We have consistently tried to push for a "like for like" policy. However, as time passes, some manufacturers of PVC windows are producing windows that in appearance are very similar to traditional sash and case timber windows.
Then there is the question of maintenance. In the case of timber this is straightforward, but with PVC this seems to discolour over time and replacements for various catches may not be available 20 years after installation.
Our other concern is that disposal of PVC seems to cause a number of environmental problems.
Could you suggest someone who could give a truly independent assessment of timber versus PVC?
A. Is there a reader out there who can lay out the pros and cons of PVC against timber? Watch this space for the best of your responses.
Q. We have recently purchased a commercial building and during fit out/refurbishment works found some water leakages in concrete structures.
Despite our and our fit-out contractors best efforts, we have not been able to locate the exact places of leakages. Could you suggest a method to help us accurately locate the damaged areas of the concrete embedded pipes?
A. There are many organisations that offer a comprehensive leakage detection and repair service. You can get their contact details from the local Yellow Pages. Some of the water-supply providers also provide this type of services or may be able to help you.
These specialists detect the leakages by using CCTV technology and the latest groundprobing techniques, which can accurately locate areas of pipeline damage.
Q. Could you tell me the difference between management contracting and construction management? And what are the contractual relationships involved from a client's perspective?
A. Management contracting, the client appoints a design team and a management contractor.
Specialist contractors, contracted to the management contractor, carry out the construction. The terms of contract between management and specialist contractor are approved by the contract administrator who may be the architect, QS or project manager.
The management contractor is reimbursed all his costs and paid a percentage of project costs in the form of a guaranteed profit or fee.
As a client you may be in contract with (i) management contractor, (ii) consultants for design and/or cost consultancy services, (iii) subcontractors with collateral warranties and (iv) suppliers through collateral warranties.
In construction management the specialist contractors are contracted to the client directly. The construction manager is a member of the project team acting as an agent and not a principal, to concentrate on the organisation and management of the construction operations and is paid an agreed fee to cover the costs of its staff and overheads.
In construction management you may be in contract with (i) a construction manager, (ii) works contractors and suppliers and (iii) consultants for design and/or cost consultancy services.
Source: Code of Practice for Project Management for Construction and Development
Source
Construction Manager
Postscript
Saleem Akram is the CIOB's technical manager. Email techadvice@ciob.org.uk
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