Predictable pricing: how to compare masonry support packages

Quantity surveyors and buyers play a crucial role to ensure cost control and financial efficiency across projects.

In residential buildings with traditional brickwork façades, one significant aspect of their work involves comparing masonry support packages to stay within budget across the whole project. This can be a significant challenge because of frequent design changes and whether the scheme has been correctly estimated prior to a contract being awarded.

This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how you can use a structured approach to compare different masonry support packages using a comprehensive table of considerations.

Key Considerations for Evaluating Masonry Support Packages

When comparing masonry support packages, it's crucial to look beyond just the initial cost. Our extensive experience across multiple projects has revealed that design considerations often play a significant role in budget overruns.

There are several key areas that deserve attention due to their potential impact on costs. Firstly, special considerations are needed for corners and any unique returns required around balconies. While most providers allow for an additional two brackets in a corner to accommodate extra loads, this may not always suffice, particularly if the support strategy involves spacing every two floors. The feasibility largely depends on the availability of a suitable substrate for fixing. If there are no columns in the corners, the fixing solution becomes more complex, often necessitating additional secondary steelwork.

To aid in making well-informed decisions and ensuring the design is right from the outset, we have compiled the critical factors outlined in the table below.

Furthermore, it's imperative to consider the manufacturer's capacity to fulfill their proposal. Several critical factors should be taken into account when determining the appropriate supplier. Firstly, their design program is crucial. Typically, this is divided into several stages. The first stage involves the initial design of the masonry support and the anticipated duration. The second stage pertains to the time allocated for reviewing and addressing comments. Lastly, it's essential to ascertain the lead time for manufacturing and delivering the components to the site.

Equally important is understanding how the manufacturer releases information. Do they provide designs for the entire building or by level? This can significantly impact design timelines. We have highlighted key areas in the table below to assist you in evaluating a manufacturer's capacity to deliver.

Finally, it's crucial to assess the legal and commercial aspects of the relationship. The primary considerations revolve around the duration of the fixed price and what constitutes a variation versus what is included in the original bid. The table below outlines key areas that should be compared to ensure you're not only getting the best deal today but also throughout the project.