Clash of the Titans!

If we were to use a Hollywood movie as an analogy for a major building project, then the architect would be the director, the QS would be the producer, and then all of us sub-contractors would probably be considered the cast and crew for the feature film.

We play the pivotal roles that make the architects vision and the QS’s planning become realised, and that’s why it can be a good idea to bring us on board early on in the process to help things run smoother.

Sub-contractors can end up being the stars of the show if you make good use of their expertise and input from the beginning of the project because a good sub-contractor can keep the architect in the loop of what materials are available to create their vision, at the same time keeping the QS on track as to how much is needed, what it will cost and how long the process can be expected to take.

Not all sub-contractors can afford to make themselves available for free consultations before a massive building project begins, but we pride ourselves on happily sitting down with architects and QS’s free-of-charge if it means we can play a part in creating a forthcoming “blockbuster” success.

Imagination vs Reality

Consulting with a reputable sub-contractor in “pre-production” (before the project is officially launched), can make for a far more harmonious relationship between the architect and the QS of a project.

We offer the potential for substantial value engineering. For example, when we consult, we can inform the architect what balustrades would be more suitable for a luxurious block of flats, which would often include a lot of glass and other materials that create a premium high quality feel for the building, while giving the QS a heads-up of what materials are available, how much would be required and what they could expect to pay.

This early consult can help the architect, QS and client all start off on the same page in terms of expectations with regards to what they imagine are possible versus what they are willing to pay or are able to even have access to in reality.

The Design Phase

The design phase of a project is a great time for reputable sub-contractors to weigh-in because of our unique experience and ability to guide the QS and architect team towards the best possible solutions.

If, for example, I were to consult an architect and QS designing a large student accommodation, I would arrive at the meeting with balustrade solutions that would be strong and student-proof, that would be compliant and long-lasting but economical and modern in design at the same time.

Our years of experience as a balustrade specialist and market-leading sub-contractor would add enormous value to the major financial decisions that a QS and architect will have to arrive at together.

The Tender Process

The truth is that a tender hits my desk they often lack cohesion between the BOQ and the architects drawings. This lack of cohesion or quality within the BOQ leads to the subcontractor using their own interpretation that might differ wildly for one sub-contractor to the next.

When I get a call from an architect and QS team asking me to come and chat with them, it allows me to help them create a much more specific and watertight BOQ. This high quality BOQ will ensure uniformity in the submissions received from all tenders and easier adjudication process.

When I can inform them about balustrade materials, quantities, design and cost options, it allows the QS to have a much better idea of what his budgetary requirements and limitations will be and also informs the architect about what may be possible for the vision he has for his design plans.

The Cast and Crew

Continuing with the movie analogy. When the architect/director and QS/producer make use of reputable and professional sub-contractors/cast and crew, it results in a much better overall production.

In a movie, the director and producer may be as skilled and brilliant as you like, but if less than adequate cast and crew is used, the movie will probably be a flop. Cheaper and lesser-known actors may cause the movie to be made with a smaller budget but it will probably also cause an embarrassing bomb at the box-office.

The same thing can be applied to sub-contractors. Lesser-known and more affordable suppliers can always be sourced but they won’t draw the same happy audience as the ones who have earned their reputation and have proven time and again that they know what they're doing.

Dealing with the Client

Keeping with the Hollywood theme, architects and QS’s sometimes have to deal with clients who behave like A list lead actors. Demanding diva’s if you will and understandably so, since they are the ones funding these massive projects. It is only natural that they will want the best that they can have for as little money as possible.

The sooner a client’s expectations can be managed, the better for both architect and QS. It’s no use the architect is given free rein to design something spectacular but the QS is throttled with a budget that hardly allows for anything that resembles remarkable.

Including suppliers in these initial consultations between the architect and QS, can help them find common ground and as a team we can better manage the clients expectations.

To take this one step further I would even invite the client into the room early on to join in on the workshopping of various ideas at different price points.

Who gets the Oscar?

If you’ve ever watched the Oscars you’ve probably noticed that the movies that clean-up the most awards are a collaborative effort.

It’s not just because the director was brilliant, the lead actor was outstanding or the producer was particularly resourceful, it’s usually because of a combination of all these things that the movie is a hit.
An outstanding architect and QS team that makes use of only the best sub-contractors would work in the same way. Together we could make a smash hit and then all of us get to walk away as a winner.

Give us a call.