Residential Property Market in the UK The residential property market, like many other sectors in the UK, goes through cycles. Following completion of a development project (depending on how the asset is disposed of), there are typically two key stakeholders that form the basis of the residential built asset business model. These are commonly known… Continue reading Low cost add-ons for developers
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Acceleration in Construction
Go! Go! Go! Acceleration in construction is the process of moving a project towards completion at a faster pace than originally anticipated. The idea is to finish works before the contracted date and end the programme before completion is due. In most circumstances, this will be a client driven change to the programme of works… Continue reading Acceleration in Construction
Final Accounts
Final accounts are an important commercial milestone in any construction project. They signify the agreement of the final amount to be paid between the client and the contractor or contractor and subcontractor and so on. In construction contracts there are clauses and processes on how to vary the works, including the timescales to adhere too.… Continue reading Final Accounts
Performance Specification vs Full Design
You’re a developer building 10-20 residential units per year and are always looking for ways to streamline the building process. For starters, you realise that you need to pay more attention to the specification mix you use on your projects. Hopefully by considering the following aspects, your decision will be made easier. Each type of… Continue reading Performance Specification vs Full Design
Critical Path Analysis
Critical Path Analysis (CPA), also known as the Critical Path Method (CPM), is a powerful project management tool which has been used extensively for decades in the construction industry. CPA assists you in defining and planning all of the tasks which are required in your project and how dependent they are on each other. It’s… Continue reading Critical Path Analysis
What is Culpable Delay?
If a project falls behind programme, proving or disproving liability for delay can be a complex and contentious subject for the contracting parties to resolve. Most construction contracts contain provisions for how completion dates can be extended if entitlement can be proven by the contractor. Subsequent extensions of time will be awarded by the client… Continue reading What is Culpable Delay?
Building Regulations: a changing landscape
“Building standards are not sufficiently ambitious; they are overly complex and compliance is poor.” The 2018 Hackitt Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety identified worrying deficiencies in the current system of building regulation. While clearly well-intentioned, the regulations can be difficult to navigate and, as demonstrated by the tragedy at Grenfall, are not always… Continue reading Building Regulations: a changing landscape
How do I employ an architect?
As a developer running an SME property development business, where to start with employing an architect? The guidelines set out in this article should help you choose the right architect. How and where to start The most obvious place would be to seek advice from others in your company, like partners and project managers, or… Continue reading How do I employ an architect?
Mock-ups and samples: How to assess construction details and finishes on your next project
“Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail” – it’s something we’ve all heard many times before, especially working in the construction industry. It comes across as a throw away phrase used as a rebuttal when people have left things until the last minute and invariably come asking you for help. However, it should be viewed… Continue reading Mock-ups and samples: How to assess construction details and finishes on your next project
What should a lighting specification look like?
Lighting is becoming an increasingly complex part of building services and project delivery. The reason for this increase is due to several factors: The development of LED lighting technology Methods of controlling the lighting Energy efficiency Circular economy considerations Emerging trend of wellness These key advances mean that the application of lighting, both internally and… Continue reading What should a lighting specification look like?