The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown period placed challenging restraints on the building industry. The good news is that under level 3 we are all systems go and we can get your new building project underway!
So once again it is business as usual as we consult with our clients and prepare the way to ensure that, since we can now return to sites, that all the building projects are ready to continue.
Many people don’t realise it, but a huge part of our project cycle of services (3 of 6 parts) can be achieved before we break ground and we are able to achieve all or at least most of that online. So, what are the aspects of the project that we can attend to with you before ‘breaking ground’…
Cost estimation
As we described in our article on The 4 basic Principles of Cost Estimation , the first point on the Project cycle is ‘Cost Estimation.’ This is (if you’ll excuse the pun) the very foundation of every project, as costing must be defined within the parameters of the client’s available budget.
As defined by one group of experts “Cost Estimation in project management is the process of forecasting the cost and other resources needed to complete a project within a defined scope. Cost Estimation accounts for each element required for the project and calculates a total amount that determines a project’s budget.”
You can learn more about this in the article, but this can be completed online.
Consultant appointment
The second point on the Project cycle is ‘Consultant appointment and management.’
This deals with the procedure to appoint the consultants – thereafter they are managed by the overall Project Managers.
On all building projects there is a Construction company who are usually appointed as the building project management. There are often however specialist consultants that need to be brought in to complete a construction team, depending on the size of the project.
Smaller projects, like the building of a standard home, usually just needs the construction company and a designer or architect – larger projects may involve many consultants like quantity surveyors, designers, independent project managers, financial advisors etc.
You can learn more about this too in the article on our website about Consultant Appointment – and this too can be achieved right now through online connections and meetings.
Design
Building design is a complex issue involving using standard building systems and adapting and integrating them into the design of a dwelling that meets the needs of a client. This must be done in accordance with and complying with local government regulations and standards. This is sometimes carried out by the developer or sometimes by architects appointed by the clients.
Systems for each sector of the building need to be designed. These systems would typically be for foundations, atmosphere, enclosure, structure, space division, electrical distribution, gas or solar implementation, water supply, drainage and whatever other building functions may be required. Once again, most design work is carried out online and we can do this working from home.
Documentation
Documents that combine written text and drawings clearly indicating the design, systems and intended functionality of the building are now drawn up and this work can take place at home or online.
As the municipal offices have also opened under Level 3, the submission and approval of documentation is possible again, although this is also happening online these days at some municipalities, so check with your local planning department.
Don’t get despondent – get started!
We are very grateful that we can work on site again under Level 3 and will be following all the health and safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of our workers and our clients. Remember, if you have the building of a dream home or offices – or renovations and add-ons – in mind, don’t waste time thinking you can’t get started.
Contact us for free advice and to get your project well under way while we all have more time to chat about exactly what you will need. We are here for you. Davel and Lottering Construction have served many clients for many years and we are here for you now because lockdown does not shut down your building project! – Be safe out there!