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Country House

HOMEOWNER SERVICES

At GEL Projects we are keen to work with homeowners on their home building, renovation or extension projects. We believe it is high time that Homeowners were protected and offered the same professional building services as commercial building owners and so are please to offer our services to help homeowners make their own dream house visions a reality, rather than the usual building nightmare that we often sadly hear about

Services: FAQ

Why do I need GEL Projects?

Project management is easy, anyone can do it, i'll just manage the works myself.

We can't tell you the amount of times we've heard this through our careers! Everyone thinks they can project manage and its true that a key element of project management is having a clear process and completing tasks in order. What we actually are though at GEL are 'technical' Project Managers. That means not only do we do all of the above, but we do it from a technical viewpoint, assesing how the works are actually going to be done and problem solving construction problems before they arise. Our broad knowledge of all elements of the build process such as surveying, building services and cost consultancy allow us to pick up issues that would otherwise get missed.

My builder says he will project manage the works so I don't need anyone else, do I?

Your builder can certainly manage the trades on site, tell you roughly how long the works will take and what he expects it to cost. All a bit vague though isn't it? Proper project management is so much more than that! At GEL Projects we act solely in your best interests to ensure that the builder adheres to the contract, delivers exactly what he is supposed to and to the correct standards, challenge decision making and advise on the best solutions, and keep tight track of the budget and costs. Remember every extra day on site, or additional piece of work is additional fees for your builder.

Okay so i'll get the Architect to Project Manage the build for me instead?

Architects often offer a project management service alongside their Architecture costs, but remember their primary business is Architecture not Project Management. Architects will generally be primarily concerned with the look and form of a building and ensuring the builder adheres to their vision and design without compromise. We know that whilst that is important to the Client, often the function and use of the building is just as important if not more so. Equally important is time and cost. For example, an Architect's vision may include bespoke items that are incredibly costly, but we can advise on alternatives with the same look at a fraction of the cost

Please read on to see the services we can offer you at GEL Projects.

Contractor Tendering & Appointment

GEL Projects are able to guide you step by step through the Contractor Tendering process for your project, helping you to make sure you appoint the right people at the right price.

Why do I need GEL Project Management to produce the tender documents for me?

We will produce a professional, detailed project specification and tender document, complete with a detailed pricing schedule allowing clear comparison of Contractors and ensuring all quotes are on a like by like basis.  This document shows Contractors that you are going to act professionally throughout the project and will actually act as a deterrent to any rogue builders.

Doesn't it cost more to appoint a Contractor this way?

Yes and No. It is true that there are additional costs to tender a contract in this way, but those costs are more often than not recouped many times over by helping to avoid additional fees for unpriced works later on during the construction works on site. By having a clear and detailed specification and pricing document it is clear what is, and more importantly, what isn't included an quotations so there are no nasty surprises further down the line.

My architect says he can help me appoint the correct builder so why do I need you?

GEL Projects are completely independent, we are appointed by you and our sole focus is to protect your interests and help produce the project you require. Some architects work with a select group of Contractors, with whom they are paid an introductory fee for obtaining new work, or paid commission. When appointing GEL Projects, we treat every penny you spend as if it was our own so will always try to ensure you get the most financially advantageous cost for your project.

People have told me I dont need a formal Contract to appoint a builder for my project?

Many residential builders will tell you this, but you need to ask why they would say so when it is so commonplace in the commercial sector? A formal Contract is actually there to protect both you the client, and the Contractor. A simple well written Contract will set out exactly what is expected of both the Contractor and Client. It will detail how and when the Contractor will get paid and what the key milestones are for the project. Importantly it will also protect you financially if things go wrong, which although not common, does happen occasionally.

Contractor Tendering & Appointment: FAQ

Contract Administration & Site Monitoring

Contract Administration and Project Monitoring is the bread and butter of our Project Management services. We will regularly attend site and ensure that works are undertaken on schedule and to the correct specification and budget.

What does Contract Administration involve?

Contract Administration is all about the day to day running and management of your building project and includes the following:-

  1. Checking of works to ensure they are being undertaken to the specification and design.

  2. Monitoring the quality of the Contractors works.

  3. Reviewing timelines and ensuring projects remain on schedule.

  4. Site visits (frequency dependent on project and complexity), including minuted meetings with Contractor.

  5. Review cost variations and challenge/agree Contract valuations.

  6. Issue certificates for payment throughout the project.

If you would like to learn more about what GEL Projects can do for you then please contact us directly.

Contract Administration & Site Monitoring: FAQ

07403 121802

The Oak Studios, Elsenham, Essex

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