On this page:

• Project Management
  
  
• Quantity Surveying
  Project Planning & Feasibility Studies, Estimating and Cost Planning, Tendering Services & Documentation, Post Contract / Construction Phase
  
  
• Other Services
  Bank / Financial Institution Audit Service, Sustainability, Risk and Value Management, Increased Costs Certification, Insurance Valuations and Replacement Cost Estimates, Contract Programming, Dispute Resolution / Mediation, Peer Review Service, Condition Assessments, Earthquake Strengthening Estimates
  
  

Project Management

Project management can be interpreted many different ways; one definition is that the project manager’s role is to be;

“.. the agent for the client and assumes (on behalf) the role of the client/ proprietor in a civil or construction project where the client / proprietor lacks the technical and organisational skills for the task. The project manager becomes responsible for preparing a brief, procurement and co-ordinating the consultants. The proprietor's requirements are conveyed to the project manager who ensures that they are acted upon by the consultants and contractor….”

As your project manger we carry out all of the above as well as providing the following services where required;

• site selection
• feasibility studies
• preparation of consultants briefs
• selection of consultancy team
• negotiation and documentation of conditions of engagement
• evaluation and reporting on concept design
• supervision of documentation
• implementation of programme and timeline
• selection of contractual system
• contract financial control and cashflow
• supervision of tender and letting process

Saunders Stevenson has an enviable track record in project managing high profile complex construction and infrastructure projects. We intensely plan our projects, create a ‘close knit project team’ scenario, focus on innovative design, closely monitor the project program and completely manage construction costs.

We believe that strong project management principles in the initial planning phases lay the foundations for a successful project outcome and by utilising key stakeholder risk management principals and formulating the best project strategies we will deliver your project on time and on budget.

Quantity Surveying

Project Planning & Feasibility Studies
Saunders Stevenson can assist in the planning of your project from concept stage providing spatial analysis including needs analysis surveys, location determination analysis and lease or purchase option reviews. Encompassing these services we can produce a feasibility study to determine the best project financial outcome.

Preliminary construction advice will include budget or rough order of cost estimates that are completed from spatial analysis information and briefing on the building form. Procurement options and project timeline planning will also be outlined at this stage.

Estimating and Cost Planning
At Saunders Stevenson our estimating and cost planning objectives are to establish a Cost Plan which optimises the relationship between the cost and quality of your project, while at the same time allowing you to achieve your cost objectives.

The services we offer to achieve these cost objectives are:

• Preparation of preliminary elemental estimates based on preliminary design
• Preparation of detailed estimates and cost planning advice throughout design development
• Estimating of Building Services, site works and any required infrastructure upgrades
• Facilitation, participation and leadership in the value management meeting process
• Comparative cost studies and advice on cost effective design solutions
• Advice on materials selection and general construction / buildability advice
• Advice on selection of tenderers
• Attendance at design meetings and project control group meetings

Tendering Services & Documentation
Saunders Stevenson provides you with professional tendering and documentation assistance and advice, including:

• Preparation of Schedule of Quantities or Schedule of Rates
• Preparation of bid documentation for tendering contractors
• Strategic advice of method of project procurement and tendering
• Advice on suitability of contractor tender lists and form of procurement
• Review of tenders received, reconciliation to budget and recommendation of contractor selection and appointment including consideration for cost and non-cost attributes
• Attendance and advice at tender interviews

Post Contract / Construction Phase
Saunders Stevenson ensures successful outcomes through the post contract phase by implementing effective controls, checks and balances. We will ensure the successful performance of your building project by applying our proven cost monitoring and reporting procedures and by working closely with the project team.

To ensure efficient progress through this phase, Saunders Stevenson will:

• Monitor project status and any potential risk issues
• Attend regular meetings and represent the financial interests of the client
• Prepare cashflow forecasts and analysis
• Review contractors progress claims for work in progress and verify payment values
• Prepare progress payment assessments for approval
• Monitor and prepare estimates of documentation changes, authorised variations and monetary sum adjustments
• Measurement, pricing and negotiation with contractor of variations
• Preparation of financial statements forecasting total project costs
• Calculation of contract increased costs and extension of time claims where applicable
• Agreement of final account

Other Services

Bank / Financial Institution Audit Service
Saunders Stevenson can carry out a thorough and complete evaluation of a project from concept phase through to completion for the Bank / Financial Institute from an independent viewpoint. Our experience in this service is extensive and varied and can be tailored to suit all project types, sizes and values. Minimising risk and exposure to the project funder and project initiator is undertaken at each stage by utilising the following;

• Prepare a pre-commencement report including auditing project costs and the adequacy of project documentation
• Monitor local authority consents and approvals
• Contractor and key sub contractor appraisals
• Prepare progress payment assessments and recommendations
• Prepare Cost to Completion assessments
• Monitor project status and potential risk issues
  

Sustainability
These days it is important to factor in to the building design affordable ‘environmental and green’ products, materials and services where possible, this is especially relevant with refurbishments and retro-fit’s and will add value to both the building asset and the ongoing operational costs.

At Saunders Stevenson we have extensive experience in environmental design cost solutions and can track sustainable design and costs from concept through to tender documentation, we assist in this process by;

• Developing sustainability strategies
• Providing capital cost advice
• Life cycle costing and appraisal
• Engineering services cost and design reviews
• Facilitating value management strategies
  

Risk and Value Management
Risk management identifies, manages and mitigates risk through a range of modelling tools. It enables informed decisions to be made on adequate funding provision. Value management creates the structured environment to identify the engineering solutions that represent the best value for money.

Saunders Stevenson together with the other key project stakeholders will attend strategy workshops where we will present the best cost solutions that meet the client’s quality and project brief.

Increased Costs Certification
Where a projects form of contract allows for increased costs claims, we can provide an independent certification utilising calculation by formula or on invoice. We can also provide projected increased costs utilising construction cost indices.

Contract Programming
Saunders Stevenson can provide client or contractor programming utilising MS Project (or our in house template), this valuable tool assists in tracking progress verse expenditure, establishes milestones and highlights the projects critical path. Should any contractor or sub contractor ‘slippage’ occur, this can be caught at an early stage and be remedied saving the project money.

Insurance Valuations and Replacement Cost Estimates
Saunders Stevenson can assist insurance Companies and Brokers with independent insurance valuations and replacement cost estimates where an event such as earthquake, land slippage, fire damage, flooding or similar occurs, the estimates can include demolition, decanting, remedial construction, consultants fees and any reinstatement costs.

Dispute Resolution / Mediation
Independent advice on costs, methodologies, compliance and the like is available with the form and scope of services to be undertaken finalised following client consultation and review of project performance.

Peer Review Service
Project peer reviews and audits can be completed where the client requires an independent response and report on their project with regard to standard of documentation, tendering procedures, contract and variation pricing and final account.

Condition Assessments
Before entering into any new, alteration or refurbishment work on an existing building, it is important that the building’s condition is fully understood and reported on.

Recommendations with regard to cyclical and ongoing maintenance, plant replacement and new products / technologies available are presented in an easy to follow reporting format, so that critical decisions can be made and incorporated into the project brief.

At Saunders Stevenson we utilise an in house condition assessment program that delivers the condition assessment report fulfilling these requirements.

Earthquake Strengthening Estimates
Saunders Stevenson have extensive experience with the upgrade and strengthening of at risk or structurally compromised buildings with regard to earthquake strengthening, our experience extends to heritage buildings, schools, hospitals, prisons, courthouses, office blocks, hostels and civil projects. In conjunction with consulting engineers we will ensure that the most cost effective options are pursued to reach the desired outcome.