Case Study Questions Flashcards
Case Study - Why was the cold water tank not checked during your initial inspection?
It was not safe to do so due to the damage to kitchen ceiling joists.
Case Study - What caused the external oil leak?
It was caused by a loose fitting.
Case Study - How did you handle the oil leak?
I instructed the contractor to attend, inspect and remedy the issue urgently due to possible contamination issues.
I also asked the client to place a container under the leaking pipe to catch any further oil leakage.
Case Study - Are you aware of any guidance around oil leaks?
Yes, SEPA publishes guidance on how to handle domestic oil spills.
Case Study - Why was the new boiler oil fired?
It was a like for like replacement of the previous boiler, albeit of a higher kilowatt outage.
I recommended an air source heat pump however the cost was prohibitive for the client.
Case Study - What is an air source heat pump?
It is a type of heat pump that draws in external air from the outside and absorbs it into a fluid which is passed over a heat exchanger and then into a heat pump.
It is essentially a reverse refrigerator.
Case Study - Why was there a delay in the initial visit and starting on site?
- Had to get engineer input on roof truss design / detail
- Had to get tender document checked and approved by loss adjustors surveyor
- Had to allow for three weeks tender
- Was initially proposed to do strip out contract first but this was opposed by client
- Had to get spec for air source heat pump for inclusion within tender
Case Study - Why was the Minor Works with Contractors Design chosen?
There were areas of the work which were required to be designed by the contractor such as the heating system and electrical installations which I was not qualified to do.
Case Study - Did you require any local authority consents for the work?
No. The roof was replaced like for like so did not impact on planning.
The repairs to the roof trusses were also on a like for like basis so did not require a building warrant.
Case Study - Were there any other considerations prior to the works starting on site?
Yes, asbestos. The property was of pre-2000 construction so there was a chance of asbestos being present.
I included for a pre-refurbishment survey within the Schedule of Works in this regard.
Case Study - How were the funds for the works managed?
I had the client sign a payment mandate which authorised the insurer to pay ourselves and the contractor directly.
Case Study - If funds were being help by your firm what would you do?
I would set up a client account that required dual authorisation and allowed for payment mechanisms i.e. production of payment certificates to authorise release of funds.
Case Study - Why is there a retention sum held?
A retention sum is held to:
- Incentivise the contractor to attend and make good any defects during the rectification period.
- To allow for funds to make good defects should the contractor fail to do so, the money can be used to pay another contractor to do this.
Case Study - How did you select the contractors invited to tender?
My firm holds an approved contractor list.
Case Study - If your firm was inviting a new contractor to tender for the works what would you do?
I would:
- Carry out checks on companies house
- Ask for CV’s of relevant personell who would be working on the job
- Ask for previous examples of the contractors work (case studies)
- Ask for references from previous jobs completed
- Look for membership of professional bodies e.g. CIOB, NIC/EIC, National Federation of Roofing Contractors, GasSafe accreditation
