What are Contractors Attendance Fees?

In the context of residential projects in the UK, it is common practice for contractors to charge an attendance fee when clients supply fixtures and fittings or subcontract certain areas of work. This fee, known as the attendance fee, serves multiple purposes and helps ensure the smooth execution of the project.

The attendance fee covers the contractor's time and expenses associated with overseeing and coordinating the work performed by subcontractors or the installation of client-supplied items. It compensates the contractor for their presence on-site, ensuring that the subcontractors adhere to the project requirements and coordinate the installation of client-supplied fixtures and fittings. This involvement is crucial for maintaining quality standards and ensuring that the project progresses efficiently.

One important aspect to consider is compliance with Health and Safety legislation, specifically the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). These regulations require contractors to plan, manage, and coordinate construction work to ensure the health and safety of all workers and those affected by the works. The attendance fee contributes to ensuring compliance with these regulations by allowing the contractor to allocate resources to oversee and enforce safety measures, specifically when working with client nominated sub contractors.

Additionally, the attendance fee also takes into account potential waste removal, such as packaging from the client-supplied items. The contractor normally operates on a fixed fee contract, which included the cost of waste removal which can be significant and require additional time and resources.

Furthermore, the attendance fee considers the potential disruption to the main contractor's workflow. When subcontracting certain areas of work, the main contractor needs to ensure that the space is ready for the subcontractor on a specific day and that they cannot work in the same areas, which may disrupt their programming. The attendance fee compensates for the extra coordination and planning required to minimise disruptions and ensure the smooth progression of the project. Note however that this does not remove the potential liability for unexpected delays caused by client nominated subcontractors. If the subcontractors do not adhere to their agreed program, the main contractor may still be entitled to claim and extension of time and additional costs.

Overall, the attendance fee is a standard industry practice that helps to ensure the smooth progress of residential projects in the UK. It facilitates effective coordination, compliance with Health and Safety legislation, waste removal, and minimizes disruptions to the main contractor's workflow. By understanding the purpose and importance of this fee, clients can appreciate its value in guaranteeing a successful and secure construction process.

Shared Drains - what are they and what to do about them

Shared Drains in London: What You Need to Know

If you own a property in London, there is a good chance that you have a shared drain running through your land. These drains carry waste from neighboring properties, making them the responsibility of Thames Water for maintenance and repairs. However, when it comes to building extensions or making any alterations near these drains, there are important considerations to keep in mind.
One key issue with shared drains is access. These drains often run very close to the rear of buildings, and if you plan to extend your property, you may need to build over the drain. This can become problematic if access is required to fix any blockages or issues that may arise in the future. Imagine completing your beautiful extension, only to find out that access to the shared drain is now obstructed.

Not only is lack of access a concern, but accidental damage to the drain during construction can lead to even bigger problems. If you unintentionally damage the drain while building your extension, the responsibility for repairs falls on your shoulders. This might even result in the need to demolish parts of your newly built extension, causing significant financial and logistical headaches.

To avoid these potential pitfalls, it is crucial to follow the correct procedures when building close to or over a shared sewer. Typically, this involves ensuring that your foundations are at least 300 or 600 mm away from the drain, depending on its size and depth. Additionally, the foundations should be deeper than the drain to prevent putting any additional load on the fragile pipes.

In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate access points and inspection chambers, ensuring that Thames Water can still access the shared drain in case of emergencies. Access points cannot be inside the building, as this would hinder Thames Water's ability to carry out any necessary maintenance work.

If the conditions surrounding your build are relatively straightforward, your architect, structural engineer, or builder can self-certify the build-over agreement. However, if the situation is more complex, a formal build-over agreement must be arranged with Thames Water. This process may involve submitting detailed drawings, structural calculations, and possibly even inspections. It's important to note that this formal agreement can be both time-consuming and expensive, so it's always wise to be prepared for the possibility of it being necessary.

In most cases, your building control authority will notify the water board when a build-over or construction near a drain is likely. However, it is advisable to be proactive and anticipate the need for a build-over agreement ahead of time. By doing so, you can prevent unnecessary delays and costly design alterations during the construction process.

