Author: Kevin Barry BSc(Hons) MRICS

UK wide: The Environment Act 2021 introduced significant changes for the construction industry, and it will also mean additional considerations for lenders choosing to fund construction projects. From January 2024, the new ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) requirements will apply to projects requiring planning permission with limited exemptions for small sites, which are expected to require […]

Clients should stipulate their budgets to designers and make them legally responsible for exceeding such budget. A recent interesting legal judgement on Architects designing to a budget and the legal ramifications. Tap on top image for link to legal article. Elaborate designs drawn up & planning applications continue to be made, irrespective of whether clients […]

QUINTIN QS upgraded software for BIM compatability and adopting latest version of Causeway Suite of software which includes CADmeasure,  to enhance services to clients. If you require Price Lists or Bills of Quantities prepared, in CITE, Excel or other formats, please contact Kevin Barry (mail@kevinbarryqs.com) or WhatsApp on 07989535225 for quotation; Currently working for public/private […]

Update: Internet restored 3.50pm on 9th June 2023. Fundamental problem remains as cabling should be placed underground at same location due constraints on headroom above. Action on this matter requested through the appropriate responsible authorities. Apologies Clients. On the evening of 2nd June 2023, due to foreseen circumstances, agricultural equipment has snapped the BT Openreach/Fibrus […]

Update:24-05-2023 Little change since Nov 2017. When Architects/Contract Administrators issue Pricing Schedules as part of Drawings and Spec Tender issue, at the very least, tender assessment should be carried out on the basis of comparing each contractors Pricing Schedule. On a recent scheme, only one contractor submitted Pricing Schedule fully completed and recommendation was made […]

In conjunction with builder Brendan Turley from Downpatrick, Beat Carnival undertaking certain overdue alterations over the next 5 weeks, working carefully around the team as they prepare for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Belfast 2023.

Negotiated the refurbishment of a period property in Myrtlefield Park, Belfast and phase 1 to commence within next few weeks. As energy efficiency chart shows, a significant amount of work required to improve energy efficiency and within scope of works. A popular road, in the company of some well known builders, with their signs currently […]

As the above image shows, no matter what currency, $6 or £6 buys you less in an inflationary period. With building works, same principle applies. Your budget shall build you less m2/ft2 today, as compared to same period last year and due to continue during 23/24, albeit at a slowing rate of increase. If planning […]

The BCIS have announced thier predictions for the year ahead and noted below. The construction industry starts the year in a strong position. But 2023 will be a tough year for some sectors of the industry as demand falls. However, it has proved itself resilient to many challenges over the past few years. What we’re […]

Increased efficiencies and productivity are the words being quoted regularly now, to try and counter the inflationary environment in which we now must be accustomed to. In our area of QS service provision, we have to try and streamline our services and delivery processes. Namely, a first for online QS Services, and to offer fixed […]