicate effectively with each other to avoid effectively with each other to avoid unnecessary conflict.unnecessary conflict.

Types and methods of Types and methods of communication.communication.

DrawingsDrawings Day work sheetsDay work sheets Bill of QuantitiesBill of Quantities SpecificationsSpecifications Purchase ordersPurchase orders Method statementsMethod statements Risk assessmentsRisk assessments Quality proceduresQuality procedures Fax messageFax message E mailE mail TelephoneTelephone Programme of workProgramme of work

SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS A Specification is a term used for the set of A Specification is a term used for the set of

requirements that are to be met by requirements that are to be met by materials, products or services.materials, products or services.

The Specification will identify which The Specification will identify which materials or products are to be used in the materials or products are to be used in the build.build.

It will specify how they are to be used.It will specify how they are to be used. The specification will detail the The specification will detail the standard ofstandard of

qualityquality that is to be met any materials or that is to be met any materials or work that is to be carried out.work that is to be carried out.

Plastering SpecificationPlastering Specification

A specification for plastering will give A specification for plastering will give exact exact details details on the type of plastering required, on the type of plastering required, these may include:these may include:

Type and manufacturer of beads .Type and manufacturer of beads . Types, materials and methods of fixings.Types, materials and methods of fixings. Background preparation.Background preparation. Class, type and manufacturer of plasters.Class, type and manufacturer of plasters. Proportions of any gauged mortars.Proportions of any gauged mortars. Tolerances to be expected from Tolerances to be expected from

workmanship.workmanship.

A specification will accompany any A specification will accompany any drawings that are produced for the drawings that are produced for the project.project.

The project designer or architect will The project designer or architect will liaise with the client to transfer their liaise with the client to transfer their building ideas into a set of drawings building ideas into a set of drawings and specifications.and specifications.

Architects can use standard Architects can use standard specifications that are produced by specifications that are produced by various organisations to achieve the various organisations to achieve the right quality product for their client.right quality product for their client.

British StandardsBritish Standards

Sources that produce specifications Sources that produce specifications include : British Standards, Building include : British Standards, Building Research Establishment (BRE) and Research Establishment (BRE) and European Union Standards.European Union Standards.

The British Standard covering The British Standard covering plastering and rendering is BS EN plastering and rendering is BS EN 13914-2 : 200513914-2 : 2005

British standardsBritish standards

The British Standards Institute (BSI) The British Standards Institute (BSI) has been in existence for over 100 has been in existence for over 100 years.years.

It develops and tests a technical It develops and tests a technical standard and produces a formal standard and produces a formal document for publication.document for publication.

Codes of practice are produced from Codes of practice are produced from the standard, which will cover the the standard, which will cover the use of a product in more detail.use of a product in more detail.

Technical literatureTechnical literature

The purpose of technical literature is The purpose of technical literature is to provide details on products and to provide details on products and systems.systems.

It will tell you the latest products It will tell you the latest products available, what they are, their available, what they are, their intended use and applications, and intended use and applications, and guidance on using them correctly. guidance on using them correctly.

Technical literature can include Technical literature can include manuals, pamphlets, product manuals, pamphlets, product specification sheets or catalogues.specification sheets or catalogues.

You need to be aware of, and using You need to be aware of, and using manufacturers technical literature to manufacturers technical literature to be sure you are using the be sure you are using the latest up tolatest up to date products and systemsdate products and systems, that , that meet the latest design and building meet the latest design and building regulation requirements.regulation requirements.

British GypsumBritish Gypsum British Gypsum’s main British Gypsum’s main

source of product and source of product and system information is system information is the White Book.the White Book.

This contains a wide This contains a wide range of partitioning range of partitioning and lining solutions, and lining solutions, specifications and specifications and products, as well as products, as well as lab test results and an lab test results and an overview of overview of installation details. installation details.

