Design collaboration, explaining to builders and getting the best bang for your buck.

[Gus Potter]

Hello all.

 

To get the best out of things we often need to start talking to each other at the early stages of the design, lining up the contractors you think that you might want to pretty much invest your life savings in. You also need to concentrate the minds of Architect's, SE's and so on.

 

I've attached a concept model that I made for making a hole in a house wall, and it has some chatty guidance notes, not contractural but friendly guiidance.

 

But the text is the bit worth a real read. It's tailored for my Client as they have an eye for cost and buildability.  This Client is very sucessful in the building trade but will not tolerate any bollocks.

 

It's a tricky job in terms of buildability, programme and avoiding disruption to the house. There are big loads coming from above and sideways wind load. The text on the right is to let the Contractor see how they can build it, and also see that they have my support and that should let them sharpen their pencil. What you see is only part of a larger project but this bit is the bit that could cause a Contractor to add on 20 plus k.. I'm letting them know they are not alone, but in return I expect them to give the Client a competetive price.. I've done all the hard work! Yes, the Client has paid me a bit more but they will make more savings than what they paid me to figure this out!

 

This drives down cost!

 

What I'm deliberately doing here is to force collaboration from everyone involved in the design and execution, all for the benefit of the Client.

 

Now many of you are doing builds. The fad is to split up the work packages.. to my mind unless you can coordinate all that your are going to pay for the inevitable gaps.. and pay dearly.. and that will come with grief. What you see also ties down the Contractor.. as if they later come back and moan about it.. I say well I suggested how you might do it!

 

You don't have to do it my way but have a read of the text and pick out the bits that may help you phrase some questions when you are dealing with the "design team and builders"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BH 3d METHOD STATEMENT Steel frame to main house A1.pdf

Edited May 16 by Gus Potter
cause I can

[SteamyTea]

Had a quick skim though.

I notice no mention of what torque setting are used for the bolting, and if any anti-shake devices are used.

I am not sure how important this is on buildings, but on automotive/marine/aviation/machinery i.e. dynamic structures, it becomes important for reliability.

This really comes down to what 'bolting' is used for.  Bolts clamp, screws don't.

[zzPaulzz]

I agree with your point @Gus Potter I'm writing work packages at the moment and trying to paint as clear a picture as I'm able. I'm hoping this reduces the unknown details that cause the vendor to layer on contingency costs.  

[Adrian Walker]

8 hours ago, SteamyTea said:

Had a quick skim though.

I notice no mention of what torque setting are used for the bolting, and if any anti-shake devices are used.

I am not sure how important this is on buildings, but on automotive/marine/aviation/machinery i.e. dynamic structures, it becomes important for reliability.

This really comes down to what 'bolting' is used for.  Bolts clamp, screws don't.

You are spot on. All bolts need a torque setting plus additional notes on washers, thread locks, etc to ovoid over engineering and costs.