Delivery model: 18 June 2023
Back to it being Sunday… a few weeks ago I said I would share my new project’s journey and that my next post would be about how I planned to deliver the project.
Consenting
Over the previous few weeks, I have been working with my consultants to pull together the Resource Consent application.
As the Principal, I have been able to co-ordinate this myself noting that the planning and design team are pivotal (and they really drive it).
We kicked the process off with a quick group call. My aim for this was to ensure that everyone knows what the project is about and they know that they can contact each other (I don’t want to be a post-box). I explained who the houses are designed for and that my properties are all accessible (LifeMark 5*) and are environmentally responsible (Homestar 7.0 v 5). Having this understood at the outset means design is incorporated right from the beginning. Design is more than just a home layout and the outward beauty it is how people live in their immediate environment.
The surveyors delivered their topographical survey, traffic consultants had to work out the driveway and carpark access needs and my geotech had to confirm that the ground was good (and recommend foundations).
I had a few minor issues as it was hard to get a response from the recommended traffic consultants. Finally, when I got a response, their rate was just far too expensive on an hourly rate basis compared to the other consultants I use – I couldn’t see how it was justified for what I needed. So, on to another group who were wonderfully responsive and with reasonable rates.
Then came the CCTV and that was like trying to draw blood from a stone. I have now used two groups: one struggles to organise themselves (but do a good job and are pleasant to deal with) and the other group just gets on with it and delivers without a peep.
Unfortunately, I had to ditch the less-organised group after waiting for over three weeks but I moved to a previous group who had the job done and reported in four days!
And now
We are meeting via video-call tomorrow to close off gaps and hopefully submit the RC (LUC and SUB) to council.
How to execute the project
Construction management, yes, again… I am a convert for smaller projects. My current one continues to work well and we have a cohesive team. Therefore, I am tweaking the responsibilities a wee bit and running again.
First up was determining what I need:
My current subcontract document is too complex.
Overall, I like NZS3910 but for my needs it is far too big and the subcontract rolling out if it is multi-paged and nearlyunworkable for trades. So, in I rolled-in a tailored Short Form Agreement in regular English (I attacked the solicitor’s draft this weekend we will see what they say about that). Included are clauses dealing with the CCA 2002, nosmoking on-site, no retentions etc, and the inclusion of a Contract Administrator included (aka Engineer to the Contract). Hopefully, the resulting four pages will be simple and fair. A good out-come will be that the trades will read it before signing (Yeah, right!) and will issue their invoices correctly.
Who will be my professional (client side) delivery team?
I have an approach in mind, and it follows the intent of the reviewed NZS 3910 and what I liked about a previous project where management and contractual matters are separated.
Of course, I will be paying for both. But as a Director, I have to be fair plus I daren’t cross my Contract Administrator. A project manager on the other-hand is very much the Client side.
I will share site management with the site manager. I will do the simple exercises and co-ordinate the internal fit-out and early civil works with the SM doing the rest. On my current project, it has been working out well with generally a daily site walkover plus three technical working meetings per week.
Where to next?
Submit the RC and get the EPA sorted out.
Note: I will not be lifting a shovel on the new project until my current one has been handed-over. Thankfully, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.