Services

Quantity Surveying

The fundamental skill set providing for the cost management of construction projects, whether new build, refurbishment, extension or fit out. We seek to engage in dialogue from the earliest project stages with our clients and their teams in creating the right environment for their particular requirements. From the initial concept through design progression and procurement to project delivery, the control of costs is managed in a structured format providing accountability and the tracking of any changes against the agreed brief.

Early stage cost advice

The cornerstone of effective cost management is to enable a complete expression of clients requirements allowing the scope of works to be fully identified and costed within the project cost plan.
We promote the value of reliable initial cost advice and frequently are requested to produce comprehensive cost planning in advance of detailed design stages. Robust early stage costings enable strategic real estate options to be explored and reduce the risk in business case production. Given the importance of obtaining accurate and timely cost advice it is something of an endemic failing of the industry that a lack of realism all too often pervades initial budgets.

Where appropriate we work with the team to ensure that the delicate balance between what the Client wants and their budget limitations are sensitively dealt with. We promote working with the entire supply chain so that we collectively understand the project scope, risks, costs and also opportunities to improve viability or add value to the end product.

Early appointment during the inception stages of a project is strongly advocated to shape the overall process while delivering the maximum opportunity to manage costs and reduce project risks. The selection of the procurement route and choice of contract are key early decisions which determine time, cost, quality and the allocation of risk. The ongoing refinement of our cost plans together with our interface with the design team and the client ensure that the overall project model is soundly based.

Dispute avoidance

We believe that dispute avoidance commences with clarity of requirements and appropriate project documentation for tender and the subsequent contract. Strategies for dealing with risk and uncertainty can be developed and addressed overtly through the Client body, design team and tendering parties.

However we do recognise that parties may wish to pursue their rights under contracts in a more contentious fashion and in the event of disagreement we are able to engage specialists in construction disputes and thereby where necessary advise in adjudication or arbitration.

Post contract control

During the project construction phase we continue to act for the client in monitoring the commercial elements of the contract, valuing the ongoing works on site and cost of variations. Where appropriate we keep close to the site activity and can alert the design team and the client if issues or disputes arise on site.
It is our preference to prepare the final account on an on-going basis. We endeavour to agree elements of work as they are completed and oblige the contractor to work with us in finalising the account promptly after completion of the works.

Project Management

Effective project management enables the seamless and orderly achievement of project objectives. Strategic project management ensures the project environment, structure, reporting and decision processes align with the technical aspects of the project life cycle.

A framework is created for the project to develop and evolve within, providing controls, milestones and gateways affording rigour without suppressing the ability of the team to deliver fresh and innovative ideas.

Employer's Agent

The employer's agent provides a single point of responsibility on behalf of the Client for the management and implementation of contractual processes throughout the planning, procurement, construction and post-completion periods.

The appointment of an employer's agent provides unity and clarity to projects by separating the roles of administration and design. This then allows designers to be released into a purely dedicated design role which in turn facilitates the co-ordinated release of information, instructions and advice at various points, and enables clearer decision making.

A major aspect of the employer's agent role is the management of all contractual administration requirements. The clear and empowered administration function provides numerous benefits to the delivery of the project, including: independent procedural management; consistent control of key issues; efficient release and flow of information; timely response to construction requirements; and the mitigation of delays to project information.

The full scope of our employer's agent service includes:-

Dedicated resource (off-site/on-site)

Client representation and chairing of designated meetings

Advice on contingency, programme and avoiding disputes

Management of quality, cost and time

Regular management reporting

Identifying key project issues to client

Fund Monitoring

The provision of an experienced independent analysis, review and reporting of an entire project from site specific factors and design team appointments to contractor selection, construction contracts and their attendant costs and risks. Site, contract documentation and project reviews lead to reporting for providers of development finance or where projects under construction have failed and are the subject of emergency measures to explore remedial options. Monitoring surveyor on numerous projects ranging from education, commercial, residential and City centre hotels to warehousing and barn conversions with aggregate construction values of £70m.

Our project audit and monitoring capability draws on a diverse range of skills to independently and thoroughly appraise the status of schemes as well as offer pragmatic advice on recovery strategies for projects in distress.

We undertake an initial structured assessment of the project and identify the options for initial stabilisation actions that may be required. Following this a full project audit is undertaken covering technical, contractual, legal and financial dimensions. When undertaking due diligence exercises this appraisal is documented in a format which informs the client and potential funders.

Development Advisors

Real Estate Development Advisors

Real Estate advisory roles seek to co-ordinate the activities of potentially multiple stakeholders and manage various economic and regulatory constraints to maximise the ultimate value of a development. Working in concert with other specialists such as planning consultants, agents, architects or master planners we help our clients identify the most commercially advantageous product for the market and then work with them to establish the scheme viability model at an early stage.

Our development management team possess a range of expertise in development strategy, masterplanning and delivery processes to reduce risk through the lifespan of the project and enhance commercial returns.

The scope of service is highly bespoke to the specific requirements of each Client and project scenario but can include;-

Site identification, selection, analysis and acquisition advice

Support development appraisals and sensitivity analysis

Assist creation of business viability model

Establish objectives, capture of brief and business plan

Manage land assembly and legal acquisition activities

Select and manage team including surveys and planning consultants

Masterplanning and planning strategies and applications

Manage design, procurement and construction

Support funding applications

Facilitate development funding options