Building design, budget control, project management
WE MANAGE all aspects of the design and building process, including design briefing, quotations and contracts, building consent applications, on-site establishment and construction, sub-contractors, BCA inspections and consent compliance. In our experience, client requirements can change during project design or construction phases. We consult, evaluate, cost and incorporate such changes, minimising program delays as much as possible.
OUR CLIENTS all have varying degrees of experience with building ownership and construction, and each project presents a unique set of design and build challenges. We recommend that anyone considering a building project, become as conversant as possible with construction industry issues, news and methods. Reading publications such as BRANZ BUILD and searching Online industry resources are useful places to begin. We therefore tailor our services and consultation to suit your experience and knowledge, to ensure that project requirements are fully explored and recorded.
1. BRIEF: You will tell us what you want. We will clarify your requirements and our services. We will meet on your building site and will provide preliminary planning and budget guidance. You will typically require a site specific soils / geotech report before developed design work can commence.
2. DESIGN: Design services and costs depend on the scale and complexity of your project. We provide in-house design services in many instances, or engage associate designers and engineers as required and approved by you. Lightning Construction can also work with your designer or architect. Design will enter its final stages after preliminary design work is approved by you. The close integration of design with construction costing assists with optimising building methods and materials selection.
3. QUOTATIONS: We typically provide project estimates during the preliminary design phase. You will provide a response to these budget estimates and approval for our final design work and Quotation refinements. It is important that you clarify the extent of what we design and quote, and what parts of the project you want to manage or price separately. Lightning Construction will be obtaining supplier and sub-contractor pricing as much as possible at this stage.
4. CONTRACTS: All building work requires a contract, which is finalised after your acceptance of the preliminary design and our Quotation. The contract type will be selected to suit the complexity of your project and the way the building works are to be managed. The contract contains reference to design documents, and stipulates payment terms and performance requirements. Lightning Construction advises clients to seek independent legal advice before signing a contract.
5. CONSENTS: Except for some exempt minor building works, your project will normally require a Building Consent. The consent documents will include plans and specifications, and various specialised documents required by your project. Lightning Construction manages document production and engages the required professionals on your behalf, as per the contract. We lodge the building consent and monitor its progress through to its approval.
6. CONSTRUCTION: Construction work commences and operates in terms of a construction program. One of our in-house project managers coordinates our construction personnel, sub-contractors and supplier deliveries. We will complete all construction work in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
