26th Jan, 2012.

Overseeing Development.

By Kevin Scrivener, Project Management

Two things of interest at the moment… Firstly we are seeing a good level of development activity currently and, secondly, it is not just houses that are being newly built.

In the last six months we have been project managing Grade A City Centre office refurbishments in Birmingham; we are on site with new industrial schemes; we are also project managing new crematoria builds, and finally appraising, then overseeing, residential apartments being created.

Most of our work involves an initial appraisal of planning approvals, specification, drawings, and associated building regulations, and then reporting on the coherence of documentation and also highlighting any concerns to our client and if necessary, their Funders.

It is also worth mentioning we have also been busy overseeing new build schemes acting for the Funders. What is vital, on all project work are some of the ‘golden rules’ that include:
• Review contract documentation and ensure all conditions have been addressed, especially regarding insurance provisions and design liability.
• Review pricing documentation to ensure no financial ‘front loading’ regarding elements early within the programme or initial stage payments.
• Review contract variations and providing comment on implications and cost.

Throughout the development process we undertake at least monthly visits, to inspect quality of construction and ensure that the contractor’s interim applications are fair and reasonable and in accordance with the contract.  We also review progress in accordance with the original programme and provide an associated consolidated report.

At the end of any project, on completion we undertake an inspection and confirm that all works have been undertaken to a satisfactory standard.  We also ensure that the Building Manual has been compiled correctly, and incorporates all relevant documentation, including where necessary NHBC certification etc.

With a busy workload at the beginning of 2012 we are looking forward to working with our pipeline of new work and welcome any fresh enquiries for working on new development projects .

Any queries on development and project work contact Kevin on 0121 445 9455 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


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