No, this is nothing to do with the common male
problem, and there is most certainly no remedy
available in the small ads. In
fact, I refer to a common situation which costs Subbies a lot of money every
year.
My Subbie friends will have noticed that most
modern projects run to a depressingly familiar pattern. Building not ready on day one, but we put
two men and a dog on site to show willing ("Start the clock ticking?").
Builder drags way behind programme, but eventually comes in with a classic late
burst, and then tells us all that he has just promised the Client that the job
will still be completed "on time".
This is to be achieved by means of the well known "grandstand
finish", where we all work weekends at our own expense, and stand on each
other's shoulders along with all other trades (ie "the milling about
syndrome").
However, in the last few years, a new feature has been introduced, adding greatly to the fun and expense. I call this the "Premature Occupation" syndrome , and it usually results from a somewhat dubious alliance between the Architect and Builder geared to providing the Client with his building "on time" notwithstanding the delays which have occurred throughout the job. What happens is that the Architect issues a Certificate of Practical Completion, regardless that the building is still in an unfinished state. The Client and his direct contractors are then allowed possession, whence they run amok installing computer systems, display fit outs etc. Meanwhile our Subbie is still trying to complete and commission his original installations, together with an ongoing flow of "wouldn't it be lovely" variations. So are a lot of other trades. All this is now taking place in an occupied building, with restricted access, and security passes. Probably weekend or evening working is necessary in order not to interfere with the Client's own activities. Commonly, the Client's contractors use our Subbie's completed containment systems to support their dingle dangles, with all the problems of damage and liability.
I recall one major job where a senior member of
the royal family came to "open" the project, and two hundred assorted
tradesmen were paid to stay away for the day.
Work continued for three months after the "opening"!
My advice?
Don't just drift with the tide.
As soon as you find this situation looming up, write to the
Builder. Calmly and politely notify him
that your works have now to be completed in fundamentally different conditions. Request
a re-rating of all remaining works.
Insist upon written instructions and reimbursement for all premium time.
And follow it up in your very next interim application. There is no reason why you, an innocent
Subbie, should suffer for the acts, omissions and defaults of others. The streetwise Subbie will take steps to
see that it doesn't happen!
Keynote:
Stake your claim if the Client moves in
"too soon".
John
Russell
Contracts
and Training Consultant
Cheshire CW4 7DP
Tel: 07770 986444
Email:
swsubbie@globalnet.co.uk
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