British GypsumBritish Gypsum The White Book is The White Book is

updated regularly to updated regularly to make sure it is the make sure it is the most up to date and most up to date and comprehensive comprehensive reference source.reference source.

The White Book is also The White Book is also available online.available online.

British Gypsum also British Gypsum also produce the Site Book produce the Site Book which gives step by which gives step by step guidance on step guidance on installing some of their installing some of their products.products.

TenderingTendering A tender package is a set of documents used A tender package is a set of documents used

by clients project designer to establish a by clients project designer to establish a quoted price for a project.quoted price for a project.

The documents will include a brief The documents will include a brief explanation of what the project is, where it is explanation of what the project is, where it is and its intended purpose.and its intended purpose.

Tender packages are first sent to main Tender packages are first sent to main contractors, who in turn will compile their contractors, who in turn will compile their price by parcelling the tender to the relevant price by parcelling the tender to the relevant sub contractors eg brickwork, roofing or sub contractors eg brickwork, roofing or plastering.plastering.

You do not have to pay to tender for a You do not have to pay to tender for a contract.contract.

Tender packagesTender packages In the tender package the tender process In the tender package the tender process

will be clearly stated, where the tender is will be clearly stated, where the tender is to be returned to, who to and when the to be returned to, who to and when the return deadline date and time is.return deadline date and time is.

The tender The tender packagepackage will include will include drawings, specifications, bill of quantities drawings, specifications, bill of quantities and the preliminaries.and the preliminaries.

The preliminaries The preliminaries willwill outline the basis of outline the basis of the contract that will be awarded, it will the contract that will be awarded, it will set out any damages that the contractor set out any damages that the contractor could be liable for, the defects period for could be liable for, the defects period for the contractors work and the contractors the contractors work and the contractors obligations.obligations.

Quotes and estimatesQuotes and estimates

What is the difference?What is the difference? A quotation is a fixed priceA quotation is a fixed price that that

cannot be changed once accepted by cannot be changed once accepted by the customer.the customer.

This holds true even if you have to This holds true even if you have to carry out more work than expected.carry out more work than expected.

If quoting, If quoting, specify preciselyspecify precisely what it what it covers, any variations outside of this covers, any variations outside of this can be charged additionally.can be charged additionally.

EstimatesEstimates An estimate is an educated guessAn estimate is an educated guess of of

what a job may cost, but isn’t binding.what a job may cost, but isn’t binding. To take account of possible To take account of possible

unforeseen developments, you should unforeseen developments, you should provide several estimates based on provide several estimates based on various circumstances, including the various circumstances, including the worst case scenario.worst case scenario.

EstimatesEstimates

An estimate should be written on An estimate should be written on headed paper and include a full headed paper and include a full breakdown of the required works breakdown of the required works and costs.and costs.

An estimate should state what the An estimate should state what the estimated price is for, and should estimated price is for, and should include the following :include the following :

EstimatesEstimates

Overall priceOverall price Breakdown which lists the Breakdown which lists the

components of the price.components of the price. Schedule, detailing when you can Schedule, detailing when you can

start the work.start the work. A time period the estimate is valid for.A time period the estimate is valid for. Any payment terms you may have.Any payment terms you may have. Your full business contact details.Your full business contact details.

QuotationQuotation

A Quote will commitA Quote will commit you to the price you to the price you specify.you specify.

OnlyOnly use a quote if the work you are use a quote if the work you are quoting has clear requirements – in quoting has clear requirements – in terms of labour, materials etc.terms of labour, materials etc.

OnlyOnly use if your costs are stable. use if your costs are stable. You are confident the work is not You are confident the work is not

going to be more complicated than going to be more complicated than expected.expected.

QuotationQuotation A written quote should include:A written quote should include: Overall priceOverall price Breakdown of price, what is covered, Breakdown of price, what is covered,

what is not.what is not. Period the quotation is valid for.Period the quotation is valid for. Time schedule for when the work will be Time schedule for when the work will be

done.done. Your business full contact details.Your business full contact details. Your payment terms or schedule.Your payment terms or schedule.

