Journal

Most construction projects have the potential to be complicated and challenging, even smaller residential projects. Successful projects require a number of key mechanisms, which include a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, good communication & collaboration between the project team, and careful monitoring and reporting on variations, risks, budget and programme.

Identifying the right team may require specialist knowledge and consideration. Your Project Manager and consultants will be able to advise you on the team that you are likely to require. This work would typically be carried out as part of the feasibility stage at the start of your project. The list will often change as the project develops, so it is important that it is reviewed and updated at regular intervals.

In UK construction the 'Traditional Procurement' method is generally considered the best way to provide quality of design and construction, while also controlling cost and programme. The term 'Traditional' refers to the long and established history of this form of procurement, as a tried and tested method for the design and construction of good quality buildings.

A professional building contractor is a different role and skillset to that of someone who is purely a builder. You would expect a builder to have good knowledge of how to construct and work with a range of typical building materials, but a building contractor also needs to me able to manage the overall process of construction.

When you commission a project for your home, you take on an important set of roles within the project process. As well as your original title of home/property owner, you will become known by various different titles during the course of the project. Your knowledge of each of these specific roles and responsibilities, and your success at performing each, can contribute greatly to the overall success of your project.