An unexpected discovery on site, bad weather (or very good weather!) and working with restricted access, are just a few of the challenges we’ve come across on projects. Faced with any type of potential set-back, clients need to be sure they’re working with a sub-contractor that will be on hand to attend to any issues before they’re allowed to become a larger problem, and work proactively to help resolve them.

When making an evaluation about a sub-contractor, shouldn’t consideration be given to how flexible they are prepared to be? We’ve looked back at some examples of real situations on site, and how we worked to resolve them.

Challenge #1: Changes to site opening times

Brought in by main contractor ISG to install a brick-slip system at a busy shopping centre in Cambridge, the plan was to avoid any disruption to the retail businesses by keeping the site open as normal during the works. Shoppers would continue to access the shopping centre and there would be no adverse impact on trade.

However, once the work began, customers found that they weren’t enjoying shopping around scaffolding, and didn’t like being present whilst the works were taking place. Closing the shops during trading hours wasn’t an option, so we adjusted our working hours almost immediately and began working during the night using scissor lifts, keeping our part of the project on track and allowing the shopping centre to stay open with minimal disruption.

Solution: Working outside contracted hours.

Challenge #2: An unexpected discovery on site

On a removal and refix cladding project at residential block in Essex, we worked for main contractor RG Carter to remove the existing unsafe cladding and refit new A1 non-combustible insulation and A2 fire-rated cladding.

With the project underway, we removed the existing cladding panels and discovered that some of the substrate was metal studwork, rather than the blockwork we had expected. Working with RG Carter and the cladding consultant on site, it was decided that further works were needed to put fire breaks in. We were able to reassess the supplies that were needed, and through good supplier relations, quickly get them to site.

Solution: Taking a collaborative approach.

Challenge #3: Restricted access on site

One of the more common challenges we come across is working in a tight space or an area that is difficult to access. Often, we are working around other trades simultaneously to complete a project on schedule.

In the case of the Premier Inn in Tunbridge Wells, we were working to a tight timescale which would enable the refurbished hotel to open on time. Our scope was to install Permarock insulated render to the internal lightwell, and Marley Natura cladding to the general elevations on the upper floor.

Space was very restricted and getting the materials we needed into the internal lightwell posed a challenge. As there was no proper access from the ground floor, our team needed to walk everything up two floors, then pass materials through the building to the scaffold in the light well. It was a bit fiddly, but we managed!

Solution: Our team were able to be flexible.

Challenge #4: Not being able to keep access structures on site

We worked with Buckingham Group on the redevelopment of West Hampstead Overground station, where our scope was to install a brick slip system along the internal and external walls of the platform.

West Hampstead is a busy station in Zone 2, with more than 5 million passengers using the station every year. The station had to remain open throughout the development, so it was agreed that the work would be delivered in stages to reduce the disruption to passengers and allow the station to remain functional.

Working around the other trades on site, as well as a live train line, meant that it was necessary to have two teams on the project; one working during the day and the other at night, when the trains had stopped running. We needed to construct towers each evening so that work could be carried out on the platforms, which would then be dismantled at the end of every shift to allow passengers to have access to the platform.

Due to the time it took to build and dismantle the tower every night, there was limited time for our team to work, so it was essential they were on hand to begin their shift as soon as the area became available.

Solution: Deploying reliable workers to site, 24 hours a day.

 The ability to anticipate problems and make necessary adjustments to requirements, to co-operate and communicate effectively with other trades, stakeholders and the public, whilst maintaining excellent standards of work throughout, are qualities that clients should be looking out for when choosing a sub-contractor.

Having the experience and processes in place to make precise, efficient decisions, as well as a network of reliable workers ready to be deployed to site quickly will ensure that a project is completed on schedule and delivered to a high standard.

To find out more about how we work, or to discuss your next project, call us on 01268 744199 or email office@edenfacades.co.uk.