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The history of development of housing facilities reveals that
man has been molding his environment throughout the ages for more
comfortable living. It all started in caves in pre- historic times and later
developed to traditional dwellings such as huts and villages. A lot of
evolution has happened since the first simple structures were erected by
gradually adopting industrial methods and techniques. Modern dwelling has
thus been established.
I am going to go deeper and highlight the team that takes part
to put up a modern dwelling. This is the building team.
·
Client- He/she is the building owner, the employer and the project
financier. He can be an individual, private company, local authority or
government.
·
Architect- He/ she is engaged by client and translates the needs into
drawings and plans, gives advice and ensures that project is kept within cost
and complexity of design, approves workmanship and quality of material used
by contractor. Being the leader of design team, he may therefore consult
other professionals eg. Structural/ Electrical/Mechanical engineer, Quantity
surveyor depending on nature of project.
·
Quantity surveyor- Engaged in preparing bill of quantities (BQ), checking tenders
and preparing interim valuations. He gives preliminary advice, approximate
estimate and advises client on expected total expenditure.
·
Structural engineer- Employed by client as a consultant under the recommendation of
the architect... Offers advice to architect to enable selection of most
efficient, economic and stable structure to be used in a particular
situation. He is responsible for structural stability of the building.
·
Clerk of works- Normally employed on large contract as architect’s representative
on site. He checks drawings, BQ and other contract document. He inspects
workmanship but has no authority to instruct.
·
Site agent – Employed in large projects and represents engineer on site.
·
Contractor- Responsible with construction work and is engaged by client on
advice of architect. He employs supervisor/ foreman, masons, stone dressers,
carpenters, steel fixers, plumbers and laborers to do actual construction
work. He owns machinery to carry out work efficiently.
·
Sub- contractor- These are suppliers of materials or any contractor who is
given mandate to do specific work eg. electrical work, under recommendation
of client.
With changing technology,
each member of building team needs to adapt with time and embrace new
techniques which are efficient, effective and economical. Evolution of built
environment goes on.
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