Enabling works and site preparation

Quantity surveying and claims support for demolition, remediation, earthworks and site preparation.

Commercial challenges and how we approach them

Enabling packages establish the conditions for later construction. They may include clearance, temporary access, excavation, filling and preparation of working areas. A useful commercial baseline records the surveyed quantities, material assumptions and boundaries between the enabling contractor and following trades. Where the specified scope includes demolition or ground remediation, removal, treatment, disposal and validation-related construction allowances need to be identifiable in the account.

Survey volumes and the basis of measurement

The Challenge

A truckload, an excavated cubic metre and a compacted cubic metre are not interchangeable quantities.

Our approach

We agree the contractual measurement basis and reconcile the original, interim and final surveys. Stockpiles, imported material and reuse are tracked separately. Delivery tickets are useful evidence of movements, but they cannot simply replace a survey quantity where the contract pays on a different basis; bulking and compaction assumptions need to be addressed expressly.

Material classification and disposal routes

The Challenge

Unexpected contamination or unsuitable material can change treatment, haulage and disposal costs. A single excavation rate may not identify the assumed waste classification or destination.

Our approach

We compare specialist material classifications and disposal records with the tender assumptions. Excavation, loading, treatment and disposal charges are reconciled to avoid paying for the same handling twice.

Cut-and-fill balance changing during design

The Challenge

A small change in formation levels across a large site can overturn the cut-and-fill balance. The revised design may require imported material where the contractor expected reuse, or turn a useful stockpile into surplus spoil. Double handling and haulage can matter as much as the net quantity change.

Our approach

We compare successive terrain models and approved levels with the original earthworks balance. The valuation identifies changed quantities and substantiated additional handling, with credits for work no longer needed.

Formation handover to following contractors

The Challenge

An enabling contractor may leave a formation that is later disturbed, exposed to weather or changed by another package. Responsibility for reworking levels, access roads or bearing surfaces can become unclear.

Our approach

We establish a dated handover record of levels and condition. Later reworking can then be assessed against what was accepted, what changed and which package carried the obligation.

Demolition discoveries and retained assets

The Challenge

A buried foundation or live service can change a clearance operation immediately. The record needs to show both what was found and what the contractor was instructed to do about it.

Our approach

We record the discovered asset and the authorised response before reconciling quantities and resources. The commercial review separates additional scope from the clearance and investigation obligations already included.