Buildings B

4*3&MaintenanceWorks4.3.5 Appointment of ContractorsContractors are the parties to execute the works. A competent contractorregulates himself in employing skilled workers and qualified supervisorsfor continuous supervision assuring quality works. Project Consultant canusually offer regular and periodic supervision. The most they can do indealing with consistently non-performing contractors is to reveal the problemat an early stage and recommend termination of the works contract. Readersshould therefore always be cautious and give detailed consideration inselecting contractors for the works.(a)Statutory Requirements(i)Registered Contractors under Buildings OrdinanceIn carrying out maintenance works, the engagement of a Registered GeneralBuilding Contractor (RGBC) would be required under most circumstances,particularly when dealing with approved works, structural works and largescalemaintenance works. The Building Authority under the BuildingsOrdinance maintains registers on the Registered General Building Contractorsand other Registered Specialist Contractors for different categories ofspecialized works. Contractors have to meet established standards andassessed by the registration committee before they can be considered forinclusion in the relevant registers. Registered contractors who expressedinterest in carrying out works in relation to building safety are marked withan "*" on the list published on the BD web site: www.info.gov.hk/bd.(ii)Other Registered or Licensed ContractorsPlumbing, electrical and fire service installation works all require licensedor registered contractors under the Water Supplies Department, Fire ServicesDepartment and Electrical & Mechanical Services Department respectivelyto carry out.(b)Shortlisting of TenderersWorks contracts usually involve large sums of money and could easilybecome subjects of claims, disputes and even lawsuits. Selection of anexperienced and competent contractor under the supervision of anindependent building professional help facilitate a smooth progress tocomplete the contract successfully.SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS