Mocks

Question 1

Talk me through the payments process with jct minor works

Answer 1

Question 3

What was the implication of issuing an EOT & why was an EOT needed?

Question 4

Named v nominated sub contractors

Answer 4

Naming sub-contractors allows the client to influence the main contractor’s selection of sub-contractors, whilst leaving responsibility for their performance with the main contractor. It can be seen as an alternative to nominating sub-contractors as the contractual relationship is less complicated, and indeed, some forms of contract (such as Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contracts) no longer include provision for the nomination of sub-contractors.

Question 5

How were consultants appointed what were the non-compliant combination of materials

Question 6

Why was it non complaint mix-matching of materials

Answer 6

Manufacturers test their fire stopping projects as complete systems.

It’s easy to assume if two products individually have a fire certification they should work together. But this is not how how certification works.

Mixing products that haven’t been tested together introduces uncertainty. Materials may expand at varying rates or bond differently which creates a risk of failure leaving gaps in the fire barrier. 

Question 7

When is loses and expense claimable

Answer 7

When a contractor suffers a direct financial loss or incurs an additional expense due to matters for which the employer is responsible 

Question 8

What was your clients response to the strict deadlines?

Answer 8

We were initially appointed in late October and needed to be finished for the staff regional day in April

Question 9

What’s in an f10 form

Answer 9

Location, key dates, team members , project description, client and contractor information

 number of people on site

Question 10

How could you have examined tender returns using design and build contract? 

Answer 10

Schedule of rates.

Question 11

What do you do at the end of a rectification period. Talk me through your process

Answer 11

Schedule of rates.

This is a list setting out the labour, plant ride rates that a contractor will use for pricing. It does not contain quantities

Question 12

What is the British standard for a fire door

Answer 12

BS 476 Part 22

BS EN 1634

Question 13

What are the building regulations

Answer 13

2010
Minimum set of standards to ensure building work is safe
Building act 1984

Question 14

Was planning permission needed for bic 1?

Answer 14

No, there was no material change. The height of the roof was the same. Permitted development.

Question 15

What is a letter of intent

Answer 15

A temporary agreement entered into whilst parties conclude formal Building contract negotiations. Letters of intent may be used when the parties need to start to procure materials, commence our preparations or start the works before agreement of the formal contract terms. 

Question 16

Why use lime mortar

Answer 16

-breath ability. Allows water to pass through the building. The permeability allows evaporation. Whereas cement is less porous and seals the Building envelope. Moisture won’t be able to evaporate and will be forced out through the face of the brick causing damage and spalling. 

Sacrificial to masonry

-flexibility. Allows the building to move whereas cement is hard and brittle 

CEMENTITIOUS MORTAR NOT CONCRETE

Question 17

Regent house. What was the contractural impact of the contractor not completing on time

Question 18

My eye design acting as consultants to LSH? What mechanism is in place for potential claims of negligence?

Question 19

Procedure if you found asbestos on site

Question 20

What type of lime mortar would you specify

Answer 20

Non-Hydraulic lime
Old, soft masonry

Natural Hydraulic lime
Most common 2,3.5,5
2=soft 3.5=normal 5=hard, harsh conditions

I’d recommend an NHL 3.5

Question 21

• When you become Chartered, say you wanted to set up your own business, what would you need to consider?

Answer 21

Insurance
Comply with ROC & obligations for firms to RICS

Question 22

• If you were instructed on a CA job in a different part of the country, or usual contractors weren’t available in your area, how would you find suitable others?

Answer 22

First, I would research the local market by consulting professional networks such as RICS, using contractor databases like Constructionline, and seeking recommendations from trusted industry contacts. I would also review local tender lists and frameworks if applicable.
Next, I would conduct due diligence on potential contractors — checking references, reviewing past project experience, financial stability, health and safety records, and accreditations like CHAS or ISO standards. Where possible, I would meet them in person and visit ongoing or completed projects to assess quality firsthand.

Question 23

• When using BCIS online, what do you need to consider when using the rates/information provided?

