Prime Residential Construction - The Difference

So what exactly is Prime Residential Construction, and what separates it from the pack?

Well, whilst most people understand it is critical to select the right ‘builder’, many clients don’t understand just how many moving parts there can be in modern residential construction – and that there is a big difference between those who can ‘build’ a house and those that can Project Manage a project. At Taylor Kings we are passionate about managing Prime projects and some of our thoughts which are listed below, might just get you thinking about the difference…

Multiple Stakeholders
In a Prime project, as well as your architect and structural engineer, we often expect to work with multiple professionals such as interior designers, lighting designers, mechanical & electrical consultants, audio & visual consultants, security consultants and landscape designers – as well as various other specialists.

Materials, Fixtures & Fittings
‘Quality’ and ‘Bespoke’ are two words which commonly describe the selection of materials, fixtures & fittings specified in a Prime project. These come with the need for considered design, procurement, and co-ordinated installation, completed by skilled craftsmen.

Scale
Although Prime projects are not always defined by size, it is a serious consideration when dealing with larger properties. Whilst there are plenty of contractors that can deliver large volumes in the commercial market, we are experienced at selecting those that can deliver on the expectation of high-quality, at scale.

Costs
Due to project complexity, scale, and high-end specifications in the Prime market, we are comfortable managing substantial budgets.

Project Management
A high level of concentrated project management is required to deliver complicated residential construction – something we are incredibly passionate about and something that a Prime contractor understands is fundamental to project success across all measures. We place a huge emphasis on communication and collaboration as core principles.

Discretion & Security
Any client’s security and privacy should be absolutely critical, but in the Prime sector we are very conscious of security and carefully select trusted contractors who understand the importance of discretion at the highest level.

Aftercare
Over the years, we’ve heard various clients complain about builders ‘never quite finishing the small touches or ignoring minor problems’. What we understand is that Prime projects are complicated and that clientele lead busy lives, meaning that a point of contact beyond the scope of the project is hugely important. Whether it is general support and advice about the ‘as-built’ systems, or ongoing proactive or preventative maintenance, we continue to look after our existing clients in any way possible.

If you are considering a project which you believe meets any of the above criteria, we would love to know more, so please get in touch.

Jeremy

Our post-construction phase framework.

  • Deep Cleaning – We employ professional cleaners who understand the importance of the products they are using and the methods they adopt.
  • Completion inspections – We go over every inch of the project to ensure that the work meets our incredibly high expectations.
  • Submission of Certification – We submit all certification to the building inspector/s to achieve project completion.
  • Handover – We carry out a full walk-through with our clients so that they can be shown the operations of all new equipment.
  • Operations & Maintenance Manual – We assemble and present a full O&M folder with guides for any new systems and care instructions.
  • Documentation Pack – Alongside the O&M manual, we assemble a documentation pack for any work completed which includes as-built drawings, service mark-ups, specification packs and relevant certifications.
  • Contacts Directory – Beyond being the main point of contact, we also form a comprehensive list of contacts which have worked on the project.
  • 12 Month Rectification Visit – As standard on any project, we always return after 12 months to carry out any snagging.
  • Ongoing support – We are there for our existing clients, long after completion. From handyman tasks to full maintenance plans, we offer a level of service which is not offered to the wider public.

Our construction phase framework.

  • Internal Inspections – There are a host of inspections to be completed and recorded on a daily and weekly basis. From welfare facilities, tidiness and security to major safety considerations such as scaffolding – our site agents use a centralised mobile application, where we have created bespoke templates to follow and track all of the inspections.
  • External Inspection – We organise and fulfil compliance inspections from building and warranty inspectors and our third-party health and safety inspector.
  • Meetings – We hold official weekly site meetings for the project team and all parties which are affected the current or imminent programme. We also hold official progress meetings, normally on a monthly frequency, with the clients and wider project team.
  • Reviews – We constantly review and tweak all of the various pre-construction project plans and main programme, issuing any changes to the project team and client.
  • Quality Control – Anyone working on our sites knows the exceptional standards we expect, but we still remain vigilant and ensure that the standards are met in every detail.
  • Information Collation – we collate and present all building control inspections, product warranties, operating and maintenance records and start to form the post-completion documentation.

Our pre-construction framework.

  • Define the Project Scope – We sit down and evaluate the drawings, technical specifications and information schedules before setting out clear project objectives, deliverables, a breakdown of key components and a list of possible conflicts.
  • Set a Project Programme – using the agreed scope, we layout a project programme. We do this using GANTT chart software which is a tool to visualise and rationalize time scales.
  • Form a Cost Management plan – we use the costing documents and project programme to estimate financial forecasts.
  • Form a Risk Management plan – we seek to find, highlight and plan for any items which may create risk to the programme or budget.
  • Form a Health and Safety plan – this is an extension of our Construction Phase Plans and highlights our use of developed Risk and Method Statements.
  • Create a communication plan – how we inform any external parties like neighbours of work that may affect them, we look at setting on/off site meeting frequencies, expectations for the transfer of information in RFI’s (requests for information), completion of various Registers and form a centralised shared information hub.
  • Form a Procurement Plan – We assess the lead times of all proposed materials and trades and map these against the project programme to highlight any risks to the programme. 
  • Highlight Quality Concerns – we review the selected materials and specifications to assess any areas which will need careful quality control to meet our high expectations.

Our compliance commitments:

  • Qualified and competent personnel for every role, including Site Manager.
  • Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualified site agents.
  • Dedicated Construction Phase Plans.
  • Fully developed Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
  • Thorough Fire Control and Emergency Plans.
  • Detailed site inductions for all personnel and visitors.
  • Correct and clear site signage and first aid stations.
  • Regular inspections and maintenance of all plant and equipment by qualified third party inspectors (LOLER).
  • Daily inspections of plant and equipment.
  • Regular site inspection audits by a third party health & safety consultant.