Every project follows a process – and the process that we follow for our projects is incredibly important to us. It’s generally pretty easy to get excited about 3D renders and material samples at the start of a project, but the process is what determines whether you enjoy the journey and the end result.
Even a small project such as a brick front fence, or a seemingly simple project such as a high security fence or kitchen renovation, warrants a considered process. The client, design team and builder still need to make all of the necessary considerations and investigations prior to signing a contract and starting work to ensure the project progresses without issue.
We’re happy to share the details of our process because we know how much of a difference it makes to our clients’ journeys and to our journey.
hello.
Systems, electronic communication and social media are all wonderful tools that contribute significantly to the construction industry, but they’re not a substitute for being able to communicate face to face. We value the opportunity to understand who our clients are, what they value and what their requirements are. We also want to give our clients the opportunity to understand who we are and how we work. Neither party should be entering into a legally binding construction contract feeling like they are taking a risk by committing to the other party. Bother parties should share the same motivations for wanting to work together. It is important to us that we share the same views as our clients on the ways in which we will communicate, plan and progress through the various stages of the project.
concept.
A project exists for a reason. The concept stage is our opportunity as project managers and as builders to understand what that reason is and what the client’s requirements are. Whether it be a brick front fence, a high security fence, a renovation, extension or a new home, our client’s requirements should form the baseline against which all design decisions and advice are judged.
Is the purpose of the high security fence to keep something in or to keep something out? Is the purpose of the extension to accommodate a growing family, or to improve the market value of the property for sale in a few years?
Suggestions to reduce the budget, address planning requirements, accommodate site issues and the like, should all be made relative to our client’s requirements and project purpose.
As builders participating in the concept stage, we provide our clients with information relating to budgetary costs, the project scope, general specification, health and safety requirements, assumptions and further investigative work required. This information – while often indicative in nature – provides a high-level summary of the project to help clients determine whether to proceed with the design concept, to reconsider their requirements and to amend the design.
develop.
As builders who work on the projects that we manage, we understand the value of this stage. As project managers, our efforts in managing the on-site investigations and reviewing the documentation produced, allows us to support the design team in their efforts to support us as builders. Irrespective of who a client select as their builder, we encourage all clients and their design team to invest in this stage; reducing the likelihood of variations and design changes as the construction work progresses.
As builders participating in the develop stage, we provide our clients with a preliminary fixed price quote that further details the scope, specification, costs, milestones, preferred contract, insurances and project milestones.
approve.
Despite the possibility of objections or compromise, applying for permits shouldn’t be a stressful or complicated task. It is important to make sure that the documentation and advice provided by the project team during the concept and develop stages, is prepared with as many known permit requirements in mind.
We have considerable experience in managing permit applications relating to council and authorities including sewer, water, power, gas, communications and rail in our capacity as project managers. In most cases, early discussion with council and authorities can contribute significantly to a favourable outcome.
As builders, this is an opportunity for us to have detailed discussions with council and authorities about the permits needed during the construction stage, with estimated costs for these permits being included in our final quotation.
tender.
We receive regular requests to tender for projects that have skipped or rushed some of the prior stages. Within minutes of reviewing the design documents, it becomes apparent that the potential exists for significant variations to arise throughout all stages of construction.
Our process gives us a genuine opportunity to provide a tender response that reflects exactly what is required to complete the project.
We value communication with our clients. We make ourselves available to discuss any aspect of the project and to attend any follow-up meetings required before we move forward.
As builders participating in the tender stage, we provide our clients with a detailed, fixed price quote that further details the scope, specification, costs, milestones, preferred contract, insurances and project milestones.
contract.
The commitment and trust that comes with signing a construction contract is significant for all parties involved. It is important that all aspects of the contract are discussed and that both parties provide each other with all of the relevant documents for review prior to signing the contract.
As builders, we recheck – and encourage our clients to recheck – the drawings, specification, certificates, reports, advice, permits, insurances and titles appended to the contract before we sign to make sure nothing is missed and our legal obligations are met.
construct.
Our greatest joy and challenge – bringing the design documentation to life. The true test of our process begins as we rely on the documentation that has been prepared.
Each of our construction projects is supported by a detailed project programme. This programme is an ordered schedule of tasks, durations and dates that allows us to work efficiently, coordinate trades and to provide our clients with updates as work progresses.
The pride and enjoyment we have for our work reaffirms our commitment to consistently review and develop our template documentation; ensuring that our project programmes are built on both a foundation of our past experiences and adaptive, efficient construction methods.
thank you.
The enjoyment we get from our projects comes from the time spent working with the entire project team. The friendships that we form with our clients, consultants, suppliers and core contractors during meetings and over coffees and lunch breaks are genuine and deserve to be acknowledged. When our projects are completed and all the tools are moved off site, these are the memories that we take with us.
review
Project management and construction is a love and a passion. We want to challenge ourselves each and every day to make a genuinely positive contribution to our client’s businesses and lives.
Our process ensures that happens.
