The other month I commented on how the public seems to rely on builders to problem solve, and how sometimes that trust in their knowledge is misplaced. Before I continue, please let me explain that I have high regard for most builders as they are used to dealing with problems and finding a solution. The problem is that their goodwill and endeavours are not always matched by their knowledge. The phrase “you don’t know what you don’t know” comes to mind here. The main problem is that builders and the general public don’t appreciate that despite the fact that the building process looks so crude, it’s still a technology. People seem to think that architects do pretty pictures, and builders convert these pictures into reality. Of course, there should be a process in the middle where the pretty pictures get converted into detail which the builder can price up and build from, without this, it becomes guesswork.
I happened upon a project this week where the builder (for good reason) had departed from the plans, had taken delivery of some beams 7 metres long and was about to use them without any intermediate support. What a mistake that would have been! He had assumed that if they came this long, they would span this far. On checking with the manufacturers, the beams needed intermediate support and would only span 4 metres maximum. The building inspector would probably have spotted this, but that can’t be guaranteed. The floor would have been very bouncy and any floor tiles would have cracked. There was nothing on the delivery information to give a clue. It’s very scary. We need to respect the technology of the building.
The UK used to be much respected for its building technology and standards at one time, but it would not be justified now I feel which is a shame. I would like to see this technology taught at a basic level, perhaps in design technology in schools or even as an apprenticeship, so that at least those indoctrinated would have a starting point from which to go on and learn more. They would know that there was more to the subject and that for instance, it can matter which way up a brick is laid.