We needed to make sure we were clearly measuring quality standards and evidencing how they had been met. We needed to make sure all partners were involved and that we had clarity of purpose throughout.

We engaged Novo Facades to apply the new cladding. This is a complicated procedure with several stages, as follows:

Water and weather proofing of the substrate
First fix – carrier system and Rockwool including fire barrier vertical and fire barrier horizontal
Second fix – horizontal rails and pods
Window pods
Terracotta tiles

We therefore needed to manage the quality of this work and make sure it was of the highest standard at all times.

How we overcame them

Michael Dyson Associates employed a site-based clerk of works to check daily on the progress of the work. Novo Facades undertook works in stage order, with the clerk of works checking daily on progress. This made sure all work was clearly evidenced and assessed against a clear benchmark.

Once an elevation had been completed, at each stage, an inspection was booked in with representatives from United Living, Michael Dyson, Novo Facades and Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE). A fire engineer and building control colleague also attended. These were carried out every Thursday. The clerk of works led the inspection from the top of the building down, floor by floor, elevation by elevation. Involving all partners at this stage made sure that everyone was on the same page and there was clear accountability.

The clerk of works undertook a stage by stage checklist, an example of which follows. All partners agreed to the process in advance, so all involved had the same understanding of expectations.

Horizontal rails	In/out setting out as per approved drawings
	Fixing type used as per approved drawings
	Fixings installed as per manufacturer’s instructions of use
	Fixings installed in correct locations as per approved drawings
Hooks	Installed in the correct locations as per approved drawings
	Fixings installed as per manufacturer’s instructions of use
Snagging	Snagging free

If any snags were identified, they were marked up on the drawings accompanied with photographic evidence. These were then uploaded onto the centralised Aconex sharing system as a snag list, so all partners had access to these records. If any snags were identified, the checklist was not signed until there is clear documentation or evidence they have been addressed and rectified. This enabled us to make sure all work met an agreed quality standard, with evidence of how snags had been resolved.

Once the elevation and associated floors at each stage are snag free, the relevant parties collectively signed the required documentation. The documentation was scanned into Aconex, as well as being stored on Michael Dyson systems and shared through shared drives, email and hard copies stored on site. This made sure the evidence we had was consistent and part of a clear audit trail. When all work was completed and agreed, site repots were prepared and circulated to all partners.

EasyBop is a cloud based document and process management system solution which United Living Utilise on their refurbishment projects, we attach a pdf copy of the roles and process’s which are recorded & monitored on EasyBop on a day by day basis throughout the duration of the contact. Every single event at prestart, during the works and post completion is saved on this hub for good record purposes and enhanced communications and distribution to all relevant stakeholders such as residents, clients and subcontractors and United Living Management which is extremely useful when opening up and working on multiple properties on a daily basis. As a management tool it ensures all parties can track progress, programme, quality and health and safety and provides a transparency which assists greatly with relationships.

Managing and evidencing quality and accountability