WORKING WITH ARCHITECTS
But they didn’t know that until they were confronted with more accurate prices. The architect thinks better of the builder and the builder thinks better of the architect.” Three Cs of happy relationships A common issue that can arise between builder and architect, says Webb, is when the contractor does not want to enter into a contract. “It’s a red flag for me. A contract is not there just to protect the client. It protects the contractor too. On many occasions, it’s had to be used in that manner. “It’s key to have a good builder contract in place, ideally a standardised form of contract because everyone knows where they stand and it’s very clear and provides a level playing field for everybody.” Equally worrying for Webb is when a contractor says they won’t do retention. And there are times when the client’s idea of the programme of works is not aligned with the contractor. “It’s always too short. They’re always wanting it for Christmas.” But the challenge is when the end of the job is pushed out and the contractor moves onto a new project. “They’re trying to fight fires on the existing job to get across the line but they’re getting relief from the next job along the road. That can create a number of issues. It ends up with us pacifying the client and contractor just to get the job finished.” Webb says to build and maintain a well- functioning relationship between builder, architect and client, the three Cs should be followed: ● Contract – ensure you have got a solid contract in place; ● Communication – keep lines of communication clear; and ● Cost – working within budgets and managing client expectations means contractors should get involved as early as possible. Inevitably, things do go wrong on a building site – it’s just the reality of construction. Webb says a strong working relationship between architect and contractor means that when these mistakes happen, the team is better equipped to resolve them. “You can reach the end goal quicker with less stress.”
Pencil And Brick’s ‘A house with courtyard’ in Sutherland Square
Like Webb, McAlister believes negotiated tenders are more favourable. “The procurement system in this country is broken. It puts the architect and the builder at loggerheads. Architects encourage the client to go to multiple builders for quotes. The builders compete against each other – it’s often a race to the bottom, sometimes pricing things to a level that’s not accurate, stable or insightful enough. “In traditional procurement, the architect might have driven down the winning builder’s price after they just low-balled to win the project. They’ve turned the screws and the relationship can be horrible.” A better approach, McAlister argues, is negotiated tenders. “The client picks a builder before they ask them to tender. They let the builder know there’s a strong chance of getting the job as the builder is not up against anyone else at that point. The builder has been picked on their merits, past work and references. There’s an exit clause for the client and architect to use someone else if, after a period of time, there isn’t a meeting of minds.
‘A house with a courtyard’ won Pencil and Brick a Master Builder Award
“The builders are motivated to price as accurately as possible and spend more time matching the scope and the budget. Clients make better decisions because they could never have afforded the front bay rebuild or external wall installation.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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