Contract Administration - St. Mary's

Question 1

What was the roof system installed?

Answer 1

• 3-layer felt system with insulation

Question 2

How was this applied?

Answer 2

• Contractor stripped the existing waterproofing and insulation as it was defective
• Contractor checked the roof deck (which was in good condition)
• Overlaid onto the deck the VCL, insulation, then 2 layer felt system

Question 3

How did you satisfy yourself that the specified system was adequate?

Answer 3

• Overlaying preferred as roof deck intact
• New insulation reached U-value of 0.18W/m2K
• New system provided guarantee of 25-years

Question 4

How was the guarantee checked?

Answer 4

• Roofing manufacturer visited weekly to inspect the works to ensure it was in line with their specification
• Weekly inspection reports issued to CA which was then included in O&Ms

Question 5

What contract was used? Why?

Answer 5

• JCT Minor Works 2016
• Works relatively simple in nature

Question 6

When were the contracts signed?

Answer 6

• Following the issue of the letter of acceptance issued to the contractor and before the works commenced on site

Question 7

How was the contract signed? Why?

Answer 7

• Underhand
• Project not complex in nature
• Implication of the contractor to take on liability of works for up to 6 years
• When issued draft contract to client, advised to issue under hand and client agreed

Question 8

When would the contract be signed as a deed?

Answer 8

• When the contracts states it is being executed as a deed
• The executed contract contains the signature of two directors
• Signature of a director and the company secretary

Question 9

What are the differences between executing as a deed or under hand?

Answer 9

• Under hand has a statutory limitation period of six years
• Deeds has a statutory limitation period of 12 years

Question 10

What order were the contracts signed in?

Answer 10

• I issued to the client first to check that they accepted the condition contained within, then issued to the contractor for signing before the works commenced

Question 11

How did you undertake your site inspections?

Answer 11

• Visited weekly
• Inspected the work, taking photos graphs and detailed notes
• Called the contracts manager of contractor to discuss – checked progress as per programme
• Re-laid information back to client

Question 12

Were there any quality issues with the works?

Answer 12

• No – the works were checked weekly with the roofing manufacturer and signed off

Question 13

What would you advise if there were quality issues with the works?

Answer 13

• Instruct contractor to rectify works as soon as possible, and to the quality stated in the contract
• Advise on contractual mechanisms regarding delay, non-completion and deduction of LDs
• Issue a default notice – sent by CA

Question 14

Was building regulations approval required?

Answer 14

• Yes – building control approval required for all roof covering replacements

Question 15

How did you reach practical completion?

Answer 15

• O&Ms received from contractor, including warranties, building control sign off and roofing manufacturer’s guarantee
• Works completed free of patent defects