Project Description
The project comprised the upgrading and re-purposing of a derelict 1930’s building, previously used as a Care Home and now requiring to be developed as a teaching annex for the existing Canaan Lane Primary School.
- Assessment and identification within the contract document of the necessary building renovation works including: partial demolition and downtakings; roof replacement works; external repairs; partial window replacement; rot and damp repair; floor structure upgrades; upgrade works to meet current building standards.
- Integration of new works associated with the re-purposing including: a new lift; new stair and associated external enclosure; complete new site works to entire red-line boundary area; complete new building services installations.
- Recognition of key site constraints including: working within a Conservation Area and associated planning constraint implications; tight City Centre site; working adjacent to an adjacent ‘live’ school environment; requirement to deliver a cost effective modern school facility within the general constraints of an existing 1930’s building; integrating the new annex building into the existing school provision in as seamless a manner as possible
Challenges
Projects of this nature require intensive QS involvement from the outset to ensure the cost estimates are as accurate as possible, along with contract documentation being able to reflect the project delivery requirements whilst recognising the need for a clear definition to exist between the contract requirements and contract changes which may take place to reflect the condition of the existing building. Doig+Smith managed to successfully undertake this task, with Final Account falling in line with our Cost Reporting.
One of our key challenges was the extent of additional contract variation work requiring to be undertaken to remedy the existing building, resulting in considerable project programme pressures. With the project itself being reasonably ‘fast tracked’ to achieve an absolute project delivery date, it proved to be essential to work closely with the Contractor and the Employer’s Agent to swiftly agree the cost of variations as they were instructed, as well as agreeing prolongation, loss and expense values associated with Extension of Time awards. In doing this we were able ensure good cooperation on project delivery was maintained with as high a level of financial certainty being agreed throughout the entire construction phase. We believe this not only gave the Client necessary certainty during the construction phase, but also allowed the Contractor to progress the work diligently knowing the financial position being taken on all items
Benefits to Client
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- Recognition of the complexity of the project allowing us to allocate resources as necessary, both in respect of matching staff experience and quantum of resource generally.
- We were able to ‘tap into’ our considerable project experiences from similar type projects, including use of our extensive cost database.
- Full involvement in relation to the development risk process including identification of costs associated with risks and potential elimination or mitigation measures to be put into place.
- Quick responses in relation to financial implications of design proposal options during the currency of the works delivery.
- Good knowledge of Client’s procedures and set-up, allowing all cost reporting to align with Client internal processes.
- Enhanced accuracy of cashflow forecasting as all costs were resolved as quickly as possible.
- Swift conclusion of Final Account in line with Cost Report (no unwanted cost surprises).