The Finishes and Interiors Sector is arguing for ‘The Responsible No’. Here’s why we support their campaign.
“I’ll Just Fix It”
I’ll just, I’ll just fix it.
When did you last find yourself thinking that?
Maybe you are a contractor, installer or fitter.
Maybe you’re on site and the dimensions don’t stack up and you think, I’ll just fix it.
What is wrong with I’ll Just Fix It?
The idea of fixing a problem on site with what looks like a simple fix, misunderstands the complexity of design and construction. It assumes that the fixer knows the full reasons why a situation exists.
For example, if the insulation product in the specification is not delivered, the substituted product might look like the one that was specified, but it might not be suitable for use in these circumstances.
If there is something missing in the buildup, it might look like it isn’t important, but why would it be in the specification if it wasn’t? Over the years we often come across projects where the AVCL (Air and Vapour Control Layer) has been missed out because someone thought it wasn’t important, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and replacement costs.
If the dimensions are incorrect on site, something must have caused that, and it needs investigating. If there needs to be a change to the design, this needs to be notified and put right by the designer of the project.
These challenges has been brought into light even more by the Building Safety Act 2022 which requires a change control process, and the Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2015 which specifically outline the responsibilities of designers. If you change the design on site, you become a designer, with all the responsibilities that entails.
What is The Responsible No?
The concept of The Responsible No was coined by FIS, the Finishes and Interiors Sector, which represents manufacturers and specialist contractors in the fit-out sector. Fit out contractors, like roofing contractors, often come across problems with product substitution and dimensional inaccuracies on site. Because most of their work is covered up and carried out during the critical path of a project, the pressure can be high to ‘just fix it’ there and then.
Iain McIllwee, CEO of FIS points out that,
“As a sector we pride ourselves on our ability to get the job done, to adapt the design and make it work, but duties in the Building Regulations are now clearer and more onerous. The regulatory environment has changed, a heart full of hope and a tube of mastic isn’t enough.”
Neville Grunwald, Head of Facades at AccuRoof Supply Chain Partner Wates Group, hates the words “I’ll just fix it”.
“I have been on so many roofs where for all the right reasons, someone has done the wrong thing. It’s usually because the architect or installer didn’t tell AccuRoof about an issue so they couldn’t address it. The installer goes on site and thinks, “well, I’ll just fix it”. It’s these problems on site that lead to failures in the building envelope that can later cause health issues for the occupants.”
An Example
A key part of competency is knowing where your competency stops. Accuroof designs and assists as a consultant to designers for flat and pitched roofing. We know our manufacturers products, but we wouldn’t assume to know them as well as the manufacturers.
A few years ago, we were working with an architect to design the envelope of a multi-faceted concert hall. The architect wanted to use a single ply membrane on the exterior, right down to the ground level, in a city centre environment. We were not confident that the product was suitable for that, so we confirmed this with the manufacturer of the membrane.
Even though we risked losing the project, we told the architect that no, the product was not suitable for the application, but the architect wanted to test it, so with another supplier they carried out some tests.
The tests failed, and the architect came back to us for a different solution, one appropriate to the design context but that would also perform reliably.
In the end it was in our interests to say ‘no’ but even if we lost the project, it wouldn’t have been in our clients’ interests to have to deal with the wrong decision months or years down the line.
It is part of the AccuRoof business ethos to collaborate with the project team to find the best solution to whatever challenge comes along. If we think that what our client wants to do is not right, we will advise as such, and if necessary, not supply. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the project.
How to use The Responsible No
When you are reaching the limit of your competency, use the responsible no. Tell your line manager what you have discovered and discuss it. Talk to us about it, so we can advise on the right steps to take.
Ian McIllwee advises his installer members:
“The “Responsible No” is a big ask, but sometimes we do need to say No. It shouldn’t be a flat No, but No, my insurance wouldn’t cover that, No we are not competent to Design that, or simply No that is more risk that we can reasonably be expected to take on.”
If you are a contractor, installer or fitter, don’t inadvertently become a designer.
If something doesn’t stack up, just say, “No, I need to talk to AccuRoof”.
Turn “I’ll just fix” into “I’ll just ask”.
