Communique November 2017
If there can be said to have been a pattern in the claims coming through this year, it may well be that colours, finishes and selections have been a major issue.We have had walls painted the wrong colour, roof colours mixed up, flashings not matching windows, window finish specifications not reflecting client selection, gloss levels ambiguously described and wrongly installed, drawings describing one thing and specification another, shop drawing changes from design not picked up…..Most of these matters are simply “human error” or miscommunication. Change of personnel has been a factor, as have design changes not updated as things evolve, a failure to recheck prior correspondence, inadequate alignment with others involved in the project, split roles and responsibilities between client and designer or designer and other consultants. Pressure to meet timeframes or dollar targets is a short-term matter which may have far-reaching adverse results. Check Check Check!!!!Some very minor glitches carried substantial dollar value; several claims were settled with an understanding client, but on residential projects this would usually be less likely.