Communicating with trades. Any tips?

[flanagaj]

I appreciate that this might sound lift a daft question, but how do people go about communicating with trades to ensure the task is completed satisfactory and to LABC warranty standards, without sounding like you are insulting their intelligence or micromanaging?

 

As you know, we have had two brickies and both were shit.  They cut corners and didn't take pride in their work.  For instance, the last guy had never laid Marmox blocks.  His response like many (incorrect of course) was to say "that's what the insulation upstand is for".  Needles to say, they were fitted with large air gaps at the joints ...

 

It's difficult managing these people yourself, as they see you as someone not in the trade and therefore assume you know nothing and that their 20 years in the business makes them an expert.

 

Our new bricklayers start Tuesday and I want it to work.  I should not have to go out and see that the 3 courses of brickwork on the internals has been simply butted up to the 3 course that run perpendicular without either being bonded or tied in ..

 

Any pointers welcomed on the best approach.  I can completely see how a Clerk of Works is helpful here.