Construction Paperwork

Alongside the plans and diagrams that we use to carry out construction work, other associated paperwork is created to aid in the efficiency of the workflow. Successful construction operations are meticulously planned in advance, as all successful operations should be. These documents help to outline the criteria and desired outcome of the works, as well as other information that is relevant to the construction process. Here we shall look at the most important types of complementary paperwork involved in construction. There are many other documents involved in the paperwork trail during construction operations, though these are the most important to understand.  

Programme of works

The programme of works is a construction planning document that primarily outlines the schedule of the works to be carried out. This document can also be known as the schedule of works, or the construction schedule, though confusingly a schedule can also refer to a component document that we’ll look at later. The purpose of the programme of works is to display the allotted time of the project against the individual tasks and stages of the works. The programme of works is typically presented in the form of a Gantt chart, with the individual tasks being sequentially plotted against the allotted time. The works column can be read to determine the next stage in the construction sequence, with the rows representing the days or weeks in a linear fashion. The chart is drawn with the estimated time requirements displayed. The chart can be used to plot the actual progress of the works to determine whether the project is on schedule and the allotted time is being met.  

With each stage of the build, different trades and materials are required. The programme of works can display information such as lead times for trades and materials, as well as materials required for the tasks to be carried out. For larger projects, the financial aspects of the works can be plotted on the chart to aid in budgeting.  

Components schedules

The components schedule, typically just called a schedule, is a document that displays information about specific components within the scope of the works. Schedules are typically created by the architect in reference to the plans that have been drawn to provide additional information about the desired outcome. A common example of this type of document would be a window or door schedule. The window schedule displays information about all of the different sized windows within the build, in relation to the window openings displayed on the plans. The window schedule can denote the opening sizes required for the intended windows, which is useful information to the operatives forming the openings. The window schedule will also display the intended finish of the window, as well as glazing and opening direction requirements. This information can be sent to a window manufacturer/fitting company to obtain an early preliminary price and lead time estimate of the windows for the project. Without a window schedule, the lead time for the windows would be increased. Another example of a schedule is the door schedule, which displays information about the doors within the building. This schedule will highlight all of the door sizes, as well as information about the intended direction of swing, as well as ironmongery and fire requirements. On a small scale this document could seem trivial, though on a larger scale the importance can be recognised. A plot that is being developed into many houses may require hundreds of doors, and so the door schedule is useful for ordering correct quantities of materials, as well as informing the operatives about the location of installation.  

Deliveries that are made to the site can be checked against the schedule to determine if the correct materials and amounts have been delivered. Schedules can be produced for any component, with other common examples being lintel, drainage, and kitchen schedules.  

Specifications

The specification is a document that highlights the material requirements and installation regulations for all of the components of the project. The architect formulates the specifications in relation to the plans that are drafted, and specifies the intended types, dimensions, and requirements of materials intended for use. Each component within the project will feature a section in the specification, to provide specific relevant information. Common components referred to will include insulation types, timber dimensions, doors, drainage, and plasterboard. The type of insulation required will be stated, alongside the thickness and installation requirements. This can include fire regulations stated in the specification. The dimensions and C rating of any timber joists, studs, and rafters will be denoted in the specification in accordance with the structural calculations. The type of doors in relation to fire regulations will be stated here, with required fire procedures stated such as the installation of intumescent strips. Drainage requirements for new and existing waste and rainwater disposal will be highlighted with required materials and drainage fall to be stated. The type, thickness, and finish of plasterboard will be stated on the specification. These are just a few common examples, with all other components having a section in the specification.  

Method statements

The method statement is a document that outlines how to carry out a task safely. Before a task is carried out, a risk assessment should be performed, with a companion method statement drafted in relation to the risks identified. The method statement takes note of the risks associated with a task as highlighted in the risk assessment and denotes the procedures that should be taken to reduce the risks. Safety procedures, PPE to be worn, correct waste disposal, fire assembly points, injury procedures, and first aid operatives are all listed within the method statement. Additional information may include working hour clauses, parking locations, material and tool storage locations, and other information pertinent to larger sites/ larger scale operations.  

Manufacturers information

All products and manufactured components used on site will have accessible manufacturer information, either packaged with the product or readily available to view on the internet. The information put forward by the manufacturer clearly states the intended use of the product, as well as the correct installation process and safety procedures to be undertaken. This information is important to consider in order to stay safe as well as ensuring the product is used correctly. This is particularly important during the installation of critical components such as roof lights or prefabricated stairs.