Navigating shared drains in London requires careful planning and adherence to Thames Water's guidelines. By understanding your responsibilities and following the correct procedures, you can avoid complications, ensure access for maintenance, and safeguard the integrity of both your property and the shared drain system in your neighborhood.

Combi Boiler v’s System Boiler (sometimes referred to as Megaflo)

Pros and Cons for House Renovation

Choosing the right heating system for your house renovation is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the comfort and functionality of your home. Two common options to consider are a combi boiler and a system boiler with a hot water cylinder. Each has its own pros and cons, including factors such as cost, space utilisation, and usability. Let's explore the principle differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision:

Combi Boiler:

A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, provides both hot water and central heating in one unit. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Space-saving: Combi boilers do not require a separate hot water cylinder, saving space and potentially freeing up room for additional storage or living space.
2. Efficiency: Combi boilers heat water on demand, eliminating the need for storing hot water in a cylinder. This can result in increased energy efficiency and lower heating bills.
3. Hot water anytime: As the water is heated directly from the mains supply, you can enjoy hot water almost instantly at anytime, without having to wait for an entire cylinder to heat up. So you can have unlimited amount of hot water but only at the flow rate it can cope with.
4. Installation cost: The installation of a combi boiler is generally less complicated and time-consuming compared to a system boiler with a cylinder, which can potentially lower installation costs.
Cons:
1. Limited flow of hot water supply: Due to the absence of a separate hot water cylinder, the flow of hot water supply from a combi boiler is limited. This means that simultaneous usage of multiple hot water outlets may reduce water flow or temperature. If you envisage using multiple bathrooms simultaneously this is probably not the best option for you.
2. Pressure fluctuations: As combi boilers rely on mains pressure, water pressure fluctuations can occur, leading to variations in the performance of showers and taps. It is possible to use an accumulator tank with a combi boiler that will increase the flow and pressure going into the boiler but this might negate many of the advantages, ie you need to accommodate a large accumulator tank.
3. Incompatible with high pressure / high flow showers: Combis may not be suitable when considering powerful showers, as their water flow rate can be limited. So if you are thinking about having a rain shower or body jets, a combi boiler probably won’t cut it.

2. Intermittent temperature: If you use short burst of hot water for any reason, a combi boiler can be a little frustrating as the burner fires up and shuts off on demand. This means that it might take a few seconds for the hot water to arrive at the tap and every time your turn the tap off and on again, a small amount of cold water will enter the system creating a potentially annoying fluctuation in temperature. Some boilers have a small hot water storage tank built in which can help mitigate this problem.

System Boiler and Hot Water Cylinder:

A system boiler works in conjunction with a separate hot water cylinder to provide central heating and hot water. Here's what you need to know about its pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Greater hot water capacity: The presence of a hot water cylinder allows for a high flow of hot water supply, making it ideal for households with multiple bathrooms or high-demand hot water usage.
2. Hot water performance: With a system boiler, you can expect consistently strong water pressure and flow, ensuring an enhanced shower experience. If your main pressure is low it is possible to use an accumulator tank and pump or of course an traditional tank in the loft with a system boiler to create high flow and good pressure.
3. Compatibility with power showers: System boilers are well-suited for powerful showers, as they have a higher flow rate and can handle increased hot water demands.
Cons:
1. Space requirements: System boilers require an additional hot water cylinder, which takes up additional space in your home, potentially reducing storage or living space.
2. Installation cost: Compared to combi boilers, the installation of a system boiler and hot water cylinder is generally more complex, potentially resulting in higher installation costs.
3. Hot water delay: As the cylinder needs to heat up, there can be a delay before hot water becomes available. This is particularly noticeable if all hot water is depleted.
In summary, choosing between a combi boiler and a system boiler with a hot water cylinder for your house renovation should consider the specific needs of your household. Combi boilers are typically more space-efficient, energy-efficient, and cost-effective to install. On the other hand, a system boiler with a separate hot water cylinder offers greater hot water capacity, performance, and compatibility with power showers. Assessing factors such as household size, hot water demand, available space, and budget will help you make an informed decision that best suits your requirements.

