Akua Alder - MRICS
Share
Akua Alder is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor certified by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) with a background in Civil Engineering. He is a graduate of the University of Guyana and holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Construction Law with a specialization in Arbitration and Adjudication from Robert Gordon University. These qualifications allowed him to gain membership with the Chartered
The Biggest Contract Pitfalls in Construction
📜 The Biggest Contract Pitfalls in Construction 📜
Contracts protect all parties, but many disputes arise from overlooked clauses and poor contract management. Identifying pitfalls early can prevent costly legal battles later.
🔴 Common Pitfalls:
• Unclear scope of work leading to change order disputes.
• Ambiguous payment terms, causing cash flow issues.
• One-sided risk allocation, favoring one party unfairly.
✅ How to Avoid Contract Issues:
• Always review key clauses with a QS or legal expert.
• Clarify dispute resolution methods upfront.
• Use standard contract forms (FIDIC, NEC, JCT, etc.) when possible.
Have you encountered contract disputes? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
The Hidden Cost of Overdesign
🔹 The Hidden Cost of Overdesign in Construction 🔹
Engineers often strive for safety, but when does safety become excessive? Overdesign—using more materials or reinforcements than necessary—can lead to higher project costs, material waste, and inefficiency. While conservative design is crucial, balancing safety and economy is key.
🔴 Common Overdesign Mistakes:
• Oversized foundations that exceed structural needs.
• Excessive reinforcement in slabs and beams.
• Using high-strength materials where standard ones suffice.
✅ How to Prevent It:
• Perform accurate load calculations using FEA tools.
• Follow value engineering principles to optimize design.
• Work closely with QS professionals to ensure cost-effective solutions.
Have you encountered overdesign in projects? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