Contact Contact details.details.

What the What the price price coverscovers

Breakdown Breakdown of priceof price

Total priceTotal price Payment Payment

terms and terms and scheduleschedule

Contact Contact namename

Estimating QuantitiesEstimating Quantities

It is important to be able to It is important to be able to accurately measure, calculate and accurately measure, calculate and estimate quantities of materials to estimate quantities of materials to ensure a job runs smoothly, on time ensure a job runs smoothly, on time and keeps to budget.and keeps to budget.

Plastering materials and payments Plastering materials and payments are calculated by using Area.are calculated by using Area.

Work and wages are worked out by Work and wages are worked out by the square metre.the square metre.

Units of measurementUnits of measurement

The construction industry measures The construction industry measures everything using the metric system : everything using the metric system : millimetres, centimetres and metres.millimetres, centimetres and metres.

Plaster, plasterboards and bricks are Plaster, plasterboards and bricks are calculated using calculated using squaresquare metres (area). metres (area).

Screed, concrete is measured using Screed, concrete is measured using cubic cubic metres (volume).metres (volume).

Plaster beads, cornice or skirting boards Plaster beads, cornice or skirting boards are measured using are measured using linearlinear metres (length). metres (length).

AreaArea Area is the surface of the floor or wall you are to work on.Area is the surface of the floor or wall you are to work on. Area is measured in SQUARE units.Area is measured in SQUARE units. m2 means square metres.m2 means square metres.

Square metresSquare metres

To find the area of a wall in Square To find the area of a wall in Square metres :metres :

Measure the length of the wall in Measure the length of the wall in metres.metres.

Measure the height of the wall.Measure the height of the wall. Multiply the two measurements Multiply the two measurements

together : together : Length x Height = Area ( m2)Length x Height = Area ( m2)

Square Metres (Area)Square Metres (Area) A wall 4 m long by 2 m high.A wall 4 m long by 2 m high. 4m x 2m = 8 m2.4m x 2m = 8 m2. The area of this wall is 8m2.The area of this wall is 8m2. If the wall was divided into 1m2 squares, there would be 8 If the wall was divided into 1m2 squares, there would be 8

squares.squares.

Calculating materialsCalculating materials

To find how many plasterboards are To find how many plasterboards are needed to board a ceiling :needed to board a ceiling :

Find the area of the ceilingFind the area of the ceiling e.g: e.g: 4 m x 3 m = 4 m x 3 m = 12 m2 ( area of ceiling)12 m2 ( area of ceiling) Find the area of the plasterboard.Find the area of the plasterboard. Multiply the length by the width of Multiply the length by the width of

the board being used to board the the board being used to board the ceiling : 1.800 x .900 = ceiling : 1.800 x .900 = 1.62 1.62 m2( area of one board)m2( area of one board)

Divide the area of the ceiling by the Divide the area of the ceiling by the area of a plasterboard.area of a plasterboard.

12 m2 ( area of ceiling )12 m2 ( area of ceiling ) divided by divided by 1.62 m2 ( area of one plasterboard )1.62 m2 ( area of one plasterboard ) = 7.40 = 7.40 This means it will take This means it will take 7.40 7.40

plasterboards to plasterboard a 12 plasterboards to plasterboard a 12 m2m2 ceiling. ceiling.

You always You always round upround up the end the end number, so you will need 8 number, so you will need 8 plasterboards to complete the plasterboards to complete the ceiling.ceiling.

Allowing for wasteAllowing for waste Making sure you have ordered the Making sure you have ordered the

correct amount of materials is correct amount of materials is essential, if the job is to be completed essential, if the job is to be completed on time and to your budget.on time and to your budget.

Buying too much material is wasteful Buying too much material is wasteful and will cost you money.and will cost you money.