Question 24

What is in pre construction information

Answer 24

Information in the client’s possession all which is reasonably obtainable by the client which is relevant to the construction work and is unappropriate level of detail and proportionate the risks involved including information about
The project
Planning and management of the project
Health and safety hazards.
Existing health and safety file

MIGHT INCLUDE
Key dates / contacts
Security
Means of escape
Fire precautions
emergency procedures
Boundaries and access
SIGNIFICANT RISKS
Welfare

Question 25

What is encapsulated asbestos

Answer 25

A process that involves covering or enclosing ACMs with a protective coating or material to prevent the release of fibres into the air

Question 26

What are the rules of conduct

Answer 26

Honesty and Integrity: Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity, and comply with their professional obligations. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, being transparent with clients, and not taking unfair advantage of others. Professional Competence: Members and firms must maintain their expertise and only undertake work they are qualified for. They should ensure competent individuals handle tasks and provide advice based on reliable evidence. Good Service and Diligence: Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service, ensuring clients' interests are protected. Respect and Inclusion: Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion, promoting a positive and inclusive environment. Public Interest: Members and firms must act in the public interest, taking responsibility for their actions and acting to prevent harm. They should maintain public confidence in the profession.

Question 27

What are the ethical principles of the RICS

Answer 27

honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, and responsibility

Question 28

What are the travel distances for an office

Answer 28

18m single direction 45m multiple directions

Question 29

Typical defects in a 1970s tower block

Question 30

How did you check m&e works were to the appropriate standard

Answer 30

I appointed an m&e consultant to check one installed

Question 31

How does BCIS get their data

Answer 31

Cost and price information is collected by BCIS from across the UK construction industry, then collated, analysed, modelled, interpreted and made available to the industry to facilitate accurate cost planning. subscribers, accepted project tender rates, contractor tender prices, road construction projects, and data from the profession and the industry

Question 32

How to encapsulate asbestos

Answer 32

covering or enclosing ACMs with a protective coating or material to prevent the release of fibres into the air. This method creates a barrier that seals off the asbestos fibres and prevents them from becoming airborne, reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos.

Question 33

What do you needed when starting an RICS business

Answer 33

RICS DOCUMENT rules for the registration of firms  RESPONSIBLE PRINCIPAL primary responsibility for ensuring that RICS' professional, technical and ethical standards are applied INSURANCE CHP Business Continuity Plan Marketing and Branding: Ensure that any use of the RICS logo follows branding rules and that marketing is ethical and not misleading.

Question 34

How did you decide which contractors to go to tender with

Answer 34

On LSH pre-vetted list Performance History in terms of time, cost and quality Client Preferences- also considered any preferred or approved contractor lists provided by the client / lamdlord I reviewed potential contractors using a prequalification questionnaire (PQQ). This assessed financial stability, insurance cover, relevant experience, technical competence, and health & safety policies

Question 35

Who is the president

Answer 35

Justin Sullivan remains the official President of RICS, Nick Maclean is currently serving as Acting President Sullivan has referred himself to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors's (RICS) standards and regulation board and has been temporarily replaced.

Question 36

Why do you want to be a member of RICS

Answer 36

I want to become a member of RICS because it is the leading professional body in the built environment, and achieving MRICS status demonstrates my commitment to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and competence. It will also provide access to a global network, continuous development, and greater professional recognition in my career.

Question 37

Typical Defects in a 1970s Concrete Building

Answer 37

Carbonation of Concrete: Cold Bridging & Poor Insulation: Many 1970s buildings have poor thermal design, leading to condensation, mould growth, and heat loss due to uninsulated concrete elements. Asbestos-Containing Materials: Common in ceiling tiles, soffits, panels, and pipe lagging — a major health risk if disturbed during maintenance or refu Poor Detailing Around Openings: Window and door surrounds often suffer from poor thermal and weather detailing, leading to leaks and drafts. Drainage Defects: Rainwater goods and internal downpipes may be blocked, corroded, or inadequately designed, causing damp penetration.

