Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 155
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Stage 2 > Concept Design: Supplementary Material: 2/SM1
Supplementary Material
2/SM1: Design and build documentation
Employer’s Requirements
The amount of information to be included in the Employer’s Requirements can
vary enormously. A straightforward project requiring a relatively simple design
solution which can be left largely to the contractor may need little more than
basic details of site and accommodation. With a more complex problem, or a
design which needs sensitivity of detail, the Employer’s Requirements might
extend to a full scheme design.
The number and detail of documents which make up the Employer’s Requirements
will be influenced by considerations such as:
• how much design control the employer wishes to retain, for example in the
interests of maintenance programmes or because of functional
requirements
• whether the employer regards the process as more of a develop and
construct operation, where only constructional details are left in the hands
of the contractor
• whether contractor’s standard unit types will form the basis of the scheme
• whether the employer will require design continuity via novation or a
‘consultant switch’
• whether the employer has appointed a planning supervisor and whether a
pre-tender Health and Safety Plan exists.
Generally the Requirements will always need to include basic information, such
as the following:
• site information and requirements (e.g. boundaries, topography, known
subsoil conditions, existing services)
• site constraints (e.g. limitations of access, storage) and relevant easements
or restrictive covenants
• topographical surveys
• geotechnical reports
• planning permission obtained or conditions known (contractors will not
usually tender until outline planning permission has been obtained)
• reports on other statutory consultations
• existing Health and Safety Files, client’s health and safety policy documents
• functional nature of the building(s) (e.g. kind and number of units) and
accommodation requirements
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