‘A clerk of works is an on-site quality controller who works to advise the different parties of issues as the project progresses’

The role of ‘Clerk of Works’ discussion continues with Jerry Shoolbred who provides some fascinating examples from his own experience demonstrating the importance and impact of this role for any building and development project.

Find out more about the role of the clerk of works and extend your understanding of why this role is vital for any project large or small.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

What’s the advantage of bringing a clerk on board early in the process, and what are the disadvantages of not bringing a clerk in until stage 5?

• When brought in early the clerk of works can liaise with the architect and make changes prior to the issues being raised on site which can have both material and time cost implications.


• There are lots of moving parts within a building project and not bringing a clerk on until the later stages can result in breaches of health and safety as different contractors may not be able to communicate directly with other contractors or ensure paperwork is accurate and comprehensive. 

Based on your experience is there a certain complexity of a project, or type of industry that looks towards employing a Clerk of Works early?

• People can misunderstand the roles of individuals across projects often assuming the architect, contractor and building regulations will act in their interests. All individuals have important roles to play but do not have the oversight and expertise of a Clerk of Works


• A Clerk of Works is an on-site quality controller who works to advise the different parties of issues as the project progresses.

How does a Clerk of Works put together a fee schedule for a project?

• For a large scheme the cost of a clerk of works visiting 4 or 5 times a week to help with snagging and hand over is negligible compared with the cost of remediation.


• For smaller projects, the cost is more challenging but still worthwhile as the issues arising are the same whatever the size of the development.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Building control will check fire stopping but they don’t have time to check every single piece’

‘It’s all about compliance and checking materials’

‘If you are thinking about employing a clerk of works make sure you get one that is qualified’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Property Regeneration Show podcast

Clerk of Works Handbook

ABOUT THE HOST

Rachel enjoys orienteering with her husband, swimming or playing the Ukulele in her spare time. she has over 11 years’ experience in the construction industry delivering projects up to £300 million within budget, time and quality; therefore, the agreed return on capital employed

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Rachel Gros on contact@propertyregeneration.co.uk

07495 451127

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.