Now ye're talking - to a construction site manager

Boards.ie: Niamh · 05-07-2021 9:28am #1

Our next guest is a construction site manager.

I am a construction site manager of near ten years, I've worked on everything from residential housing estates to large scale commercial buildings, apartments, office blocks and fit out, ranging from €100k to €50m. Before I became site manager I was a carpentry sub contractor until the crash in 2008. I worked in factories to get by and pay the bills before forced emigration to Canada, we are back now living in Ireland.

AndrewJRenko · 05-07-2021 9:39am

Why do site managers totally fail to plan for parking, and end up with loads of vans and cars on footpaths, bike lanes, blocking driveways?

It shouldn't be a surprise to find that crews need parking.

https://twitter.com/RespectRialto/status/1402591744454279170?s=19

FlubberJones · 05-07-2021 9:41am

The large Cherrywood site, saw a group of about 10-15 guys all holding large blue flags and chatting away... I'm assuming these are banksmen of some sort... am I right?

sydthebeat · 05-07-2021 9:44am

what, in your opinion, is the single biggest reason why irish house building prices are so expensive?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 9:56am

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Why do site managers totally fail to plan for parking, and end up with loads of vans and cars on footpaths, bike lanes, blocking driveways?

It shouldn't be a surprise to find that crews need parking.

https://twitter.com/RespectRialto/status/1402591744454279170?s=19

Believe it or not we have plans in place for this, in site inductions and subcontractor kick off meetings the parking arrangements are spelled out, whether that be on site or in the surrounding areas. Mostly it goes in one ear and out the other tho.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 9:59am

FlubberJones wrote: »

The large Cherrywood site, saw a group of about 10-15 guys all holding large blue flags and chatting away... I'm assuming these are banksmen of some sort... am I right?

Have no idea, sorry!:(

Ash.J.Williams · 05-07-2021 10:03am

have you any thoughts on the rise of blatant cocaine use on sites during work hours and have you ever had to take action against it?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 10:21am

sydthebeat wrote: »

what, in your opinion, is the single biggest reason why irish house building prices are so expensive?

Hard to pin that down to one thing, but supply/demand and greed would be the top three IMO.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 10:30am

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

have you any thoughts on the rise of blatant cocaine use on sites during work hours and have you ever had to take action against it?

I came across this a lot in the boom when I was a subcontractor, it wasn't done blatantly but at the same time everyone knew the lads at it. I haven't come across it recently so I have never had to take action against it.

artanevilla · 05-07-2021 10:50am

What's the most common shortcut taken on building sites these days?

KyussB · 05-07-2021 11:03am

For each different construction role, what is the fastest you can get someone who is completely new to construction work, doing useful work on the site in each role? (both able to do useful work before being fully trained, as well as the time it would take before you consider them fully trained)

Just trying to get an informed idea, of how fast a ramp-up in construction training could go.

littlemissfraze · 05-07-2021 11:03am

Is there a common mistake that you see designers/architects making? Or if you could give one piece of advice to designers/architects to improve the buildability of projects what would it be?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:05am

artanevilla wrote: »

What's the most common shortcut taken on building sites these days?

I find it to be time which turns into quality, everyone is rushing to get onto the next job and get paid from the one the should be concentrating on. The amount of reworks that this leads can be fairly high depending on the subbie, usually at the subbies expense.

As a main contractor I would have to shoulder some of the blame for squeezing crews timelines depending on schedule

AndrewJRenko · 05-07-2021 11:08am

I'm a Site Manager, AMA wrote: »

Believe it or not we have plans in place for this, in site inductions and subcontractor kick off meetings the parking arrangements are spelled out, whether that be on site or in the surrounding areas. Mostly it goes in one ear and out the other tho.

Thanks for coming back - looks like a 'lip service' situation, where everyone knows that the arrangements will be ignored, and everyone ignores the fact that they're going to be ignored, regardless of the harm to the community.

