To ensure that all aspects of the construction project are proceeding according to the approved plans and specifications the Architect needs to make regular inspections throughout the construction process and verify the site conditions:
- Access to the site: Ensure that the site is accessible for construction vehicles and equipment.
- Site storage: Verify that materials are properly stored and protected from the elements.
- Excavations: Make sure that excavations are properly sloped and benched to prevent soil movement.
- Foundations: Inspect foundations for proper formwork, reinforcing steel, and concrete placement.
- Walls and ceilings: Check walls and ceilings for plumbness, alignment, and proper surface finish.
- Doors and windows: Ensure doors and windows are installed correctly and operate smoothly.
- Roof: Inspect the roof for proper waterproofing, flashing, and drainage.
Furthermore, to ensure that material deliveries are handled properly the architect must to:
Confirm Delivery Schedule: Verify that material deliveries arrive on time and in accordance with the project schedule.
Inspect Incoming Materials: Carefully inspect all incoming materials for quantity, quality, and compliance with project specifications.
Match Deliveries to Purchase Orders: Compare the materials delivered to the corresponding purchase orders to ensure accurate quantity and type.
Sign Delivery Receipts: Sign delivery receipts to acknowledge the receipt of materials and authorize payment to the suppliers.
Verify Material Storage: Ensure that all materials are properly stored and protected from the elements, damage, and theft.
Maintain Material Inventory Records: Keep accurate records of material deliveries, usage, and remaining quantities to track project progress and avoid shortages.
Coordinate with Subcontractors: Work with subcontractors to ensure that they receive the necessary materials at the appropriate time and in the correct quantities.
Monitor Material Quality: Maintain vigilance over the quality of materials during storage and handling to prevent degradation or damage.
Document Material Defects: Document any defects or discrepancies found in the delivered materials, and raise them with either the supplier or the project manager for prompt resolution.
Track Material Usage: Monitor the usage of materials throughout the construction process to ensure that they are being used efficiently and judiciously.
Order Additional Materials: Proactively order additional materials if necessary to avoid delays or disruptions to the project schedule.
Manage Material Waste: Implement measures to minimize material waste and ensure that unused or excess materials are properly disposed of or recycled.
Coordinate with Warehouse Management: Collaborate with the warehouse management team to ensure that the project’s material inventory is effectively managed and controlled.
Maintain Material Documentation: Keep comprehensive documentation of material deliveries, storage, usage, and disposal to maintain audit trails and facilitate future project inquiries.
Ensure Compliance with Safety Standards: Verify that all material handling, storage, and disposal practices adhere to safety regulations and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
To make sure that subcontractor performance meets project requirements, the architect needs to check:
Review Subcontractor Agreements: Thoroughly review all subcontractor agreements to understand the scope of work, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
Monitor Subcontractor Schedules: Regularly monitor subcontractors’ schedules to identify any potential delays or deviations from the project plan.
Inspect Subcontractor Work: Conduct regular on-site inspections of subcontractors’ work to ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations.
Address Subcontractor Deficiencies: Promptly address any deficiencies or discrepancies found during inspections, and work with subcontractors to rectify them promptly.
Communicate with Subcontractors: Maintain open and transparent communication with subcontractors to address any concerns, resolve issues, and foster collaboration.
Review Subcontractor Payments: Review and approve subcontractor invoices for work completed in accordance with the project’s payment schedule.
Evaluate Subcontractor Performance: Periodically evaluate subcontractors’ performance to assess their adherence to standards, efficiency, and value for money.
Seek Subcontractor Recommendations: Encourage subcontractors to provide recommendations or feedback on the project’s progress and identify areas for improvement.
Address Subcontractor Disputes: Intervene and resolve any disputes or disagreements between the project team and subcontractors in a fair and impartial manner.
Document Subcontractor Performance: Maintain accurate records of subcontractor performance, including inspections, communication, and payments.
Maintain Subcontractor Relationships: Build and maintain positive relationships with subcontractors to foster mutual respect, collaboration, and trust.
Negotiate Subcontractor Modifications: Proactively negotiate modifications to subcontractor agreements as needed to address unforeseen circumstances or changes in the project scope.
Review Subcontractor Insurance Policies: Ensure that subcontractors maintain adequate insurance coverage to protect the project from potential liabilities.
Address Subcontractor Non-Compliance: Address any instances of subcontractor non-compliance with project requirements, safety regulations, or contractual obligations.
Terminate Subcontractor Contracts: Terminate the contracts of subcontractors who consistently demonstrate poor performance, non-compliance, or unethical behavior.
An architect needs to check that quality control measures are effectively implemented:
- Review the project plans and specifications to ensure that everything is installed in accordance with the approved design.
- Punch lists: Maintain accurate punch lists to track and resolve any defects.
- Maintain Quality Control Records: Maintain accurate records of all quality control activities and documentation, including inspection reports, test results, and prompltly the non-conformance logs.
- Address Non-conformances: Proactively address any non-conformances found during inspections and testing, ensuring that they are rectified promptly.
Involve Subcontractors: Collaborate with subcontractors to identify and resolve quality control issues, ensuring that they are committed to meeting the project’s quality standards.