Andrew Hemsley
NewsHaiti and its neighbours
Working as a QS in the Caribbean Andrew Hemsley is well placed to observe the reaction in the region to Haiti's plight since the earthquake
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How to take calculated risks
Contracting is a seller’s market right now, which is forcing more clients to go down the construction management route. As this is more dangerous than other methods, it requires more precautions
CommentSupreme indifference
The construction industry has largely ignored the JCT’s prime cost contract, largely because it doesn’t do prime cost procurement. But that may change in the near future …
CommentMade to measure
In the old days, a claim for disruption was a kind of generalised moan about things getting fouled up. These days, there are all kinds of ways of putting a figure on the costs. Here’s how it works
CommentCan you direct me to my money?
LEGAL AID — A contractor is withholding £45,000 until a subcontractor signs a new deal. But can a letter of intent and a purchase order be used to extract payment anyway?
CommentA granny with a spliff
It’s radical. It’s brave. And, amazingly, it’s the brainchild of the JCT. Prepare to be shocked by Constructing Excellence, a partnering contract with a difference …
CommentFloored by a contract
A contractor has withheld £250k from a flooring firm and told it the contract states it has to arbitrate directly with the client. How can it best recover the money it is owed?
CommentThe victims of crime
When £20,000 worth of windows was stolen from a site, the contractor was landed with a six-week delay. So was the delay subject to an extension of time? If not, who was going to pay for the knock-on costs? Our panel of experts ponder the options…
CommentGive us our time back
Legal aid — This month our panel of experts locks horns with a client that has withdrawn an extension of time, sacked the architect and refuses to pay what’s due. Should the contractor down tools, lean on the new architect – or is adjudication the answer?
CommentA disaster waiting to happen
Legal aid - This month our panel of experts tackles a dangerous situation at a college where a newly constructed extension is a potential fire hazard. Who is responsible under the design-and-build contract? And who will foot the bill for the remedial work?
CommentTwo unhappy customers
This month our panel of legal experts wrestle with the case of an M&E contractor that worked for nothing and a client whose contract administrator certified defective work
CommentGreater expectations
Now we've started to use JCT2005, it's clear that contractors and contract administrators will have to handle extensions of time with more care