OUT OF SYNC!

Sensible subbies will keep weekly records of their own progress and any delays. However, these records seldom give real indication as to the overall picture on the site. A reference to delays awaiting plasterer or ceiling fixer tells us little about the overall state of building progress.

Building progress may already be behind when the Subbie is instructed to commence on site and then slip further. The gallant Subbie is bullied into pressing on, finding work faces where he can. What is really happening is that he is being forced to work "out of sync" with the actual rate of construction. For example, the lack of plastering could be due to delays in the roof, or internal walls.

As a result, the electrical installations are carried out in radically different conditions to those contemplated at tender stage, or by reference to the agreed programme. It is common to see Electricians wading through lagoons of water and climbing over heaps of rubble as they carry out second fix, and even final fix. No wonder it's hard to make money.

I recommend that the streetwise Subbie tries to get hold of a main contract programme at the outset, and then monitors the Builder's progress. Whether these records are released to the Builder will depend on the circumstances. Admittedly, this is not the way to become "Subbie of the year". Nevertheless, a record of the overall building delays can be your best defence against any attempt by the Builder to blame you for delayed completion of the project.

It is open to the Subbie to apply for financial adjustment, either by enhancement of rates to reflect the "changed conditions" of execution, or by reimbursement of loss and expense. The problem here is that the buck will normally stop with the Builder, since the PQS will not be interested in circumstances which derive from default on the part of the Builder. However, the Subbie's contractual relationship is with the Builder, and if the worst comes to the worst, then these matters will have to be pursued in that direction.

The streetwise subbie will, at the very least, leaves his options open by keeping good records and reflecting the overall state of the project as the works proceed. If he decides to let it go, it will be as a policy decision, not because of ignorance.

John Russell FCIOB

Contracts and Training Consultant

Email: swsubbie@globalnet.co.uk

Web site: www.jrconsultant.co.uk