Not ordering enough materials will Not ordering enough materials will cost you time in completing the job, cost you time in completing the job, and could cost you money, as the job and could cost you money, as the job will stop while you wait for new will stop while you wait for new supplies.supplies.

Wastage allowanceWastage allowance

It is good practice when calculating It is good practice when calculating materials to allow an extra amount materials to allow an extra amount for wastage.for wastage.

The usual allowance in plastering is The usual allowance in plastering is to allow 10 % for wastage.to allow 10 % for wastage.

Divide the number of plasterboards Divide the number of plasterboards or bags that you will need by 10 to or bags that you will need by 10 to calculate the extra number of calculate the extra number of materials you will need.materials you will need.

Calculating waste.Calculating waste. Example :Example : A 16 m2 ceiling divided by 1.62 m2 (area A 16 m2 ceiling divided by 1.62 m2 (area

of a board) equals 9.87.of a board) equals 9.87. Round up 9.87 equals 10. Round up 9.87 equals 10. It will need It will need at least 10 boardsat least 10 boards to to

plasterboard the ceiling.plasterboard the ceiling. We need to We need to add 10% for wastageadd 10% for wastage when when

cutting boards to fit.cutting boards to fit. 10 10 divided divided by 10 equals by 10 equals 11.. Add 1 to 10 equals 11.Add 1 to 10 equals 11. We need to We need to order 11 boardsorder 11 boards to to

plasterboard the ceiling.plasterboard the ceiling.

Volume and Cubic Volume and Cubic MetresMetres

Materials such as screed and concrete Materials such as screed and concrete are ordered by the cubic metre.are ordered by the cubic metre.

When calculating materials for these When calculating materials for these jobs you need to be aware of the depth jobs you need to be aware of the depth that the finished materials need to be.that the finished materials need to be.

Eg. A screed floor could be 40mm deep.Eg. A screed floor could be 40mm deep. The symbol for a cubic metre is m3.The symbol for a cubic metre is m3.

Calculating cubic metres.Calculating cubic metres. To calculate the cubic metres (volume) of a floor:To calculate the cubic metres (volume) of a floor: Measure the length =12mMeasure the length =12m Measure the width =4.5mMeasure the width =4.5m Measure the depth =0.25mMeasure the depth =0.25m Multiply the three measurements together.Multiply the three measurements together.

Calculating volumeCalculating volume Volume = length Volume = length xx width width x x depth depth Example :12 m x 4.5 m x 0.25m = 13.5 m3Example :12 m x 4.5 m x 0.25m = 13.5 m3 If a screed floor is 50mm deep the 50mm If a screed floor is 50mm deep the 50mm

becomes 0.050m.becomes 0.050m.

If a screed floor mix ratio is 3 : 1If a screed floor mix ratio is 3 : 1 This means 3 parts sand, 1 part This means 3 parts sand, 1 part

cement.cement. DivideDivide the volume of your floor by 4 to the volume of your floor by 4 to

calculate how much sand or cement calculate how much sand or cement you will need to order.you will need to order.

Eg. 2 m3 divided by 4 equals 0.5 m3Eg. 2 m3 divided by 4 equals 0.5 m3 Therefore Therefore 1 part cement equals 0.5m31 part cement equals 0.5m3.. 3 parts sand equals 1.5 m33 parts sand equals 1.5 m3.. A A 25kg25kg cement bag is about cement bag is about 0.045m3.0.045m3. 0.5 m3 divided by 0.045 = 11 bags.0.5 m3 divided by 0.045 = 11 bags.

