Sameer Abbas, Senior Clerk of Works

Today, I’m in east London to inspect a site which is on the way to becoming a premium residential development. Once completed, two towers will enclose 301 elegant apartments in a location well-connected to central London and its surrounding counties. Our client has brought us on board to uphold their high standards of quality, alongside building legislation and safety, through our monthly independent inspections.

PPE in place, I’m greeted by the Site Manager, who gives me an update on progress since my last visit. It’s around six months until planned practical completion (September 2025), so the building’s structure is largely complete, with brick facades in place. Today’s focus, then, is on internal finishes, fire safety compliance, and mechanical and electrical (M&E) installations.

Equipped with Rund’s bespoke digital reporting system, I get into the lift to take us up to the roof of the building. Stretched out as far as the eye can see are city views, which will eventually be enclosed by a sky terrace. Here, I document key areas that require further attention, ensuring any observations are flagged early.

Descending through the floors of one tower, I inspect a sample of completed units and shared spaces, noting workmanship quality and compliance with technical specifications. Any defects or deviations are logged in an Observation Tracker, colour-coded by priority. Along with the Site Inspection Report, the Observation Tracker will be issued to the client and Main Contractor, who will address the Tracker items in time to re-inspect on our next visit. The Tracker will then be updated accordingly.

To ensure fire-safety throughout the development, I examine the fire-stopping installations, checking that cavity barriers and service penetrations are properly sealed. In the M&E spaces, I review ventilation, electrical fittings, and plumbing installations, confirming they align with regulatory and contractual standards. When necessary, I discuss observations with the Site Manager, providing immediate feedback and practical recommendations.

At the end of the inspection, I compile a summary of my findings with supporting photographs. The final report will be proofread by Rund’s administration team and sent to the client the same day, providing a clear record of the site’s current status and any required actions to be referenced at the next inspection.

Finally, all that’s left to do is arrange next month’s visit with the Site Manager, before making my way to the next inspection.

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