The entry forms for the 2019 Excellence in Construction Competition was sent out last month. Every year members tell us that they feel somewhat intimidated at the thought of entering their projects. Below are a few pointers for you plus if you work your way systematically through the Entry Form, you will easily collate all the information into a good presentation of your project.
HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR TOTAL SCORE
Every year a number of entries are submitted from our members that do not do justice to the building or structure that they have entered. The standard of work is one aspect however other aspects of the entire project also have to be considered in order to judge the project in its entirety.
I realise that many companies entering the competition do not have a lot of time to put an entry together and feel that the end product should speak for itself. The Association has developed a score sheet that awards points to all facets of the construction process. It stands to reason that should you not submit all the applicable information, you will receive no score for that particular item. The entry form calls for the minimum amount of information enabling your entry to score in all areas that are considered in judging.
I will address each of the subcategories on the scoring sheet in order that you can achieve a winning entry.
External Finishes
Include specifications and data sheets of any unusual finishes. Take photographs of work taking place and measures put in place to achieve the specified finish.
Internal Finishes
In addition to the above, include documentation of moisture content in walls and floors and the measuring thereof.
Concrete Structure
Give details of programming challenges, specially designed formwork, concrete mix design and achieved cube test results. For structural steel, photographs of the rigging taking place should it be in inaccessible areas requiring specialist equipment.
Accuracy
Any survey results that you may have confirming the design accuracy has been achieved.
Execution of Construction
Should you have employed any innovated methods during the build give a brief description of the process and attach any photographic evidence. In addition if the site itself provided challenges to you as the builder provide evidence of this, for example: Accessibility, distance from material supply, levels and geotechnical problems.
Greening Aspects
Give method statements on waste management and show photographic evidence on the entry site. Do not use generic photographs as these will not be considered. Recycling of materials and finding innovative uses of material waste. In addition any savings achieved on resources should be documented.
Contractor Relationships
In addition to the mandatory forms attached to the entry try to find additional emails or letters from your client and principal agent that compliment you and your company. For post contract performance a large emphasis is place on the discharge of all contractual obligations to all subcontractors employed on the site. Ideally a spreadsheet should be attached with full details of N/S Subcontractors and Domestic Subcontractors. Information required should be any retention held, date of payment and any amounts still to be paid to subcontractors with an explanation thereof.
CONCLUSION
In each category the entries are normally only separated by a few percentage points. Should a little extra time and effort be invested in the submission of an entry form this could make the difference between first place and a highly commended.
Ross Stembridge | Building Services Manager
