I joined the project shortly after the superstructure had been completed but a lot of carpentry and the finishing works required to be completed. At the same time a new Site Agent and Foreman were employed on the project. The Works were not progressing well, subcontractors were not working efficiently and relationships with the design team were strained. The first two or three weeks after my arrival was spent clearing the site of rubbish and I also spent considerable time endeavouring to establish where the project was with regards subcontractors, suppliers and the main account with the Client, the Workshipful Company of Skinners.
One of the main issues that I moved on first was the carpenters. The first fix was transferred to dayworks to give the site team the flexibility to get these works finished off. I then pre-measured the 40 flats to enable the carpenter to give one price per flat (I also worked this out for him per flat). In this way interim valuations became easier to administer and agree. The carpentry works were successfully completed.
The brickwork was nearly at an end and we introduced a bonus system to endeavour to ensure the progress of this work to a successful conclusion. However, this was quite difficult as I had to liaise with the individual bricklayers.
British Gas had been employed to carry out the fit out of the heating system and liaison with them proved to be difficult as they were often working on emergency works elsewhere. There was considerable liaison with them to ensure that the works were completed as efficiently as possible.
Once the site was back on track with the new management, we were able to register and record variations with the PQS and the Architect. This entailed researching through events to date and some back tracking on some issues. However, this helped to claw back some of the losses from earlier in the project.
I had to place some subcontractor and supplier orders later in the project for the finishing trades. Each month I prepared the Cost-Value Report for WE Chivers management in Reading.
The project for me was a big learning curve and I learned a lot about how to endeavour to put a project back on track. This also helped to improve my relationship skills with fellow staff members and building a team with the Client's representatives.
I also got to meet the former England Cricket Captain, Colin Cowdrey who was the Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Skinners at the time.
