One of our recent projects involved the delivery of a refurbishment of a government office. As part of our agreements on contracts we can’t actually disclose the location and the organisation. But we can share some of the photos of our recent works.
In this project we provided services you would normally get from an FM provider, however we function much more efficently and cheaper. Why? We undertake the task at hand, in this case a building required a refurbishment. The client wasn’t 100% in what they need so we allocated a couple of days for consulting and getting an idea of what they were looking for. We take into account if there is modifications to the building and ventilation required or if it’s a straight refurbishment, along with things like furniture changes and depending on the clients needs we can provide the furniture or leave the building ready to accommodate if they want to do it direct with their suppliers.
From here we agree a timeframe and begin agreeing colour choices for flooring, painting and the type of lighting arrangements. Once we have this outlined we begin engaging with contractors with a basic scope. This initially is to give some cost analysis and quotes on the original specifications, but also allows for the selection of a preferred contractor. At this point when a contractor is selected we begin engaging with all stakeholders with the contractor attending meetings. With a full transparency and engagement at all levels confusion is reduced and any changes not only recognised but documented and confirmed for all parties.
At this stage we start to begin when the works will take place and confirm material and contractor availability, along with client side confirming the works can be carried out and adjust for any disruption to the building. This also includes agreeing if the works will be in hours or out of hours. Due to working within the healthcare and education sectors we are well aware we get “promised” in hours to reduce costs and in reality it often doesn’t happen. As such we are very clear on if there is out of hours works required there will be a cost increase to accommodate any changes.
As we move towards delivery we start to focus on CDM and RAMS making sure all our paperwork is in order, prestart meetings at a site level are arranged and dates fixed. The localised engineering team are also requested to attend at this stage as any infrastructure changes on-site require their input along with confirmation of things like power supply and isolation points. At the end of a project they are also requested to be involved in the handover back to make sure they are happy with any new connections that have occurred and often we request they deal with final termination. This is part of a standard hand back for many PFI / PPP contracts due to the way contracts are written. The FM provider should be responsible for final terminations.
We now move onto kickoff of the projects and confirm all paperwork is streamlined and compliant for all parties. From an Asset Surveyor Co.UK perspective we now function as the CDM representative for the client along with their senior project role(s) and health and safety. Although there may be other representatives involved, we take the opportunity of taking the lead unless otherwise specified to make sure legally everything is compliant and everyone is working safely.
During the construction phase we document and have regular site updates with all stakeholders along with discussing any changes or problems with delivery. For example a delay in cubicles for the toilet areas due to a manufacturing issue. Adjusting the timelines along with looking at how we can claw back time to bring the project back into schedule.
Once complete we have a post meeting along with covering lessons learned, as every building and location can be unique. Along with the complexity of projects it’s important that if we find what went well and what became a challenge we can learn from it and over come it easier in the future. But also share this information with the client so that they are aware if undertaking similar works elsewhere.
O+M is provided and a handback takes place with all parties on-site and any snagging still outstanding agreed and specific sign off dates agreed to confirm completion. At this stage it may be the client engages with the FM provider or ourselves to make sure the handback goes smoothly and they are aware of any specialist equipment, asset information, updated drawings etc. are provided. As AssetSurveyor.Co.UK is keen to not only hand all information over and walk through it, but also make sure that everything is documented and confirmed at the end of a project.
We are happy to discuss projects and please feel free to get in touch.