Restoring a period or listed property? This cautionary tale shows why it pays to invest in project management.
THE PROJECT
Renovation projects are notoriously difficult to organise and so the budget can quite easily spiral out of control. It is always sensible to involve experts from the initial project planning stages. The combination of an experienced architect, a suitably skilled builder and a knowledgeable project manager is a good starting point. Always also make sure you involve your local planning department too – and ensure that you have the relevant planning permission, and are clear about the guidelines regarding the correct materials etc.
This period property restoration of a mid-18th century, classically proportioned 5 bedroom grade 2 listed house illustrates how important project management is to restoration work. The project was already on-site, and the client was running into serious difficulties when CLPM were called in to help.
THE CHALLENGE
The client was very concerned. What had started, he thought, as a mainly cosmetic renovation, had become much more complicated. The building project costs were spiralling out of control. Much more work was required on the property than had been expected by the client, and he was nervous about his abilities to make the best decisions and control the project himself.
CLPM were appointed to rescue the project. This involved assessing what needed to be done, creating a plan and programme for the build team to follow, providing advice as required and getting the construction project back on track financially.
THE SOLUTION
Working together with the client and the builder, we visited the site and assessed the work completed on the house, and matched this with the money paid and owed by our client. We then drew up a schedule of works for what was outstanding and cost engineered the specifications to ensure where possible we could reduce the costs in each area while ensuring the quality of the period property restoration remained high.
We gave also helped our client by producing financial statements for their bank, showing current and anticipated construction costs. This was especially important when unexpected variations became necessary to replace the worn-out Victorian drainage. This service enabled the client to draw down the necessary funds most efficiently from the bank and keep the project financially liquid.
CLPM then project managed the build from the second fix stage. We worked for our client as the Contract Administrator, over-seeing the builder as he finished the re-wiring, re-plumbing and fitting of the new bathrooms and kitchens as well as installation of new wooden flooring and carpets and refurbishing and re-decorating the property throughout.
THE RESULT
By getting our team involved as soon as the project began to falter, our client managed to rescue his project before his financial situation became too serious. Once we had started to monitor and control the project the builder became more efficient and the build was soon completed to our clients satisfaction.
CLPM Services used by our client:-
Design Review, Cost Estimating and Budgeting, Cost Engineering, Bank Monitoring Services, Tender, Monthly Cost Reporting. Contract Administration role with main contractor with site inspection.
Like all other building project types, renovations require proper, detailed architectural plans and specifications. It’s important to create a schedule of works to act as a ‘hymn sheet’ to use to collect builder quotations – and as a reference point for the works onsite. Without it, escalating costs, errors and delays are almost inevitable.