Bringing the clerk of works into the contractor’s team can help raise building standards, argues Mark Beard
Over the last few years, particularly since the Edinburgh schools collapse and the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there has been considerable debate about the clerk of works and how the role can help our industry ensure higher levels of quality for our customers.
Historically, I have been sceptical about what value the clerk of works brings to a project. But a few weeks ago, visiting one of our projects in Oxford, the penny dropped. I am a now convert. In fact, I am now a huge fan of using the skills of clerks of works on building projects to maximise product quality – which is very different from their traditional role.
If I purchase a new car from BMW, Ford, Honda or any of the major car manufacturers, they would not countenance me sending an independent inspector to check the quality of their product during manufacture. They would be confused and angry by the suggestion. Their reputation is built on getting it right first time through their own thorough checking and pride in their product. This is the way our industry should behave; snagging is for the contractor, not a clerk of works employed by the client.
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