We need 1.5m3 of sand.We need 1.5m3 of sand. Slightly damp sand has a volume of Slightly damp sand has a volume of

1.5 tonnes to the m3.1.5 tonnes to the m3. 1.5 tonnes of sand = 1 m31.5 tonnes of sand = 1 m3 There are 1,000kg of sand in a tonne.There are 1,000kg of sand in a tonne. There are 40 25kg bags of sand in a There are 40 25kg bags of sand in a

tonne.tonne. 40 bags of sand = 1 tonne.40 bags of sand = 1 tonne. 60 bags of sand = 1.5 tonnes = 1m360 bags of sand = 1.5 tonnes = 1m3 We need 60 bags + 30 bags = 1.5m3We need 60 bags + 30 bags = 1.5m3

Linear metreLinear metre

A linear metre is a unit of A linear metre is a unit of measurement.measurement.

A linear metre is a measure of one A linear metre is a measure of one metre in a straight line.metre in a straight line.

Items such as plaster beads, skirting Items such as plaster beads, skirting board, cornice and coving are board, cornice and coving are measured and ordered by the linear measured and ordered by the linear metre.metre.

DRAWINGSDRAWINGS

Drawings used in construction are Drawings used in construction are used to communicate technical used to communicate technical information to the different parties information to the different parties involved in the build process.involved in the build process.

Architects use standardised symbols, Architects use standardised symbols, methods and language so that methods and language so that everyone can understand the everyone can understand the information within the drawing.information within the drawing.

Block or Site planBlock or Site plan A Block or Site plan A Block or Site plan

shows the proposed shows the proposed site from a birds eye site from a birds eye view.view.

It shows the site in It shows the site in relation to the relation to the surrounding area.surrounding area.

It will show the It will show the location of roads and location of roads and buildings.buildings.

It will always show the It will always show the direction of North.direction of North.

FloorplansFloorplans Floorplans are used to Floorplans are used to

show the proposed show the proposed layout of rooms, walls layout of rooms, walls and doorways in a and doorways in a building.building.

They will contain They will contain information such as information such as the location of the location of sockets, radiators, sockets, radiators, doorways, stairs and doorways, stairs and the type of wall the type of wall constructions.constructions.

Elevation DrawingsElevation Drawings These will show the These will show the

front, side and rear of front, side and rear of a building.a building.

They will show how They will show how the architect imagines the architect imagines the building will look the building will look when completed.when completed.

These are useful for These are useful for the local authority who the local authority who need a visual image of need a visual image of the proposed structure the proposed structure for the planning for the planning approval process.approval process.

Detailed DrawingsDetailed Drawings These are used to These are used to

highlight or ‘zoom in’ highlight or ‘zoom in’ on components use in on components use in the construction.the construction.

Detailed drawings are Detailed drawings are used to show the used to show the tradesperson how tradesperson how different materials different materials interface and join interface and join together.together.

They are used to They are used to make the technical make the technical aspects of aspects of components clear to components clear to the construction team.the construction team.

SectionsSections Sections show the Sections show the

inside of any part of inside of any part of the building or the building or component.component.

They are used to They are used to provide a visual provide a visual explanation of explanation of different parts of a different parts of a building or component.building or component.

A section through a A section through a cavity wall will show cavity wall will show the location of a cavity the location of a cavity tray over a lintel.tray over a lintel.

Reflected planReflected plan A reflected plan is A reflected plan is

used to show the used to show the layout of a ceiling. layout of a ceiling.

It can be used to It can be used to show how show how plasterboards are to plasterboards are to be fixed in relation be fixed in relation to the joists or if to the joists or if areas of a ceiling areas of a ceiling are to receive no are to receive no plasterboard.plasterboard.

ScaleScale

In order to draw a full size building, In order to draw a full size building, the drawing must be drawn to scale the drawing must be drawn to scale for it to fit onto the drawing sheet.for it to fit onto the drawing sheet.

A scale is a ratio to show how the A scale is a ratio to show how the size of a real object compares to the size of a real object compares to the size of the same object when it is size of the same object when it is drawn or made as a model.drawn or made as a model.

A scale drawing is an exact replica of A scale drawing is an exact replica of something, but reduced in size.something, but reduced in size.

