Estate agents across the land will tell their own bemused tale of how a crazy Aunty Beryl derailed their best sale of the month. The floral clad family member stomps around what was due to become the new family home, faster than you can tear up the commission cheque, spouting “It has a bad aura”,… Continue reading Feng Shui – What do you need to know?
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Bringing interior design into construction
Understanding what interior design is Interior design is often looked at as an optional, luxurious addition to the commercial housebuilding process. Conversely to popular belief, interior design is fundamental to successfully harmonising style, practicality, and functionality. Essentially, an interior designer will advise on the internal layout and propose appropriate reconfigurations and recommend products. The role… Continue reading Bringing interior design into construction
Engineering, Procurement & Construction Contracts
The term ‘traditional contract’ in the construction industry refers to the well-worn groove of employer-led design before employing a contractor to build that design, with the employer retaining design responsibility. Of course, there is the design and build route whereby the contractor is employed, usually to take on the employer outline design, before undertaking the… Continue reading Engineering, Procurement & Construction Contracts
Construction Accreditations – Are they important and what do they mean?
Choosing which business to appoint and what specialist or lead consultant you want to engage with can be tricky. There’ll be a price point you want to hit. You’ll probably want to see similar works to the same complexity or cost of your project to prove, if appointed, that they are equipped for the job… Continue reading Construction Accreditations – Are they important and what do they mean?
Consequences of Pausing Contracts
Pausing Construction Contracts Many issues can arise that could cause significant delay to a project, be it disputed land or perhaps the collapse of funding for a development in the private sector. Both examples are solvable but could take time. Is it possible to suspend the works whilst working on a resolution is? What are… Continue reading Consequences of Pausing Contracts
The Art of Construction Project Management
The relationship between artist and canvas is a special and complicated one. To the untrained eye, there’s a blank piece of fabric, so pick up a brush, dip it in some paint and off you go. If it were that simple, then names like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Tiepolo’s would be mere footnotes of… Continue reading The Art of Construction Project Management
Mixed-Use Property Investment
Property development includes residential dwellings, i.e., flats, houses, and with this development, sizes are scalable from one at a time to mass developments with yield from this set against a constant backdrop of demand for housing. But what about investing in mixed-use property? What does this entail, including the benefits and disadvantages of this type… Continue reading Mixed-Use Property Investment
Want Project Success? It All Starts at Tender Stage
Views of procurement success vary between Main Contractors. One perspective on success is a signed contract, within budget, with the Subcontractor meeting the main programme dates. Another is a subcontractor’s engagement at a low price, carrying the majority of the risk, and signed to strict contract terms and conditions. In other words, the construction industry… Continue reading Want Project Success? It All Starts at Tender Stage
Time Risk Allowance and Terminal Float
In-direct cost typically ranges between 25% to 60% as a percentage of the direct costs, averaged as a weekly run rate and then multiplied by the length of the programme, so assessing the programme in terms of durations becomes essential to calculate an accurate estimate or price. However, if you consider the durations involved in… Continue reading Time Risk Allowance and Terminal Float
OJEU and the Brexit Impact
OJEU is an abbreviation for the Official Journal of the European Union and is used to publish tender opportunities across every EU member country. It has been in place since 2003, and the intent is for public sector contracts to be made available for bidders, not just in the resident country but across all member… Continue reading OJEU and the Brexit Impact