Contract Administration in Bedford Park

Documented building context

Ealing’s 2007 Bedford Park appraisal distinguishes Marlborough Crescent’s detached and paired houses from its tighter three-storey terrace. Its Queen Anne’s Gardens account records mainly two-storey houses, some taller examples, differing brick treatments and broad dormers. It also describes large detached houses and wider plots on the eastern side. These observations concern particular streets in Ealing’s conservation setting.

Existing-building records for the tender

Keep changes to internal fittings separate from the roof structure and covering documents. If an earlier plan shows a different stair or dormer position, locate that change in the chronology. State where an outside view or adjoining-space access would require another arrangement.

Bedford Park tender and contract decisions

The Marlborough Crescent and Queen Anne's Gardens descriptions make building identification an early tender decision. Record whether the instruction concerns a detached house, a pair or a terrace position, then issue drawings that locate its own rear range and roof. Ask tenderers to price the stated access and protection for that arrangement. A neighbouring property's method or quantities cannot establish what is required here, even where the architectural language is similar. Check the address and current permission position before treating the appraisal's conservation setting as a complete project brief.

A broad dormer should have a separate work item identifying its cheeks, front, covering and junction with the main slope. The designer should distinguish retained joinery from proposed replacement and specify the interface that must remain weather-tight while work progresses. Define when inspection is needed before those junctions are closed. If the contractor discovers a different backing or support, retain the opening-up record, the revised detail and the authorised change together. Under a JCT appointment, the administrator follows the selected form's procedures rather than using a general refurbishment label to decide time or value.

For a larger detached plot, locate each later rear extension and any separate garden structure within the contract boundary. Set out delivery routes and occupied areas without assuming that a wide plot gives unrestricted access. For a converted house, confirm the work's relationship to other dwellings and shared elements through the client's advisers. Completion records should identify the dormer, repaired elevation or extension connection actually inspected, with outstanding items and required documents assigned to their relevant work packages. They should not imply that excluded accommodation or unseen neighbouring fabric was certified.

HCS cannot act as independent contract administrator where HCS is the contractor.

Contract scope

• Ealing: Bedford Park Conservation Area Character Appraisal, 2007 — PDF / printed page 26, Marlborough Crescent and Queen Anne’s Gardens. Footer records Ealing Borough Council 2007; no wider cross-borough scope inferred.

• Major works
• Tendering
• Clerk of Works
• Employer's Agent
• Insurance reinstatement

• Ealing area guide
• Chiswick
• Acton
• Ealing
• Hammersmith
• Shepherds Bush

Professional profiles · RICS regulation