It’s been a while since we put out a blog, so we thought we’d get back on track with a meaty 12-part blog series on planning for commercial projects.
Core4 has helped hundreds of clients (building owners and body corporate managers) across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland with commercial refits and renovations of all shapes and sizes — from refurbishing foyers in busy office buildings to waterproofing rooftops of high-rise buildings and plenty more! In doing so, we’ve seen plenty of pitfalls and success stories.
Commercial projects have specific challenges in terms of scope, scale and the stakeholders involved and, as a result, can seem pretty daunting. To help clients overcome this, we’ve come up with a tried and true 12-step method to tackling commercial projects — we call it our ‘Roadmap to success’. One thing that we’ve found all successful projects have in common is a consistent approach to project planning and management. Our ‘Roadmap’ outlines that approach for you, step by step.
So, with a resource like this, why wait? Let’s dive on in…
STEP 1: DECIDE ON THE PROJECT INCLUSIONS
Have you heard the expression, “Failing to plan is planning to fail?” The very first thing you should do when you tackle a new project is decide what is going to be included in the project.
To make sure you don’t miss anything, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you begin planning.
What is the end goal or master plan for the building?
Make sure each stage of the project is working towards the same end goal. This is essential, especially if your budget limits how much work you can undertake at any particular stage. The last thing you want is to look back after years of work and updates and see each stage as separate and distinguishable. At best, it will look like a legacy of the person who was in charge at the time. At worst, it will be an eyesore.
To prevent this, consider engaging a consultant to create a master plan for your building. This plan should include images, colour schemes and indicative costs. Make sure all owners or anyone with a decision-making role agrees on the plan. This will make future progress a lot easier and allow for realistic budget setting.
What is the current condition of the building? And when are replacements required?
Your current service providers are your first call here. They should be able to provide you with an idea of how long the building’s assets will last and confirm if any replacements or repairs will be required. This is also the time to consult your sinking fund forecast for assets due for replacement. If you are unsure, we recommend that you consult a building consultant like an architect or builder for more accurate estimations.
You should also consider which items are due for renovation or updating and if there are any items that are not compliant with current standards that could expose you to insurance risks. Now is a great time to address them.
Which works should be completed together?
Determining which works should be completed together will help you and your company get the best bang for your buck and the most out of the building process. A little bit of forward thinking now goes a long way and will increase efficiency and decrease the overall cost.
For example, if scaffolding is required to access the roof, consider if any future planned works that require scaffolding can be brought forward. In other words, while the scaffold is in place should you also repaint, repair, or replace windows and have a good look at your balustrades? Or, for another common example, if the building foyer needs to be closed to replace floor tiles, are there other works (like ceiling and lighting replacements) that could take place while the foyer is closed?
In short, now (Step 1) is the time for getting into the detail to identify both short-term and long-term scope. Once you’ve done that, your ready for Step 2 (Nominate your project team), which we’ll bring to you in next month’s blog.
In the meantime, if you get stuck conceptualising and defining your project and need some prompting or advice, or maybe just need a hand with general maintenance tasks, we’re here for you at Core4. You can find us at:
Head Office (AU)
7/121 Newmarket Road
Windsor QLD 4030
www.core4service.com.au
hello@core4service.com
1300 267 333