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If your paperwork is inaccurately filled in, then it can be near-impossible to trace an issue down the line. Invoices need to spell out a clear record of what was spent and how and receipts and certificates should be kept as accurate proof that the right materials were used by the right people.
Businesses can now invest in things such as printable deposit slips, which make it tougher to alter or duplicate paperwork and ensure that printed records are in line with those kept in accounting software.
Construction projects involve a lot of money changing hands and where there’s lots of money there’s lots of risk. The best way to combat the risk of theft or error is scrutiny. If you can keep track of your accounts and maintain a log of all expenses then you’ll quickly spot whether something is amiss. This isn’t about accusing people or creating an atmosphere of mistrust – it’s about establishing sound, robust foundations to work from.
Working with people you trust – and with a process that allows you to accurately monitor your money – should reduce this risk. It also allows you to keep on top of the costs of your project more generally.
Construction projects require planning permission and this requires careful consideration. From outline approval to full permission, documents need to carefully spell out what is being built, where and how and this detail must be followed to the letter.
Constructing a building that does not meet regulations is classed as an unauthorised building and could be extremely dangerous. Any contractor who knowingly deviates from the plans to make or save money is committing a serious offence.
The key to tackling this is thorough project management – with key personnel responsible for checking work is being conducted as stated and that no-one attempts to ‘cut corners’ for financial or other reasons.
You should be diligent when hiring workers for any construction project. You need to make sure that they have the right qualifications and any worker who falsely purports to hold credentials that they don’t have to obtain work could well be committing a fraud.
A thorough vetting system, in which references are sought and checked, can guard against being caught out by this. It’s also important that you seek, maintain and update your businesses credentials so that you accurately portray your skills in the eye of potential clients.
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The key to many of these things is two-fold: the right people and the right process. The right people – in terms of project management to scrutinise a construction project and contractors with appropriate skills – and the right process in terms of a system to help those people to log, monitor and maintain an accurate record of the work carried out. Get that right and the risk of fraud will be vastly reduced.
Leading UK acoustic systems manufacturer Hush Acoustics has introduced two additional variants of its Hushlay Soundmatting product.
Posted in Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Facility Management & Building Services, Floors, Innovations & New Products, Insulation, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & RenovationThe programme at Digital Construction Week is carefully designed to help you keep up with the fast pace of innovation in the built environment.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Exhibitions and Conferences, Innovations & New Products, news, Posts, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Seminars, Sustainability & Energy EfficiencyThe UK-wide Steel Window Association members are the established, proven experts in the renovation and sympathetic refurbishment of steel windows and doors in both domestic and commercial premises.
Posted in Architectural Ironmongery, Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Doors, Glass, Glazing, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Steel and Structural Frames, WindowsThe Rooflight Association has published a series of ‘Quickguides’, covering the fire rating requirements for use of rooflights in buildings for each of the four devolved UK nations.
Posted in Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Building Services, Ceilings, Health & Safety, Innovations & New Products, Lighting, Publications, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Roofs, Security and Fire Protection, Walls, Windows