Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in managing contract changes and variations in construction projects. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how we at ProQS Limited handle this process. We start by thoroughly reviewing the original contract documents to understand the scope of work, specifications, and contract conditions. This helps us establish a baseline for evaluating changes and variations.We work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to identify any potential changes or variations to the original scope of work. This can include changes in design, materials ..read more

Mastering contractual success is crucial for ProQS Limited as our role involves managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks for construction projects. Here are some key steps and considerations that we take into account for achieving contractual success:  Develop a Thorough Understanding of the Contract. We familiarise ourselves with the form of contract used in the construction industry, such as FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers), NEC (New Engineering Contract) and JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal). We study the contractual terms, clauses and conditio ..read more

Shortages of construction workers have been widely reported as the UK seeks to build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic. In May, recruitment firm Hays claimed vacancies in construction had risen by 50%, while the Federation of Master Builders said last month that over one third of its members were struggling to recruit bricklayers and carpenters. And over the last few weeks, the rise in Covid-19 cases – and the associated pingdemic – has been side-lining workers who were on site. If you haven’t done so already, now could be the time to review your contracts and those with your suppliers ..read more

Make sure you account for price increases and extended lead-in times Shortages of building materials – from steel and timber to cement – have been well-documented as the construction industry re-energises and follows the government mantra to “build back better”. How can you make sure you keep your projects on track as you compete with other contractors to obtain the materials you need? With demand high, and costs increasing, you need to address building materials availability head-on. That means getting tighter with your planning as you can expect extended lead-in times. You may need to consi ..read more

With a boom in construction expected over the next 18 months, there’s never been a better time to conduct a financial health check and position your business to be more competitive. There is no doubt the market has changed as civil and private construction companies have navigated a year of costly Covid-19 lockdowns and the impact of Brexit. Some companies may now urgently need to adapt their business models to survive the post-Covid economic environment, and that may involve looking to move from purely private to civil construction. But working on public projects has very different demands an ..read more

After the strangest and one of the most challenging years the construction industry has known, the Spring weather has prompted a flurry of activity as projects come out of hibernation and contractors seek to make up lost time. If you had work paused, contracts on hold and maybe staff furloughed during lockdown, it’s time to dust down your paperwork and get your contract admin back on track. If you have neglected your admin, ProQS can help you with a timely review. Explore our Contract Administration service Re-mobilisation of sites may incur unanticipated costs and you may need to agree a new ..read more