NB A megaflo is a brand name for a mains pressured hot water cylinder compatible with a system boiler (others are available).

Communication and Co-ordination

One of the most important things in any construction project is clear communication and co-ordination from the very initial ideas through to completion and snagging. Without this, problems can include lack of understanding, abortive works and implications on the time and cost of the project.

The best way to combat this is to establish clear communication channels early on and outline the expected communication frequency and preferred methods between all parties.  It is important to have specific channels for the line of decision making and information distribution that has to happen over the course of a project.

Regular team or client meetings and project management tools can be utilised to discuss project updates and manage expectations for the length of a project.  Ensuring that meetings are effective is also important, so ensuring you have a clear agenda and understanding which items are most relevant to the project’s critical path will help you to do this.

Clear documenting of decisions is vital as this leaves a clear trail and avoids abortive costs where possible - this also helps avoid misunderstandings and disputes as everyone is clear on where to look for information.

There are often conflicts between clients and contractors on site, so establishing early on what is going to work for everyone really helps a project run smoothly.

Sometimes project can have 1000’s of emails under several different headings and multiple erratic decisions made and changed again and again.  To be frank, this is not helpful for anyone, so we have learnt to ensure we have a clear method for every decision that needs to be made from the initial space design down to the last door handle.

Here’s Matthew giving you a quick overview of the project management software we use:

It costs too much to use an architect!

The Cost of Not Using an Architect: A Wise Investment

When embarking on a construction project, particularly with a tight budget in mind, it's natural to want to cut costs wherever possible. However, there's a common misconception that hiring an architect is an unnecessary expense that can be skipped. In reality, the cost of not using an architect can often outweigh the initial investment. Here are some compelling reasons why you might want to consider hiring an architect, even when your budget is limited.

1. Cost Efficiency

One of the most immediate concerns when working with a limited budget is keeping costs down. Ironically, this is where an architect can truly shine. They have the expertise to design spaces that maximize your resources. By suggesting cost-effective materials, efficient layouts, and construction methods, an architect can help you get the most value out of every dollar spent.

2. Quality and Functionality

Quality and functionality are essential aspects of any construction project. An architect ensures that your project not only looks good but also works well. This can prevent costly mistakes or redesigns down the road. Their design expertise can lead to spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and comfortable.

3. Permitting and Regulations

Navigating the complex web of building codes and regulations can be a daunting task for anyone not well-versed in construction law. Architects are intimately familiar with these requirements, ensuring your project complies with all local regulations. This can save you from costly fines and delays due to non-compliance.

4. Resale Value

Consider your construction project as an investment in the future. A well-designed and architecturally sound home or building often has a higher resale value. While it may seem like an upfront expense to hire an architect, the increased value of your property can potentially offset these costs when it comes time to sell.

5. Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a top priority for homeowners and businesses alike. Architects can incorporate sustainable design practices that not only benefit the environment but also your wallet. Energy-efficient features can lead to lower utility bills over time, reducing your operating costs and making the architect's fee a wise investment.

6. Contract Administration

Some architects offer contract administration services as part of their package. Effective contract administration can help you stay on budget and avoid unexpected expenses during construction. Architects can act as a liaison between you and the contractors, ensuring that the project stays on track, as well as assist in the 1000’s of decisions that are required, even on a small job.

In conclusion, while it might seem tempting to cut costs by forgoing an architect, it's important to consider the long-term implications. The cost of not using an architect can result in suboptimal designs, costly mistakes, regulatory headaches, and missed opportunities for energy savings and increased property value. By investing in an architect's expertise, you're not just creating a structure; you're building a future with a solid foundation of quality, functionality, and efficiency.

Ask the architect

Matthew has been working in the residential refurbishment sector for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience with all things to do with home refurbishing and building. We are happy to try and answer any questions or queries we can regardless of if you have any intention in appointing us.

Feel free to post a question below and we will respond to it as quickly as we can.