I just passed the Marlet site on Upr Kilmacud Road an hour ago, with one truck on the cycle lane and one transit van on half the path, delivering some stuff, with traffic backing up in both directions trying to snake past the van.

Acres of space inside, and they're quite happy to push the inconvenience and delays onto the community, rather than managing it themselves.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:22am

KyussB wrote: »

For each different construction role, what is the fastest you can get someone who is completely new to construction work, doing useful work on the site in each role? (both able to do useful work before being fully trained, as well as the time it would take before you consider them fully trained)

Just trying to get an informed idea, of how fast a ramp-up in construction training could go.

Totally depends on the role and individual. If its a trade the four years is usually needed, but they are useful from the start if utilized the right way.

What kind of rolls do you mean? On the tool lads or office lads?

AgriLad · 05-07-2021 11:22am

Would you recommend your job to a young person interested in construction?

gormdubhgorm · 05-07-2021 11:26am

First thought was how many women are involved in the industry these days?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:28am

littlemissfraze wrote: »

Is there a common mistake that you see designers/architects making? Or if you could give one piece of advice to designers/architects to improve the buildability of projects what would it be?

Designers/Architects build drawings/Models from a finished product POV, rarely consider the actual build. I would ask them to consider the construction method while designing.

I was on one job recently where the HSA conducted a site inspection and followed up with the Architect why he had designed a building that the columns were further apart than minimum scaffold tie allowance.

KyussB · 05-07-2021 11:29am

I'm a Site Manager, AMA wrote: »

Totally depends on the role and individual. If its a trade the four years is usually needed, but they are useful from the start if utilized the right way.

What kind of rolls do you mean? On the tool lads or office lads?

Thanks - mainly the hands-on/tools roles, as I'd judge those to be the main ones in short supply now.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:30am

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Thanks for coming back - looks like a 'lip service' situation, where everyone knows that the arrangements will be ignored, and everyone ignores the fact that they're going to be ignored, regardless of the harm to the community.

I just passed the Marlet site on Upr Kilmacud Road an hour ago, with one truck on the cycle lane and one transit van on half the path, delivering some stuff, with traffic backing up in both directions trying to snake past the van.

Acres of space inside, and they're quite happy to push the inconvenience and delays onto the community, rather than managing it themselves.

I wouldn't disagree that is just @'lip service'. Regarding trucks/deliveries the traffic should be managed at all times, regarding parking of vans etc there isn't a lot we can do if they decide to park recklessly off site.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:33am

AgriLad wrote: »

Would you recommend your job to a young person interested in construction?

I enjoy it, and I would recommend it to young people as the pay can be good. But the stress and long hours can sometimes outway the paycheck.

I would advise anyone coming into to do a couple of summers on sites to make sure it is for them.

Blanchy90 · 05-07-2021 11:35am

What are your thoughts on the build quality of houses at the minute? Specifically timber farme vs brick

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:35am

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

First thought was how many women are involved in the industry these days?

Very little and mostly health and safety. One of the best plasterers I have ever seen was a woman and have met the odd chippy down the years, in my experience they are always top class tradepeople

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:41am

Blanchy90 wrote: »

What are your thoughts on the build quality of houses at the minute? Specifically timber farme vs brick

Timber frame is the future I think because it is basically a jigsaw when it comes to site and is erected within a day or two and ready for windows (water tight).

Blocklaying is slower so will always lose to TF IMO.

Having built both and lived in both I would choose a TF house if I was building my own house, if buying a semi detached house in TF I would pay attention to sound transfer reports etc.

iColdFusion · 05-07-2021 11:46am

What is the typical profit margin for a developer per house on an estate, say 50 houses being sold at 300k each?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 11:54am

KyussB wrote: »

Thanks - mainly the hands-on/tools roles, as I'd judge those to be the main ones in short supply now.

