Opinion – Page 598

  • Comment

    A watertight sieve

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    It's an all-risks insurance policy! Every single risk is covered! Nothing's left out! It's completely watertight! You can't lose! Unless, of course … Oh dear …

  • Comment

    When the neighbours can hear you

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    We all adore the French but anyone planning to get involved in construction operations there needs to be aware of their potential liabilities to the neighbours

  • Comment

    One mean industry

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    They talk a lot about sabotage on site, but maybe they ought to look for the guys who wrecked the industry's labour relations … with apologies to Raymond Chandler

  • Comment

    Hansom

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    The battle of the biscuits gets dirty, basic functions for mathematicians and why have one washing machine when 10 will do?

  • Comment

    Why retentions are good …

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    To counter Tony Bingham's argument in "Ask the aspidistra" (31 October, page 50), here are a few words in support of retentions:

  • Comment

    Stop bashing the subbies

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    As an ex-specialist subcontractor, now practising project planning and delay analysis, I wanted to thank Tony Bingham for his article on subcontractors' delivery (24 October, page 61).

  • Comment

    Gis' a job

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    A suggestion to the powers-that-be at the Health and Safety Executive, regarding an untapped "eyes and ears" resource (10 October, page 11, and 24 October, page 43).

  • Comment

    A (credulous) reader writes

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    Congratulations on your review with 50 great ways to improve the industry (24 October, pages 42-49).

  • Comment

    No need for pre-nups …

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    Regarding "Eat your heart out, J-Lo" by Luke Wessley (31 October, page 35): With certain contractors or subcontractors a pre-nuptial agreement is a must – but there is a way round this.

  • Comment

    … and what about quality?

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    I see that Luke Wessely takes issue with lawyers who "focus on whether you used the specified number and type of fixings" rather than "whether you've done a good job". Isn't a check against specification a right and proper measure of how good a job is?

  • Comment

    I just have to say it

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    I will fall into the elephant trap set by your anonymous correspondent regarding the "tired debate over the RICS" (Letters, 24 October, page 36) and comment that he is either completely clueless as to what a quantity surveyor does or he is a disillusioned QS with very poor training.

  • Comment

    By Jove, I think you've got it!

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    Reading your front cover on 24 October, showing on-site babies with hods, I asked myself: What hare-brained schemes are they going to promote this time?

  • Comment

    Lessons in sight and sound

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    Bexley Business Academy is a radical new school that will change the way education buildings are designed in the UK.

  • Comment

    The rules

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    Laws on access are toughening up – and schools and colleges must bear examination, says Jane Simpson of Aedas Access Consultancy

  • Comment

    Don't blame the injured

    2003-11-14T00:00:00Z

    The claimant, Mr Gillespie, suffered a crushing injury to his arm whilst working at night as a tunnel miner. The injury was sustained when a skip that stood on a four-wheeled cart moved and trapped his forearm. The accident left the claimant fit only for light and medium occupations and ...

  • Comment

    Beware of bunny boilers

    2003-11-07T00:00:00Z

    Getting yourself out of a failed relationship with your builders can be liberating, but be very, very careful how you do it – they could take a terrible revenge …

  • Comment

    Brief encounter: The battle of words

    2003-11-07T00:00:00Z

    Is the new 30-page JCT Major Projects Form dangerously scanty, or fashionably lean? Our chatroom guests weigh up the contract and its implications

  • Comment

    Getting from A to B

    2003-11-07T00:00:00Z

    The government can't work out why construction isn't delivering the schools and hospitals it promised the public. Actually, it's not that hard to see why

  • Comment

    Smear campaign

    2003-11-07T00:00:00Z

    A reader writes: Tony Clarke tells the story of how low morale led a site worker to express his feelings

  • Comment

    Trickey's situations

    2003-11-07T00:00:00Z

    The diary of a Devonshire property manager