Main contractor trying to impose contra charges for skip overfilling - is this normal?

qs_nigel

SubbHubb member

1y ago

That's a grey area but 'keep your work area clean' doesn't automatically mean you're responsible for their skip management system. Push back in writing. Tier 1s try this on all the time knowing most subbies just accept it. Don't accept it.

commercialcarla_subby

SubbHubb member

1y ago

Also check what your preliminaries section says, if your contract includes a prelims schedule there's often a catch-all about site cleanliness and waste that they'll try to use. Wouldn't be the first time a Tier 1 has used vague prelims language to manufacture deductions.

qs_nigel

SubbHubb member

1y ago

Check your subcontract very carefully. If there's nothing in the scope of works about waste management or skip use, they'd struggle to enforce it. Contra charges need a contractual basis. Reply in writing asking them to cite the specific clause that makes you responsible.

fitout_frank_london

Carpenter

1y ago

Prelims section says we're responsible for keeping our work area clean but nothing specifically about skip fill levels or waste streams. Seems like a stretch.