Are you a critical or non-critical sub-contractor???
I know what you’re thinking and I agree all subcontractors and sub contracts works are critical to the project but does your works directly affect the critical path of the project and thus the completion date of the project?
This is not an easy to answer question for some sub-contractors as they don’t hold enough information to answer the question i.e. the contract programme and the tools to review it, however for some trades it’s easier to determine than others. Are you the only subcontractor onsite? if yes then your work or at least some of it is on the critical path and therefore by "my" definition you are a critical subcontractor, some examples of these are Ground workers, structural frame installers, concrete slabs, facades, roofing, & Brickwork. now there are always exceptions such as M&E that are generally on the critical path usually as a minimum down to commissioning but let’s not get into that for now.
So what does it mean to be a "Critical subcontractor"? Simple you are a greater risk to the project and therefore by default you’re at a greater risk of being hit with damages. the fact is at some point all subcontract works can potentially cause delay to a project but proving that the sole delay is down to a "non-critical" sub-contractor is much harder than it is to a "critical subcontractor"
So what to do about it? it’s simple you mitigate risk. Understanding your contract and what it asks of you should be your starting point. it will tell you to do set things at set times i.e.
"If and when it becomes reasonably apparent that the progress of the works or any section is being or is likely to be delayed the contractor shall forthwith give notice to the employer"
This is usually followed up with an amendment that will read along the lines off "and within 14 days of the event taking place" so what do you do? make sure you tell them within 14 days of it happening. you don’t have to pursue a notice past issuing it but you can’t issue it retrospectively.
Keep accurate records. daily diary with as much detail in as possible are imperative. and provide accurate and detailed monthly or weekly reports including position on programme, all and any delay events including their cause and effect.
And most importantly know, understand and follow the programme. report delays against it, analyse the delay and produce a mitigation strategy "We will catch up next week" isn’t a strategy its burying your head in the sand, if you don’t know why you lost time you will continue to loose time
For more information on the above and how we can help you with your requirements get in touch.
We provide planning solutions for builders, contractors, fit out contractors and larger sub contractors. We produce construction programmes, progress reporting and monitoring. Re-programming and all…
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