Roles within the building services industry

Question 1

Key Term - What does accredited mean?

Answer 1

Officially recognised as being responsible for something specific

Question 2

Key Term - What is a contract administrator?

Answer 2

A person named in the contract with the power to change matters or items of work

Question 3

Key term - What is a variation order?

Answer 3

Official documents that are issued if any part of the work changes from the original contract or agreement.
so that these can be claimed for above initial given price of work

Question 4

What is an example of a variation order?

Answer 4

Extra lights are added

Question 5

What is an Architects role in building industry?

Answer 5

The architect is has traditionally been the individual associated with the overall responsibility of the project and is normally the accredited person.

Question 6

What is the RIBA?

Answer 6

Royal institute of British architects

Question 7

In modern contracts who are the other non traditional contractors who can be assigned as contract administrator?

Answer 7

The client

Project managers

Question 8

Name some elements of architectural design an architect is responsible for?

Answer 8

Building form 
Structure
Fire Strategy
orientation 
Interior/exterior design

Question 9

Name other specialists job roles an architect can employ to assist when the architect acts as design team leader?

Answer 9

Structural engineers
landscape architects
fire engineers
specialist planning consultants

Question 10

What is a project manager?

Answer 10

A project manager is usually someone in private practice with specialist project management experience and qualifications

Question 11

What is a project managers role in building services

Answer 11

The PM’s role is to ensure the project is delivered on time, budget to all correct standards
Will also chair construction project meetings
Focus on delivering a project on on time by putting pressure on contractors to ensure critical points are met

Question 12

Who normally appoints a PM to run projects and manage works?

Answer 12

The client

Question 13

Key Term - What does a chair do with regards to building services meetings?

Answer 13

The person who controls a meeting and ensures all topics are covered
Will also act to resolve disuputes

Question 14

Key term - What is a funding body with regards to building services?

Answer 14

An organisation or charity that provides money for a particular purpose

Question 15

Key Term - What does multi-disciplinary mean?

Answer 15

Carry out several different roles

Question 16

Key term - What is meant by a work package?

Answer 16

A collection of work associated with one product on a project

Question 17

Give an example of a work package?

Answer 17

All processes associated with the design manufacture and installation of windows.

Question 18

Key Term - What is a warrantey

Answer 18

A written promise to repair or replace any defects within a specified time period

Question 19

What is a clerk of works? (COW)

Answer 19

Responsible for ensuring work is carried out to schedule and standard.
Keep record of weather conditions and labour resources
Ensure adequate time and resources have been applied and shortcuts have not impacted quality
Carry out site correction notifications
Is not given to power or vary works
compile reports for client

Question 20

Who appoints the COW? and what is their connection with contractors

Answer 20

The COW is appointed by the client and does not usually have connection to the trades on site. But will liaison with different trade contractors

Question 21

What is a construction managers role?

Answer 21

A construction manager is part of the contractors on-site team
responsible for ensuring that the construction element of the project runs to time and standard to ensure minimal re-working
Site safety
ensure toolboxes and inductions take place

Question 22

Key Term - Toolbox talk

Answer 22

A method of communicating safety issues as a supplement to an induction

Question 23

Key term - Quantify

Answer 23

Estimate guideline costs

Question 24

Key term - What is a tender?

Answer 24

An offer to carry out work or supply goods in competition with others

Question 25

Who does the construction manager directly report to?

Answer 25

the Project manager

Question 26

What teams on a contruction project can a quantity surveyor represent?

Answer 26

Both client and construction team

Question 27

What is a QS? and what is their role

Answer 27

A quantity is normally a professional from a private practice of chartered quantity surveyors. Regulated by RICS Royal institute of chartered surveyors Put together estimates and quantify designs Advises the client on budget allocation Selects the method of procurement and contract documentation Checks terms of contract

Question 28

Key term - Contract

Answer 28

A written agreement between two or more parties for doing something

Question 29

Key term - Bill of quanitity

Answer 29

A contract document comprising a list of materials required for work

Question 30

Key Term - Substructure

Answer 30

The type of foundations and support systems for the building such as steel frames or pillars

Question 31

What is a consulting engineer?

Answer 31

Highly qualified specialist personnel required for on complex projects. There are lots of various types

Question 32

What is a structural engineer?

Answer 32

``` Professionally qualified (Chartered) in the field of structural engineering. Responsible for structural stability of Substructures Building support system Ground works ```

Question 33

What is a building services engineer?

Answer 33

An engineer who is also part of a clients design team often incorporated or chartered engineers Responsible for mechanical and electrical services on a project

Question 34

What is MEP

Answer 34

Mechanical Electrical Plumbing and public health

Question 35

What are some areas a mechanical building services engineer will cover?

Answer 35

Heating Ventilation Air conditioning

Question 36

What are some areas an electrical building services engineer will cover?

Answer 36

``` Lighting Power distribution telecoms fire alarms alarms communication systems ```

Question 37

Who is responsible for external and who is responsible for internal drainage systems design?

Answer 37

An architect is responsible for external drainage systems | A building services engineer is responsible for internal drainage systems

Question 38

What is a building surveyor?

Answer 38

a building surveyor is a member of the royal institute of chartered surveyors A building surveyor is responsible for assessing existing buildings or renovation schemes

Question 39

What is a land surveyor?

Answer 39

They are members of the Royal institute of chartered surveyors Employed by the client Deal with measurement of land which may involve setting out structures Provide architects with details of areas surveyed Determine property boundaries

Question 40

What is an estimator?

Answer 40

Is part of the contractors team | Responsible for preparing estimated prices for work within a tender package

Question 41

What is a buyer?

Answer 41

Once a contract is awarded a buyer will purchase materials from suppliers and ensure items are delivered on time.

Question 42

What is a contracts manager?

Answer 42

A contracts manager is often a company director or reports directly to a director and works on the contractors team Makes visits to the site to liaise with contractors on-site management team.

Question 43

What is a tender package?

Answer 43

A tender package is all the information a contractor requires to produce a quote.