Ya on the tool lads are in such short supply at the moment, especially good ones. if its a trade as I said you can be useful from the off but going to be on crap money for a long time, but there is so little apprentices coming through that tradespeople will be in huge demand in time to come and money will follow as a result.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 12:00pm

iColdFusion wrote: »

What is the typical profit margin for a developer per house on an estate, say 50 houses being sold at 300k each?

I would rarely be in those meetings but from my experience the rule of thumb used to be 'fourth one free' every four houses sold the fourth was profit but that wouldn't be gospel I'd imagine.

the_pen_turner · 05-07-2021 1:14pm

what changes would you like to see brought in that would improve the tradesman to customer experience.
what would you like from both sides

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 1:27pm

the_pen_turner wrote: »

what changes would you like to see brought in that would improve the tradesman to customer experience.
what would you like from both sides

Honest and frank discussions at pricing stage from both sides. Laid out in black and white what the price includes and doesn't include, same for what the client expects to see upon completion. If they aren't talked about and the tradesman under delivers by a tiny amount and the client over expects by a tiny amount then there is a big gap between them which always leads to problems.

sydthebeat · 05-07-2021 1:33pm

what type / size construction sites do you think you learned the most ?
ie small domestic where all trades are intimately to be organised, or large commercial where more specialists are involved but management done off site?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 1:46pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

what type / size construction sites do you think you learned the most ?
ie small domestic where all trades are intimately to be organised, or large commercial where more specialists are involved but management done off site?

I learned a lot on large commercial fit out when I first got into site management but that was more in at the deep end than anything else. As regards running jobs and looking after crews I learned the most in large scale commercial construction. As regards construction techniques and the correct way to build was small scale housing when I was serving my time but techniques have changed tenfold since then.

James2020App · 05-07-2021 2:20pm

Probably a lot smaller of a job than you are used to, but currently at the very early stages of building a house on a greenfield site in the country, getting plans for it done this week.

Have you any advice or insider tips on building on a green field site, and would you recommend a chat with a quantity surveyor to get a true estimate of what it will cost?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 05-07-2021 2:39pm

James2020App wrote: »

Probably a lot smaller of a job than you are used to, but currently at the very early stages of building a house on a greenfield site in the country, getting plans for it done this week.

Have you any advice or insider tips on building on a green field site, and would you recommend a chat with a quantity surveyor to get a true estimate of what it will cost?

I would definitely recommend a proper chat with your QS. I would wait to build a house if it was me because labour and materials are still very expensive, but saying that they may never come down to a level that would be worth waiting for.

Drainage, make sure this is done correctly around the house and in the garden I have seen this done wrong a lot. Don't be afraid to be firm with your builder if your not getting what you want, he is your subbie at the end of the day and although temporarily you pay his wages.

Other than that enjoy the ride, it will be worth it when your moved in!:)

05-07-2021 4:53pm

Most of us are clueless about how to go about construction jobs or what the options are. For most of us when asking builders about this sort of thing most of it goes over our heads. Is there a resource (book/website/ect) where we could look to become more knowledgeable about various residential house construction issues before having the chat with a builder?

I know the question is coming across vague and rambling but that is the issue I'm looking to address.

the_pen_turner · 05-07-2021 5:51pm

whatnow! wrote: »

Most of us are clueless about how to go about construction jobs or what the options are. For most of us when asking builders about this sort of thing most of it goes over our heads. Is there a resource (book/website/ect) where we could look to become more knowledgeable about various residential house construction issues before having the chat with a builder?

I know the question is coming across vague and rambling but that is the issue I'm looking to address.

not sure are us normal folk allowed to answer

but the home bond book is great for that kind of things. especially for the older spec building methods. mine is a few years old so doesnt include newer stuff like air tightness and heat recovery much

05-07-2021 6:39pm

"Currently out of print"

https://www.homebond.ie/dev/home_buyers/publications/

05-07-2021 8:11pm

In your opinion, what have been the best and worst construction projects in Dublin within the last 50 years? And what sets them aside for you?

job seeker · 05-07-2021 8:25pm

What's your opinion on these 'flat pack' type houses (I can't remember the exact name of them, so apologies) normally sold and imported from the likes of Germany and ready to move in a few days. Do you think this is something that could take off here in Ireland or has it already? Would the climate here be a barrier?

