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Why engage the services of a Site Inspector / Clerk of Works? In recent years there has been resurgence in the number of Clients and Design Consultants considering engaging a Clerk of works, or Independent Site Inspector. The reasons for this appear to have been generated from a desire by Paying Clients to ensure (by independent means) that they are actually receiving value for their money, and that the quality of Construction & finish meet with their expectations. In the past the need for such a service decreased as some Clients considered that because their Contractor was a QA ISO9000 Registered company, that Independent Quality checks, witnessing of tests and monitoring of progress was therefore not required. It was in fact considered as a cost saving because of the lack of requirement for an independent Inspector. Today it is true that many Contractors are professional in their approach, and owing to strict internal and external audits, maintain a high standard of operations compliant with their QA System. However, it has now become evident that although a QA Registered Contractor can boast of a well-managed paperwork system, the same is not always true when it comes to supervising works out on site. Defects and failures still occur even though a Contractor is QA Registered. Independent Site Inspectors provide reassurance, and peace of mind that the works being carried out are inline with the contract documents and recognised workmanship standards. They monitor the conditions that works are carried out in to ensure that it is done to manufacturers recommendations. They witness tests to verify that the works meet specified requirements. They monitor progress against programme so that an independent view of where the contract is at any given stage is balanced against the contractor?s own assessments. By providing weekly reports they are able to advise on all aspects of the works in progress and highlight any concerns. As with any service the cost is always a consideration. Clients and Consultants who do understand the benefits of engaging an independent inspection service usually include a budgetary amount for such an auditing type process to be included at an early stage of the project. Our advice is that even if you can only afford to engage an Inspection service on a part-time visiting basis that this is better than having none at all. It is well known in the industry that just the threat of an Independent Inspector visiting Site unannounced tends to keep Contractors focused on ensuring that short cuts in quality are not taken or encouraged. So, why engage a Clerk of works/Independent Site Inspector? The costs and benefits of engaging a Site Inspection service have to be balanced and justified, however the risks associated with not having an independent organisation looking after your best interests on site can prove more expensive if building failures occur once the Contractor has completed the works and moved off site. Contractors claims become hard to rebuff if independent records and reports are not available to you to counter any such claims. Often the costs of engaging an Independent Site Inspector service can be more than off set by the benefits such a service can bring to the Project. Call 01202 814723 for free advice on engaging a WSI Site Inspector, or send details of your requirement by visiting our REQUEST A PROPOSAL page on the title bar above.
Wessex Site Inspection is a limited liability Company |
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