I refer to Chris Blythe's column ('Must do better', CM, October). I regret having to disagree with our chief executive, but he displays a lack of knowledge of how the industry operates.

In competitive tendering, the cheapest price is the one chosen to tackle the job, provided the surveyor is happy. One also assumes the architect was convinced the list of tenderers contained builders with a decent track record. Surely a qualified person was appointed to ensure all materials were as specified and the quality of finished work was satisfactory? If not, the surveyor wouldn't be authorised to pay the contractor until he had put right any defective work.

The problem was with the professionals and the operatives, but hardly the local authority.

  • Chris Blythe replies: 'This response typifies the problems with the industry at times, always looking to shift the blame rather than take responsibility for an unsatisfactory situation.'

    • Source

    Construction Manager

    Postscript

    Allan Goudie