PSS/ATR progress mark 2

1.  Comparing old and new building regulations

Most of modern day energy usage occur in buildings and if we want to become a “Green Society”, buildings/ households are the first place we need to make changes to become a more energy conscious nation. Part X is the new addition to the regulation and this is the regulation regarding energy efficiency in buildings. Even if we want to ignore it the government is now forcing us to think about energy efficiency.

An Environmental Sustainability Section is being introduced and needs to be complied by from the 10^th of April 2012. Only one section is thus far in the process of being implemented. Section A of X more commonly known as XA deals with energy efficiency within the building in the form of heat retention and loss. This will affect our way of thinking, design process even up the materials we use e.g. in Cape Town we have a costal climate thus we need to retain heat within our buildings. It is also said that most of our heat loss occurs through the roof of a building and we need to now beef up on our insulation. This along with many other considerations such as the sizes of our window will now be apart of our “chain of though”. The layout of building will also be a very important factor.

In future we are going to be expected to do calculation on how energy efficient our building are.

This chapter will, in future, receive more section such as, XB which will deal with water and XC which will deal with recycling.

These additions have been made as well as a few changes such as the application forms for submission to council. As boring and unnecessary we might think they the new SANS 10400 A form 1 is extremely important and it is immensely important that we understand it. The Architectural Compliance Certificate has also received a few additional columns such as the sensitivity scale which asks questions on the environmental impact of the building.

2. What is the role of the Architect?

The role of the architect is to oversee the building process from start to finish. More responsibility is thus placed on the shoulders of architects as the need to take the idea right through from start to finish liaising with other professionals such as engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors and even the client. The architect is also the principle agent in most cases and runs the project acting as the main link between all professionals and the client by chairing site meetings and so forth. 

3. What is understood by the following TERMS?

A.  tender documents

When the design process is complete and the client is happy, the plan will then be ready for council submission. This step may come with a few amendments to the original design and may need a few add-ons. After council has approved the plan the architect must then compile a set of Tender Drawings and Documents, the tender drawing are not far from construction or working drawing. Together with a quantity surveyor, they will now put the documents up for tender and invite contractors to quote on the construction of the building. The tender drawings will form the basis of any quotes and is a legally binding document thus mistakes cannot be make, because everything costs money and the smallest mistake can cost thousands.

In your tender document you will have: A timeline for the construction process

                                                                  Proper construction drawings

This will all form part of a binding contract and will be in affect as soon as the construction process starts.

b. Bill of Quantities

A bill of quantities is a document prepared by a quantity surveyor. It is a list of all the materials, quantities of the materials and labour as well as professional fees that is required for the construction process. This is an estimate and may change as the construction goes on. The client may also change their mind about a window for example or a certain tile and this will then all have cost implications and these amendments to the initial tender documents and bill of quantities are dealt with in the form of variation orders. These are documents drawn up by the quantity surveyor if there is a change or deviation from the initial bill of quantities.

c. Signing of contracts

When all the requirements have been met with regards to the construction of the building, the principle agent will prepare the contract documents for signature. This will comprise of the bill of quantities themselves and all the prices, the scope of work, all drawings required for completion of work and specifications. This ensures everyone knows their duties and after it has been signed normally the principle agent will take control of the document and he will produce it if required e.g. The contractors are late to finish the job etc. however this document may only be produced for the purpose of the agreement. Once both parties have signed the agreement there can be no variation except in writing and signed by the both of them.