Abstracts » Construction and materials industries

Going with the flow

Article Abstract:

The construction industry is seeking to reduce costs by a third by 2000 as part of the implementation of proposals arising from the Latham report. One aspect that should be considered is the dissemination of project information. A construction project's rapid progress depends on information being available when and where required, but often lack of communication means that project overheads rise dramatically and completion is delayed. It is essential that the same information is accessible to all members of the project team. An electronically-based information partnership is an ideal solution.

Building, Developing, and General Contracting, Contract Construction, Usage, Internet, Construction contracts

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Responsibility without power

Article Abstract:

Specialist contractors often play a key role in practice in the design process in the UK, but this role is not fully reflected in contractual relationships. Subcontractors must accept many responsibilities, including checking the design of others. Furthermore, there are clear disparities between the treatment of consultants and of specialist designers. Consultants protest strongly about fitness-for-purpose requirements, but these are usual for specialists undertaking design.

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End in sight for retentions

Article Abstract:

A number of UK construction industry trade associations have now registered deals with the Office of Fair Trading under which their members will offer retention bonds rather than cash retentions. Contractors are also becoming increasingly unwilling to accept cash retentions because changes to VAT regulations have added an additional tax point. Some clients still prefer cash retentions, but they should be aware that cash retentions can bring additional costs.

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