JCT Design & Build: The differences between a standard fixed price and an amended open book approach
In a JCT Design and Build contract one of the key early commercial decisions that needs to be made is whether to procure the works on a fixed price or open book basis. This choice influences risk allocation, cost certainty, procurement flexibility, and how both the client and contractor manage the project throughout its lifecycle […]
The rise and fall of asbestos
From miracle material to major health hazard For much of the 20th century, asbestos was considered a revolutionary material within the construction industry. Praised for its resistance to heat, fire, chemicals and electricity, it was widely used across a broad range of building applications. From insulation and roofing materials to ceiling tiles, pipe lagging and […]
The importance of negotiation in Quantity Surveying
In the construction industry, where projects are often complex, high-value, and time-sensitive, the ability to negotiate effectively is one of the most critical skills a Quantity Surveyor can possess. From early-stage procurement through to final account settlement, negotiation plays a central role in ensuring projects are delivered within budget, risks are managed appropriately, and all […]
Taking Surveys to New Heights: The Benefits of Drone Surveying
Accessing roofs, chimneys and other high-level building elements has traditionally been time-consuming, costly and potentially hazardous. Drone surveying is changing this by providing a safer, faster and more efficient way to inspect buildings and collect valuable data. The building surveying industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with drone surveying emerging as one of the […]
Statute of limitations in construction: Avoid this one critical mistake
Limitation periods might not be the most exciting part of construction law, but they are often the most important. Get them right, and you protect your client’s position. Get them wrong, and a perfectly valid claim can disappear overnight. This guide breaks down the key routes for construction defect claims and, more importantly, highlights where […]
When windows tell a story: The challenge of listed building repairs
Windows in listed buildings are rarely just functional elements; they form a key part of a building’s character and architectural identity. In many period properties, particularly early 20th-century Mock Tudor buildings, original timber windows are often found in varying states of deterioration. Common issues include failed paint finishes, localised timber decay to cills and sashes, […]
When Roots Win: The Slow Collapse of a Boundary Wall
Boundary walls are often treated as secondary elements within the built environment. However, from a Building Surveying perspective, they are frequently among the most vulnerable structures particularly where vegetation growth is not appropriately managed. Traditional brick boundary walls are typically of single skin construction with relatively shallow foundations. While adequate for resisting vertical load and […]
Building Safety in Focus: Recladding in the Post-Grenfell Era
In June 2017 Grenfell Tower in West London set fire for 60 hours, resulting in 72 lost lives and many more injuries; this has had a huge effect on building safety regulations in high rise buildings today leading to major legal reforms and stricter safety requirements. Grenfell exposed serious failings in fire safety standards, building […]
The Importance of Selecting the Correct Flood Barrier Solution
Flood risk to the built environment across the UK continues to increase as a result of climate change and more frequent extreme weather events. Both residential and commercial properties are now facing greater exposure to surface water, fluvial and tidal flooding. As a result, flood resilience and resistance measures are becoming an essential consideration in […]