Communications

Quantity surveying and claims support for fibre, broadband, telecommunications and communications infrastructure construction.

Commercial challenges and how we approach them

Communications construction includes ducts, chambers, cabinets, masts, equipment bases and associated connections. Network rollouts can span many sites or route sections with differing access and reinstatement requirements. Civil works and installation need clear boundaries with equipment supply and network operations.

Blocked ducts and unusable existing infrastructure

The Challenge

A blocked duct can turn a cable pull into a civils job. Installed fibre length will not explain that extra work.

Our approach

We connect the route survey and blockage record to the approved remedy, whether that is clearing the duct, building a chamber or changing the route. The valuation then separates normal installation from remedial infrastructure, using the order's actual rate inclusions rather than a general allowance for difficult streets.

Wayleaves and fragmented property access

The Challenge

Building entry and internal fibre distribution may depend on landlord permission and access appointments. A rollout can become a series of short visits rather than the continuous installation assumed in the rates.

Our approach

We check the access obligation and included visits against address-level records. A failed landlord appointment is not the same as a contractor arriving before its own work is ready.

Network built but not ready for acceptance

The Challenge

What counts as a completed connection: installed duct, pulled fibre or a tested and documented service? If delivery teams use different answers, progress payments become difficult to reconcile.

Our approach

We align the valuation stages with the specified acceptance evidence. Completed civils, installed fibre and tested connections remain separately visible, reducing ambiguity about progress and outstanding obligations.

Different street conditions within one rollout rate

The Challenge

Surface types, chamber depths and traffic restrictions can vary sharply across a telecommunications rollout. Applying one rate without clear inclusions can hide legitimate extras or duplicate standard reinstatement costs.

Our approach

We compare the measured street conditions with the rate definitions and agreed exceptions. This identifies legitimate additional depth or reinstatement without paying again for standard work.

Masts, rooftop steelwork and power upgrades

The Challenge

A mobile-network upgrade can require new foundations, strengthened rooftop steelwork, lifting access and an upgraded electrical supply. An equipment swap can therefore involve substantially more construction than the original site allowance suggests.

Our approach

We cost the actual site upgrade from the surveys and approved design. New bases, rooftop strengthening, lifting access and power work are kept visible beside the communications equipment. This helps explain why two apparently similar equipment swaps can have very different construction costs and provides a basis for checking the extras at each site.