A scale of 1:10 A scale of 1:10 means that 1 cm means that 1 cm on the drawing on the drawing equals 10 cm in equals 10 cm in real life.real life.

This means that This means that the drawing is 10 the drawing is 10 times smaller than times smaller than the real object.the real object.

SymbolsSymbols Symbols are used to Symbols are used to

identify and represent identify and represent the different materials the different materials and components used and components used in the build.in the build.

The same symbols are The same symbols are used by all designers used by all designers to ensure everyone to ensure everyone can understand the can understand the information on information on different drawings by different drawings by different designers.different designers.

Bill of QuantitiesBill of Quantities A Bill of Quantities is A Bill of Quantities is

another method of another method of relaying information relaying information about a project.about a project.

This document is This document is used as part of the used as part of the tendering process.tendering process.

The Bill of Quantities The Bill of Quantities are prepared by are prepared by Quantity Surveyors.Quantity Surveyors.

All the materials, parts, labour and their All the materials, parts, labour and their costs for the project are itemised.costs for the project are itemised.

This enables a contractor or sub This enables a contractor or sub contractor to price the work they are contractor to price the work they are bidding for.bidding for.

A QS will prepare a BOQ by a ‘taking A QS will prepare a BOQ by a ‘taking off’ process where the cost of a building off’ process where the cost of a building is estimated from measurements in the is estimated from measurements in the architects drawings.architects drawings.

They can create a cost estimate in They can create a cost estimate in regard to the area of walls, floors and regard to the area of walls, floors and also the number of doors, windows and also the number of doors, windows and the plumbing, heating and electric the plumbing, heating and electric systems.systems.

Bill of quantities need to be read in Bill of quantities need to be read in conjunction with the specification for the conjunction with the specification for the project when creating a price.project when creating a price.

Read them carefullyRead them carefully, check for linear , check for linear metres as well as square metres.metres as well as square metres.

Make sure you understand where theMake sure you understand where the area of work isarea of work is : is it high up? Will it need : is it high up? Will it need scaffolding? What is the background? Will scaffolding? What is the background? Will it need special preparation?it need special preparation?

Programmes of WorkProgrammes of Work

Programmes of Programmes of work or Gantt work or Gantt charts are used to charts are used to plot and monitor plot and monitor the progress of the progress of works on site.works on site.

It is easy to see It is easy to see what should have what should have been completed been completed and by when.and by when.

Programmes of work will normally be Programmes of work will normally be found in the site office.found in the site office.

The Gantt Chart (program of work) is The Gantt Chart (program of work) is the most common charting technique.the most common charting technique.

A Gantt chart will always show the A Gantt chart will always show the start and end dates of a project.start and end dates of a project.

A Gantt chart can be used to show A Gantt chart can be used to show the current status of the project the current status of the project against the proposed schedule by against the proposed schedule by shading the completed task elements shading the completed task elements or by using a vertical ‘Today’ line.or by using a vertical ‘Today’ line.

Gantt ChartGantt Chart

A timeline is stretched A timeline is stretched across the top of the page.across the top of the page.

TasksTasks

The tasks The tasks involved in involved in completing the completing the project are project are listed down the listed down the left side of the left side of the page.page.

Horizontal lines extend from Horizontal lines extend from left to right across the page.left to right across the page.

The horizontal line for each task starts below the timeline The horizontal line for each task starts below the timeline date that marks the proposed start date of the task.date that marks the proposed start date of the task.

The length of the task line grows as the length of the time The length of the task line grows as the length of the time allocated for the task grows.allocated for the task grows.

The line for the task ends below the corresponding end The line for the task ends below the corresponding end date for the task.date for the task.

Some tasks can overlap others to speed up progress on Some tasks can overlap others to speed up progress on site.site.

Why are Gantt charts Why are Gantt charts useful?useful?

CLARITY :CLARITY : When a Gantt chart is used, the When a Gantt chart is used, the

entire project plan is presented entire project plan is presented visually.visually.

