A main contractor enlisted our services for the external brickwork on a structural framing system (SFS) build, where we operated under a labour and sundries package, including the supply of insulation. While the project appeared well-planned, it presented a challenge due to the short notice provided. We received a start date and were instructed to bring materials onsite in preparation. Our team sourced and stored the materials, occupying a substantial portion of the valuable compound space. The client's bricks and special brick cuts were also onsite, as per the drawings issued upon our arrival, showcasing their locations.

However, upon our arrival onsite, it became evident from day one that a meaningful start was unattainable, much to the frustration of the client. The aluminium windows, crucial for our brickwork, had not been installed, and their frames were positioned behind our designated brickwork locations. The well-designed cuts were unfortunately in the wrong places and sizes, posing bonding issues. The fire stopping was similarly mis located and, despite being designed, proved unsuitable. Movement joints were erroneously placed, adversely affected by other materials, resulting in them being bonded in and offering no flexibility in the building. Opening sizes didn't align with brickwork measurements, introducing the need for cuts, causing wastage, and varying bed depths, necessitating adjustments during construction.

These complications led to a three-month delay from our programmed start date and, ultimately, a missed handover deadline. The repercussions extended beyond added costs for the contractor; they significantly complicated project management. The substantial compound space occupied by brickwork materials limited the availability of other necessary materials onsite, further complicating project logistics.

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Engaging with us during the preconstruction phase could have averted the issues our client faced, resulting in significant savings of both time and money. We would have provided insights on the window design, preventing the misconception that it could be retrofitted as initially thought. The well-conceived idea of brick cuts, while commendable, was executed incorrectly, leading to additional costs as the cuts needed to be discarded. Had our input been sought earlier, we could have adjusted the quantities beforehand, sparing the need for onsite cutting to address bonding concerns.

Strategic placement of movement joints would have been implemented, allowing the building to contract and expand as intended. Fire stopping locations could have been adjusted from the outset to ensure buildability. Moreover, a slight modification in opening sizes would not only have enhanced the aesthetics of the brickwork but also reduced the need for cuts and minimized wastage. The critical path and schedule of works would have been accurately established from the outset. Material scheduling would have been precise, ensuring the availability of valuable compound space for other trades without unnecessary congestion.