Pinoy adventure · 05-07-2021 8:28pm

I'm a qualified plumber in Dublin looking for a start.any jobs going ??

Conchir · 05-07-2021 8:58pm

What is your view on the environmental regulations you have to follow on site? Specifically things like protection of water quality, preventing contamination of watercourses, awareness of invasive plant species? Are they widely adhered to or kind of ignored? Do construction workers generally want to follow them, or is it just something they need to do and a bit of a pain? Any difference between the managers/higher ups and the typical workers on the ground?

Thanks for giving your time!

celt262 · 05-07-2021 9:02pm

Have you ever been sent for a long stand?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:09am

whatnow! wrote: »

"Currently out of print"

https://www.homebond.ie/dev/home_buyers/publications/

try get your hands on one, wealth of info in them. turner is spot on

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:10am

danger here! wrote: »

In your opinion, what have been the best and worst construction projects in Dublin within the last 50 years? And what sets them aside for you?

I'm based in Munster and I don't really keep to close an eye on what has/is being built in Dublin. sorry!

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:15am

job seeker wrote: »

What's your opinion on these 'flat pack' type houses (I can't remember the exact name of them, so apologies) normally sold and imported from the likes of Germany and ready to move in a few days. Do you think this is something that could take off here in Ireland or has it already? Would the climate here be a barrier?

I have only seen one done about 15 years ago, they had the house stood and ready for final decoration in the same time I roofed the one next door. Didn't get a close look but the owner was very happy with the crew and house.

I know log cabins as houses/homes and the like have trouble getting through planning so I wonder would these be the same?

Definitely think it could take off like timber frame if the costs are affordable. Construction is gearing towards off site construction IMO.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:17am

Pinoy adventure wrote: »

I'm a qualified plumber in Dublin looking for a start.any jobs going ??

I'm Munster based, surely they are screaming out for plumbers up there like the rest of us?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:22am

Conchir wrote: »

What is your view on the environmental regulations you have to follow on site? Specifically things like protection of water quality, preventing contamination of watercourses, awareness of invasive plant species? Are they widely adhered to or kind of ignored? Do construction workers generally want to follow them, or is it just something they need to do and a bit of a pain? Any difference between the managers/higher ups and the typical workers on the ground?

Thanks for giving your time!

The environment impact report is done generally at planning stage so I wouldn't get involved until we got to site. The contracts and project managers look after it until then.

We do take it seriously because if we get a bad rep with the EPA they would never leave us alone. The motivation should be to protect our planet but unfortunately it's money driven, EPA could shut you down if you are non compliant and cost a fortune in delays etc.

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:23am

celt262 wrote: »

Have you ever been sent for a long stand?

I have indeed:o, never found it!

black & white · 06-07-2021 7:48am

Is there a security/protection racket issue around the country on sites ?

I'm a Site Manager, AMA · 06-07-2021 7:57am

black & white wrote: »

Is there a security/protection racket issue around the country on sites ?

Not too bad, we are fairly well secured but we have a few young lads come in over the weekends the odd time. Once the camera alarms sound they leave, and our security company shows up usually within 10 minutes. i think they come in to set off the alarm and wait outside until security gets here for the craic. Nothing ever stolen from this job yet anyway.

BigLoser · 06-07-2021 7:58am

Why do new housing developments get so delayed?

hottipper · 06-07-2021 8:22am

would something like this work in ireland to speed up the process or is it mainly 2nd / 3rd phases where the delays are
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ino8oz189fw

Now ye're talking - to a construction site manager

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