In my long and painful career, some of the
biggest disasters (and those which offer least chance of redemption!) have been
the consequences of a "love affair" between Subbie and Builder that
went wrong. Indeed, whenever one of
my regular client subbies tells me how a particular job is "not a
problem" because of the ecstatically wonderful relationship enjoyed with
the Builder, I make sure that I leave a window in my diary for six months time.
Now don't get me wrong - it is a great benefit
to all concerned when the Subbie and Builder have a good working relationship,
where problems can be raised and discussed as they become apparent, and the works conducted in an atmosphere of
mutual respect. However, too many subbies are conned into believing
that this means they don't have to bother with delay notices or formal
correspondence, for fear of "being confrontational". No wonder the Builder loves them!
Then, later in the job comes the inevitable
pressure from the Builder to complete by the original date, regardless of
delays in the overall construction process.
The Subbie in an excessively warm and loving relationship will have few
if any notices or records to call upon.
Perhaps the Builder will murmur soothing words
about "seeing you right at the end for all your efforts". And so our gullible Subbie doubles his
labour force and works weekends - in other words, he allows the Builder to
"have his wicked way". And
then, at the end, just like the young lady in our little parable, he finds there are no more flowers or
chocolates, and the only time the phone rings is when some defects need urgent
attention. How sad! But how
predictable!
So my advice is to always use your best
endeavours, to try and forge a good working relationship with the Builder and
other key parties, but to maintain your normal processes of contractual
protection (ie delay notices, progress records etc).
After all, that is what the Builder's
sub-contract conditions say that you must do.
Then, if the Builder wants his wicked way near the end of the job, he'll
have to keep the chocolates coming your way!
Keynote:
Forge good relationships with the Builder, but don't neglect your contractual notices and records!
John
Russell
Contracts
and Training Consultant
Cheshire CW4 7DP
Tel: 07770 986444
Email:
swsubbie@globalnet.co.uk
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Russell Column Contents