When the
sketch plans and estimates are approved by the client, the next stage
is the preparation of ‘Working drawings and Specifications’. Based
on these documents the tenders are called and the contract is signed.
The working drawings help the builders to submit competitive prices.
The specifications
describe in detail the materials to be used and the way the work is
to be carried out. In the preparation of these documents, architect
selects suitable material for the job by careful and detailed research.
All minor details of material should be discussed with the client, so
that the cost of the project is kept under control.
The fee
payable up to this stage is two-thirds of the total fee, which includes
the services of sketch plan as discussed above. It is advisable to prepare
quantities, except where a building is very small or simple in nature
to avoid misunderstandings among those who filed tenders. These quantities
help closed tendering on a more uniform basis and a small percentage
is charged to cover the cost of the preparation of the bill of quantities.
This bill forms a fair and definite basis for the contract. The advice
of the architect should be accepted while inviting tenders because with
his experience he knows the organising ability of the builders, their
integrity and financial soundness.
Thus the
building owners can expect sound work at reasonable cost. After receiving
the tenders if the amounts quoted are not satisfactory and needs certain
adjustments, then the architect and his client may adjust the price
after making necessary changes to plans or specifications before signing
the contract. The remaining work of the architect is to supervise the
building works and prepare detailed drawings. Supervision is an important
stage because contract plans and specifications are not sufficient to
ensure satisfactory work. In every work some emergencies occur, which
require expertise to avoid unnecessary costs. During the course of work,
the owner may ask for some changes, which should be accommodated within
the contract agreement. The architect allows five per cent for emergencies
in the contract amount, which is used at his discretion during the progress
of the work.
For major
changes, he has to consult his client before execution. Inclusion of
provisional items such as tiling, joinery, bolts, locks etc., in the
specifications give freedom to the architect and his client to take
some flexible decisions during construction. During the course of work,
the architect should issue satisfactory work completion certificates
at various stages for the payments to the builder based on the percentage
of the value of the work done to safeguard client’s interests. When
the work is totally completed, he makes a final check of the builder’s
accounts before issuing the final certificate of completion.
M. PRATAP RAO
Architect
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