By Matt Brennan • What the RFI? Episode 14
There is usually one more email, one more drawing and one more question waiting in CA. In Episode 14, Matt Brennan steps away from the technical topics to talk about taking a real Christmas break after a demanding year.
Lessons from Episode 14
Recognize the end-of-year workload
Tender deadlines, site questions and holiday commitments can arrive together. Matt reflects on the difference between a genuine break and a few isolated days off while work continues in the background.
This episode is a personal reflection on work and time away. Its practical message is to make space for the people and activities that are easy to postpone during a busy project.
Make the project handover clear
Before planned leave, give the team a concise list of open matters. Identify the decisions needed, important dates and the colleague covering each item. Make current drawings, logs and contact information accessible to the people providing cover.
Agree the project’s communication arrangements with your firm and the team. Clear cover helps avoid a situation where every routine question follows the person who is away. Record anything that must be picked up when you return.
Give the time away a purpose of its own
Matt encourages listeners to spend time with family and friends, enjoy simple activities and avoid treating the break as another productivity target. The point is to create time outside the work cycle.
When you return, review the handover record before diving into every message. Confirm what was resolved, what changed and what needs your attention. A reliable CA process should support continuity even when an individual is away.
Your next step
Update the outstanding-item list.
Confirm cover and any agreed urgent contact arrangements.
Share current records with the people covering the work.
Set aside time to review the handover on return.
Watch or listen to the full episode
Watch Episode 14 on YouTube or listen to We need a Break! and read the transcript.
Related Construction Administration guides
Construction Administration guide • construction meetings guide • construction RFI guide