Piling Commercial

Commercial departments on construction teams identify and develop business opportunities and manage profitability of a project from start to finish

I recommend becoming familiar with the piling package documents to assess what works the subcontractors have allowed for.

On a project level, the commercial aspect is usually managed by a Quantity Surveyor. They are responsible for implementing the following:

1. Project Initiation and Feasibility:

Understand the project's scope, purpose, and requirements. e.g. 200no. CFA piles to be installed.

Collaborate with the project team to determine the need for piling and the type of piles required based on soil conditions and load-bearing capacity.

Assess the feasibility of using piling methods, considering technical, environmental, and budgetary factors.

2. Budgeting and Cost Estimation:

Develop a preliminary cost estimate for the piling package based on the type and quantity of piles required, site conditions, equipment, labour, and any other associated costs.

Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to align the budget with the project's overall financial plan. These include the client, project team, legal and compliance teams.

3. Tender Process:

Prepare tender documents that outline the technical specifications, scope of work, contract terms and conditions.

Invite piling contractors to participate in the tender process, these are usually selected from the company's supply chain list.

Evaluate bids received from piling contractors, considering both technical competence and cost proposals.

4. Contract Award:

Analyse and compare the bids and make recommendations to the client or project management team based on technical expertise and cost-effectiveness.

Assist in negotiating the contract terms with the selected piling contractor, ensuring clarity on deliverables, milestones, payment terms and variations.

5. Contract Administration:

Monitor the piling contractor's performance throughout the project to ensure compliance with contract specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations.

Review and approve any proposed variations or change orders, assessing their impact on project cost and programme.

6. Cost Control and Reporting:

Track and report project costs, including actual expenditures, committed costs, and forecasted costs.

Compare actual costs against the estimated budget and provide regular reports to the client and project team.

7. Valuation and Payment Certification:

Verify the piling contractor's work progress and quantities completed.

Certify interim payment applications submitted by the contractor, ensuring accurate valuation of completed work and compliance with the contract terms.

8. Final Account and Settlement:

Collaborate with the contractor to finalise the account, ensuring that all works and variations are accurately accounted for.

Assess any claims, disputes, or additional costs raised by the contractor and negotiate settlements as required.

9. Project Closure:

Verify the completion of the piling works and associated documentation, such as as-built drawings and warranties.

Provide the necessary information for the project's final closeout, including financial reports, records, and documentation.

Definitions

Piling Order - Document detailing specifications for installing piles, including type, quantity, construction details and any site specific constraints

Quantity Surveyor - Individual responsible for managing costs and contracts, ensuring efficient and cost-effective project execution

Project Scope - Document outlining the projects goals, tasks, constraints and deliverables. Guides project planning and execution.

Load bearing capacity - Maximum weight a structure can support safely under given conditions

Supply chain list - A list of preferred subcontractors who comply with minimum requirements specified by Main Contractor and have likely been used successfully on previous projects

Bids - Proposals submitted by specialist subcontractors to perform specific parts of a project, outlining costs, scope and terms.

Warranties - Legally binding agreement providing assurance that products and services will meet specified standards

Posts to Follow

This is the last post on Piling. From next week we plan start on Substructure with:

·       Overview

·       Design

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