Updated programme 1st April 2014

I'll be honest: it was with some relief that I saw ASC were here this morning, as I set off in the pouring rain, and it wasn't even an April Fool - we do actually have another (bit of a) layer in place!

Scaffolding as at Tuesday evening 1 April 2014

Meanwhile, I got this message from David Burrup today :

Regarding the delays so far, James Breck Ltd have passed on the following to you;  

‘Apologies for the delay to date, certainly not the start we would hope for or expect.  Our scaffolding contractor has had some difficulties with resources over the past few weeks, these issues have now been addressed.  Moving forward the scaffolders are back on site today as planned and we expect the elevation scaffolding to be complete with handover certs for Friday of this week.’

So, as agreed a revised programme reflecting the delayed start has now been provided:
Revised Programme 1-1-14.

Also forwarded was the letter you should each get a copy of through your doors this week advising about access on Saturday.
Chimney Initial Visit

(Both documents will also be accessible via Relevant Documents and Links page).

I hope this helps you feel informed of progress, especially for those not currently resident.

Catriona 
for
BSORA 

Latest Scaffolding Update 31 March 2014

Dear all,

I promised to keep you up to date so here goes:

As mentioned before, our contractors James Breck Ltd have subcontracted the scaffolding build to specialists ASC Ltd Scaffolding.  Although the start date had been agreed in writing as being 17th March 2014, ASC apparently had some issues that caused an initial delay which was not immediately communicated to our Contracts Manager Peter McKeowan (who was on paternity leave at the time - congratulations on his new arrival).

A revised start date of Wednesday 26th March was agreed on his return, as communicated here, but again ASC had some issues that meant they arrived on Thursday 27th instead, when the basement and ground floor layers of the scaffold were erected.

Scaffold as at Friday 28 March 2014

ASC had been expected back on Friday mid morning, but staffing issues apparently prevented this, and it would appear to explain their absence today.

Peter called me this morning with all this information, to apologise for the delays, and to confirm that ASC will be back tomorrow, Tuesday 1 April 2014, to continue the build.

A revised project schedule will be provided soon, and I'll share it here.

Thanks.

Catriona






PS As a bonus, here's a wee mini scaffold my friends made for me when I told them we were underway - bless them, they know how big a deal this is!  The boat-cake in the middle represents me sailing away from it all...

...Scaffolding..a start

Ok, folks, we are under way!


The scaffolding finally started to get built on Thursday.  This bit of the job has been subcontracted by our own contractors, James Breck, to ASC.   It is anticipated that it will take about a week to actually build the whole thing.


Once the scaffold is in place, the original scope of works (based on Greig's 2011 survey) will be reviewed to identify the true state of some of the stonework.  (Greig was only able to assess by leaning out of windows, the scaffold will now allow an up close inspection).


And from there, work should be able to get underway. 


Having met our Contracts Manager Peter McKeowan, and our new DM Hall Contact, David Burrup on Friday, I've been assured that we will be provided with a revised project timescale, reflecting the later than planned start date.   We will also be given weekly updates of progress.  The most recent programme received can be seen on the Relevant Docs page, along with the Health & Safety plan.  This is worth having a look at just to familiarise yourself with what to expect.
Please note that as anticipated, James Breck Ltd will be requiring access to properties to check the flues and any gas appliances on the affected mutual walls.  This is likely to take place on Saturday 6 April 2014, between 0800 and 1200hrs.  They should be putting a letter through doors this week with contact details for that.
Should there be any other issues at all, our main point of contact is David Burrup at DM Hall.


One point to highlight is that to get at the cupola, there will be an internal scaffold.  This is likely to encroach on the passageways a bit, so if you are expecting a sofa or anything to be delivered in the next few weeks, please be aware as it could be a tad tricky.... and so it would also be helpful if any bikes currently stored on the stair could please be moved to ensure clear access.


While this scaffold is in place, please also be extra vigilant and alert to intruders, both for your own safety and security as well as for the building's as a whole.
We will continue to update as and when there is anything to report, and in the meantime, thanks to those attending today's meeting, minutes will follow in due course.


Catriona
for
BSORA

Scaffolding - New Start Date

To keep you up to date, I received an email today (Monday) from David Burrup at DM Hall advising that the new scaffolding start date would be Wednesday 26th March 2014.


I have still not had any direct communication from Brecks, but have asked David for more detail as to when they might need access to any properties.  As soon as I hear anything more I'll get it posted here.


Catriona
for
BSORA   

...Scaffolding Update...

Well, the sharp eyed amongst you will no doubt have noticed the significant absence so far of any scaffold.....the revised date for this to be constructed is now next week, Tuesday 25 or Wednesday 26 March 2014. 

I have been advised by DM Hall that we can expect a letter from James Breck apologising and explaining the delay.

We also have a new primary contact at DM Hall.  David Burrup will receive a handover from Greig when the inspection prior to work starting is carried out.

We'll continue to aim to keep you as up to date as possible, and in the meantime, any questions please contact bsora@hotmail.co.uk. 

Thanks,

Catriona
for
BSORA

Scaffolding Starts this Monday 17th March 2014

Hi everyone,


Just a quick reminder that our contractor, James Breck Ltd, will be here this coming Monday, 17th March 2014 to start constructing the scaffold for our building maintenance project.


If you haven't already done so, please do remember to let your insurance companies know.


Also, access is likely to be required to affected properties in this first week to make sure chimneys are blocked up etc, so to avoid any delay to the schedule please be prepared to make suitable arrangements for this.


If you have any questions, you can join us at our meeting at 5pm on Sunday 30th March 2014.  RSVP to bsora@hotmail.co.uk to let us know for numbers that you intend to come along please. 


Thanks,


Catriona
for
BSORA

Project Update, AGM Meeting Notes and Next Meeting 30th March 2014

 

Dear all,

 

Please find the meeting notes from the AGM held on 2 February 2014 here.

 

As indicated our next meeting will be at 5pm on Sunday 30 March 2014. Please RSVP to bsora@hotmail.co.uk.

 

In the meantime, Greig Adams of DM Hall has confirmed that this project is notifiable to the Health and Safety Executive, and he attached the following:

 

• Programme of Works 
• Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan

He also said:

"There are some duties for the co-proprietors under the CDM Regulations and these are listed below. Most of these are common sense items and have been dealt with already. The Health and Safety File is prepared once we are on-site and throughout the contract works. DM Hall are appointed to act as CDM Coordinator on the project, we will therefore send the F10 form to the HSE. Basically, we are at point 7 on the list now".

 

Client Duties under CDM Regulations

1.     Check competence and resources of all appointees

2.     Ensure there are suitable management arrangements for the project welfare facilities

3.     Allow sufficient time and resources for all stages

4.     Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors

5.     Appoint a CDM co-ordinator

6.     Appoint a principal contractor

7.     Make sure that construction work does not start unless a construction phase plan is in place and there are adequate welfare facilities on site

8.     Provide information relating to the health and safety file to the CDM co-ordinator

9.     Retain and provide access to the health and safety file

 

The key points  for us to note are really the dates the scaffolding will be up, i.e. 17 March 2014 until Mid July 2014. 

Also, if you have not already done so, please remember to contact your home insurance provider.

We'll aim to keep you posted as we go, and if you have any questions, please contact bsora@hotmail.co.uk  or Greig directly.

Kind regards,

Catriona

for

BSORA