You will always know You will always know what what you you should be doing, should be doing, whenwhen you should be you should be doing it, and doing it, and how longhow long you should be you should be spending on the task.spending on the task.

Why are Gantt charts Why are Gantt charts useful?useful?

Communication :Communication : Project plans need to be shared with all Project plans need to be shared with all

parties concerned with the project.parties concerned with the project. These parties could be management, These parties could be management,

employees, contractors, suppliers or employees, contractors, suppliers or anyone else involved with creating or anyone else involved with creating or managing the project.managing the project.

Presenting a visual plan is much easier Presenting a visual plan is much easier than trying to explain the project verbally than trying to explain the project verbally or in writing.or in writing.

Why are Gantt charts Why are Gantt charts useful?useful?

Organisation:Organisation: A Gantt chart helps you to stay A Gantt chart helps you to stay

organised.organised. A Gantt chart ( program of work) A Gantt chart ( program of work)

forces you to plan a project from forces you to plan a project from start to finish.start to finish.

Chain of CommandChain of Command

A construction project needs a team A construction project needs a team of people with very different roles of people with very different roles and responsibilities to work closely and responsibilities to work closely together.together.

For this team to work successfully, For this team to work successfully, and for the project to run smoothly, and for the project to run smoothly, each team member needs to know each team member needs to know what they are responsible for, and what they are responsible for, and who they are to report to.who they are to report to.

The Project TeamThe Project Team

There are three main categories of There are three main categories of work in the construction sector.work in the construction sector.

ProfessionalProfessional: these people will : these people will generally have a degree or similar generally have a degree or similar qualification. Job roles are : Building qualification. Job roles are : Building Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Architects Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Architects or Structural Engineers and Site or Structural Engineers and Site Agents.Agents.

CraftCraft

The The CraftCraft sector of construction are sector of construction are skilled trades that require some level skilled trades that require some level of qualification.of qualification.

Skilled trades are generally qualified Skilled trades are generally qualified up to level 2 (Diploma, NVQ), up to level 2 (Diploma, NVQ), although electricians and plumbers although electricians and plumbers usually need to go to level three.usually need to go to level three.

Job roles include : Bricklayers, Job roles include : Bricklayers, Plasterers, Joiners and Electricians.Plasterers, Joiners and Electricians.

OperativeOperative The next sector is the The next sector is the Operative.Operative. These are semi or unskilled jobs that do These are semi or unskilled jobs that do

not require the person to have any not require the person to have any qualifications.qualifications.

These would be general labourers who These would be general labourers who do labour intensive or unskilled work on do labour intensive or unskilled work on the site such as digging holes and the site such as digging holes and trenches, loading or preparing materials trenches, loading or preparing materials for the craft workers and general for the craft workers and general clearing up of the site.clearing up of the site.

The chain runs from the most important The chain runs from the most important person through a list of personnel with person through a list of personnel with varying degrees of responsibility.varying degrees of responsibility.

ArchitectArchitect : leads the design team. : leads the design team. Transfers the clients wishes and Transfers the clients wishes and requirements into sketches and initial requirements into sketches and initial concepts for the building design.concepts for the building design.

Architect TechnicianArchitect Technician: produce all the : produce all the technical drawings, plans and sections technical drawings, plans and sections that are used during the build.that are used during the build.

Quantity SurveyorQuantity Surveyor : they are the cost : they are the cost consultants for the construction consultants for the construction industry. Before a tender is compiled industry. Before a tender is compiled they do all the cost planning, produce they do all the cost planning, produce specifications and Bill of Quantities. specifications and Bill of Quantities. They will prepare all tender and contract They will prepare all tender and contract documents and source sub contractors if documents and source sub contractors if needed, for certain elements of the needed, for certain elements of the project. They value all on-going work on project. They value all on-going work on the project and are responsible for the project and are responsible for approving and organising any payments approving and organising any payments to contractors, sub contractors and to contractors, sub contractors and suppliers.suppliers.