Question 38

What were your clients wellbeing objectives

Answer 38

This was mainly focussed around diversity and inclusion. Some key considerations were Neurodiversity Religion People coming back to work after having children

Question 39

Why do you want to be a member

Answer 39

RICS is widely regarded as a leading professional body because it sets rigorous standards for competence, ethics, and professionalism in the built environment. Its global reach, robust training and development framework, and adherence to industry-leading standards ensure that RICS members are trusted, respected professionals who contribute positively to society and the built environment.

Question 40

What were your considerations for sustainability

Answer 40

Waste Reduction: waste management plan, ensuring the reuse of materials where possible and recycling. -carpet tiles recyclable Social perspective- indoor plants, to improve mental wellbeing and productivity.

Question 41

How did you determine the existing m&e was okay?

Answer 41

Validation survey

Question 42

What are the travel distances for an office

Answer 42

18m 45m multiple exits

Question 43

What was the db rating required, what was the difference between the full height and half height?

Answer 43

The stud partition provided 50db. However this was reduced due to the bagged insulation provided around 46Db. No testing was done however. The glazed partition was 46 This was as a whole system

Question 44

What is a deleterious material

Answer 44

Materials which are harmful to health or affect its performance or structure (Or environment)

Question 45

Is stramit a deleterious material? Is woodwork a deleterious material

Answer 45

Stramit- yes. It loses structural capacity after becoming wet Woodwool- yes. Poor compaction of concrete may result in honey combing effect around the reinforcement

Question 46

Who is the duty holder under CAR 2012

Answer 46

Every person who has an obligation for the repair or maintenance of the premises

Question 47

What control conditions for asbestos

Answer 47

(Licensed:) Disposal = Enclosure and Air Management: -The work area must be fully enclosed using polythene sheeting -air extraction to create negative pressure to prevent asbestos fibres from escaping -protect fittings, floor coverings etc. Controlled Wetting Techniques: Water or surfactant sprays should be used to suppress dust and prevent fibre release during removal. Air Monitoring: Independent air monitoring, including background, leak, and reassurance testing, must be carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Decontamination shower facilities close by 

Question 48

Why would the works at hill street have been licensable?

Answer 48

It was not sporadic and low intensity. HSE guidance states any work on AIB taking more than 2 hours in a 7- day period is licensable.

Question 49

what was the non-compliant mismatching of materials

Answer 49

if you've got an element that's 60minutes fire rated, everything in that needs to be 60 minutes. there was missing sealant to penetrations and intumescent tape

Question 50

what would you do if you found asbestos unexpectedly on site.

Answer 50

You should stop work immediately, assume any unexpected material is asbestos. get an asbestos consultant and carry out a risk assessment. This will help determine if the work requires a licensed contractor.

Question 51

how do you check if a contractor is licensed

Answer 51

look at HSE's licensed asbestos contractor register.

Question 52

what amount of fibres before work is licencable

Answer 52

if the concentration of asbestos does not exceed 0.6 fibres per cm³ over a 10 minute period is exempt from needing a licence. over this, you need a licence

Question 53

how did you choose which contractors to go to tender with

Answer 53

on our pre-vetted list. (financial and competence checks. e.g safe contractor scheme) time, cost and quality - experience from pervious projects.

Question 54

What is a relevant event

Answer 54

An event that is not caused by the contractor Variations Exceptionally adverse weather Force majeure etc. 

Question 55

What is a relevant matter

Answer 55

Matters for which the client is responsible. Failure to give possession of the site. Delays in receiving instructions. Direct loss which flows naturally from the breach of contract 

Question 56

Why did you use jct instead of NEC

Answer 56

Administrative complexity: NEC requires more proactive contract management, early warnings, and compensation events, which the client team wasn’t resourced to handle. Collaborative approach: NEC works best where clients want to incentivise collaboration and manage risks jointly. In our case, the risks were fairly conventional and the client preferred a more defined allocation. Familiarity: The contractor and client team were more familiar with JCT, so we opted for a more straightforward route to avoid delays or miscommunication.

Question 57

What qualifications did your fire stopping installer have

Answer 57

BM TRADA Q mark