Key Project Facts
Location – Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Project Type – Single Storey Rear Extension & Full House Refurbishment
Services – Construction Project Management & Contract Administration
Timeline – 6 months
Project Value – Circa £380K
Project Overview
Transforming a dated 1960’s family home into a spacious and airy ‘Scandinavian’ paradise! Having lived in the property for some years, the clients needed additional space on the ground floor. In addition they desperately wanted to modernise the whole house with a new kitchen, utility room, study and gym to move away from the 1960 decor. Having never taken on a large project before, they knew independent Project Management support was essential to lead them every step of the way.
Once planning was granted to add a single storey rear extension (and the Architect had produced the Building Regulation drawings), the Minniedale team met the clients to understand their aims for the project. This led onto the development of a detailed Schedule of Works which pulled together the information on the drawings and filled in any gaps so a full specification could be shared with each contractor for tender. The competitive tender gave the clients confidence in the figures and choice of three competent contractors.
Following a cost cutting exercise (to ensure we were within budget) we appointed the chosen contractor, signed a JCT contract and planned for the start date. We then carried out our full Building Project Management and Contract Administration services from the first day on site right through to hand over and the 6 month defect period.
Our Role
Minniedale Projects’ involvement began once the Architect produced the Building Regulation drawings.
Key responsibilities included:
- Preparing a detailed Schedule of Works to define project scope and enable accurate tendering
- Managing the competitive tender process and undertake a cost cutting exercise to ensure client budget was met
- Coordinating Building Control inspections and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards
- Monitoring construction progress, programme, and quality to ensure delivery on time and within budget
- Acting as the primary point of contact for the client, ensuring clear communication and structured decision-making throughout
Project Challenges
The clients wanted to live in the property for part of the build to reduce rental fees and free budget to help achieve their vision. This presented a few challenges;
Planning Access : Discussions were held at a very early stage to plan how the builders would access the property and where materials and waste could be stored. The clients still required access on the drive and to their front door. Setting the expectations early for both contractor and client allowed the site to flow without affecting the clients.
Staging the Work: In order to minimise disruption, we started the rear extension first as the majority of this work could be undertaken without knocking through into the main house. This meant the existing kitchen, electrics, plumbing etc could be left untouched and no dust or mess entered the house. Only once the footings were poured, block and beam in and walls up to plate height did we then plan the knock through while they were away on holiday. A temporary insulated wall was erected to partition the extension from the rest of the house to enable the clients to live in the house without the disruption of dust and the outside elements! This wall moved a few times as the work progressed and it was only at the point where the existing kitchen needed to be stripped out did they need to move out for the rest of the build programme.
Through proactive building project management and contract administration, these challenges were successfully managed, ensuring safety, compliance, quality and timely completion.
Independent Project Management & Client Assurance
As an independent consultancy, Minniedale Projects provided objective advice and transparent oversight, giving the client confidence throughout the project lifecycle.
Our role as Building Project Manager and Contract Administrator ensured cost control, programme management and regulatory compliance, while maintaining open communication with the client at every stage.
Outcome
The clients were thrilled with the results and thoroughly enjoyed each step having someone on hand to ask questions and update them regularly. The work transformed the house into a calm, well-lit place to work, rest and entertain. They still talk about the process fondly which is a great testament to the Minniedale team and chosen contractor all working together.
Client Testimonial
‘’We have been extremely happy with every aspect of the process. Chris has been a pro-active and knowledgable intermediary between us and the builder, keeping us informed of progress, solutions and costs along the way. Chris was involved in everything from tendering the build, picking builders, the build, selection and management of all glassworks, coordination with the kitchen company until the completion of the project. Chris was on site approximately 2 times a week from start to finish.
– Fredrick Wolff
He is approachable, understanding and also built a great relationship with the builder, which also helped smooth the project. We had an ambitious time scale starting out and many people warned we would be off time / costs but thanks for Chris we came in on time / budget.
We could not have been happier and would recommend him every day of the week.”
Learn more about our construction project management services.