Site EngineerSite Engineer : they perform a technical, : they perform a technical, organisational and supervisory role on a organisational and supervisory role on a construction project. They are responsible construction project. They are responsible for marking out the site, applying designs for marking out the site, applying designs and plans and liaising with sub and plans and liaising with sub contractors. Typical roles for site contractors. Typical roles for site engineers include setting out (marking the engineers include setting out (marking the position of structures) and levelling the position of structures) and levelling the site, surveying the site, checking drawings site, surveying the site, checking drawings and ensuring calculations are accurate for and ensuring calculations are accurate for the work, liaising with any consultants, sub the work, liaising with any consultants, sub contractors, supervisors, QS’s and the contractors, supervisors, QS’s and the general workforce on the project.general workforce on the project.

Contract ManagerContract Manager : they are responsible : they are responsible for the management of contracts with for the management of contracts with clients, vendors, partners or employees. It clients, vendors, partners or employees. It involves the negotiating of terms and involves the negotiating of terms and conditions in contracts and ensuring conditions in contracts and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions, compliance with the terms and conditions, they will also document and agree any they will also document and agree any changes that may arise whilst the contract changes that may arise whilst the contract is in place and being used. They help to is in place and being used. They help to ensure that the client is fully informed of ensure that the client is fully informed of progress on site, and of any problems or progress on site, and of any problems or situations that may arise and may need situations that may arise and may need discussing between client, architect and discussing between client, architect and contractor.contractor.

Site manager / AgentSite manager / Agent : this is the person in : this is the person in charge of the building contract and therefore has charge of the building contract and therefore has to be aware of, and in control of all aspects of site to be aware of, and in control of all aspects of site operations, including the planning of site operations, including the planning of site progress. It is the managers responsibility to keep progress. It is the managers responsibility to keep the operation to the agreed build time and cost the operation to the agreed build time and cost plans. The typical roles for a site agent include : plans. The typical roles for a site agent include : leading regular site meetings with personnel leading regular site meetings with personnel including Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, including Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Foreman, Sub Contractors and the Client.Foreman, Sub Contractors and the Client.

They are responsible for Quality Control checks, They are responsible for Quality Control checks, including inspections of work, testing materials including inspections of work, testing materials and frequent tours of site. and frequent tours of site.

They are to make sure that the project runs to They are to make sure that the project runs to schedule and to budget, they also have to find schedule and to budget, they also have to find solutions to problems that may cause delays, solutions to problems that may cause delays, such as late deliveries of materials.such as late deliveries of materials.

Foreman / Supervisor : Foreman / Supervisor : the foreman orthe foreman or supervisor is the person who is in charge of supervisor is the person who is in charge of their particular group of tradesmen. The their particular group of tradesmen. The foreman / supervisor will generally have foreman / supervisor will generally have many years experience in the particular many years experience in the particular trade. They will have specialised knowledge trade. They will have specialised knowledge of their trade, have good communication, of their trade, have good communication, organisational and problem solving skills. organisational and problem solving skills. They will liaise with the site agent to ensure They will liaise with the site agent to ensure their workers are where they are supposed their workers are where they are supposed to be with reference to the programme of to be with reference to the programme of work, inform the site agent of any problems work, inform the site agent of any problems or hold ups associated with their trade, and or hold ups associated with their trade, and organise the materials and work load of organise the materials and work load of their workers.their workers.

General operative : General operative : labourers are labourers are unskilled and carry out the basic unskilled and carry out the basic labour intensive work on site. Under labour intensive work on site. Under the direction of a foreman or the direction of a foreman or supervisor they will clean or clear a supervisor they will clean or clear a site, load materials or un load site, load materials or un load deliveries, dig holes or trenches for deliveries, dig holes or trenches for cables and any other basic work cables and any other basic work which needs to be done.which needs to be done.