The Project
Following this success, Make was appointed as the Project Manager, Principal Designer, Quantity Surveyor, and Contract Administrator for a self-funded Nursery extension aimed at expanding the early years provision at Our Lady and St Werburgh’s Catholic Primary School. The project aimed to meet the growing demand for early years education by increasing available space for younger children. Make Consulting’s role included overseeing all aspects of the design, planning, cost management, ensuring the project was delivered to high standards including the relevant building control approvals, and addressing any issues that arose throughout the planning and construction phases.
The Challenge
The project faced challenges, beginning with the return of tenders that were above the initial budget set by the client. The increase in costs was primarily associated with:
- Inflation in Construction Costs: In the 12 months leading up to the project, the construction industry saw inflation rates of approximately 20-30%. This rise in material and labour costs contributed to the overall increase in tender prices.
- Scope Creep: As the project evolved, the scope of work expanded due to ongoing investigations. These included alterations to the layout, which ultimately impacted adjacent classroom facilities. The resulting revisions added to the overall complexity and cost of the project.
The combination of these factors led to the initial project costs exceeding the client’s set budget. This necessitated a detailed value engineering process to bring the project closer to the initial allocated budget without compromising on the core objectives.
The Solution
In response to the challenges, a collaborative and proactive approach was adopted to ensure the project stayed on track. The key steps included:
- Value Engineering Process: A joint exercise was conducted involving the winning contractor, Make Consulting, and the mechanical and electrical sub-consultant. The aim was to critically review the design and material choices, identifying opportunities to reduce costs without compromising the quality or functionality of the project.
- Client-Direct Purchases: To minimise contractor overheads and profit margins, certain elements of the project were taken outside of the main contract and paid for directly by the client, where deemed appropriate. This included elements that could be more efficiently procured separately and implemented without the contractor’s involvement, resulting in cost savings.
- Phased Delivery: The works were scheduled in a phased approach to allow construction to take place during term time, as opposed to the summer holidays when labour and material costs are higher. This scheduling strategy also helped reduce disruption to the school’s operations, ensuring minimal impact on the ongoing educational activities.
The Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, meeting the original objectives within the specified time and budget. Works commenced in September 2023, with the extension completed in time for the school’s re-occupation following the Easter holidays in 2024.
By adhering to a strategic approach to cost control, careful planning, and collaborative working between all stakeholders, Make Consulting was able to help Christ the King Catholic Collegiate achieve a well-executed extension to the Nursery, enhancing the school’s early years provision.
