Development monitoring is generally undertaken on behalf of funders, owners and potential occupiers of property – giving a voice to those who, under the common forms of building contract, often have no channel through which to raise their concerns over issues concerning specification compliance, quality, cost and programming of a development. For them it is vital that the development work is properly executed. Ultimately they will have a far greater exposure to risk than the developer or his professional team whose interest will typically come to an end when the building is completed, sold on or let. In essence development monitoring is about ensuring that the end product meets with expectations.
Experience
Our development monitoring team is both well established and fast expanding. We have significant experience to draw upon - the combined value of project experience within our core team now amounts to over £660m. Currently we are monitoring developments ranging from £1m to over £400m.
Crucially, we also have considerable hands-on experience on the ‘other side’ – that is, in running construction projects ourselves as project managers, contract administrators or quantity surveyors. This means that, as development monitors, we are adept at analysing project documentation and anticipating risks. One of the most important rules of a development monitor is to verify the accuracy of certificates of valuation (which is the mechanism by which the contractors gets paid for his work as the development progresses), and here too our experience of monitoring and administering projects of all sizes is also invaluable.
Aside from the more obvious design and construction issues sometimes even the simplest developments will require unavoidable specialist input - for instance in rights of light and party walls. As specialist building surveyors offering a complete range of services we are, where it is required, able to draw on their knowledge in-house.
Independent but involved
Although we are, as development monitor, independent from the construction team we work hard to ensure that we are not viewed as project ‘policemen’ or obstructive to the overall process but rather as development facilitators. Whilst naturally we are familiar with the detail of a scheme we are also uniquely placed to stand back and look at the wider picture. This, coupled with our experience, allows us to identify and address potential problems and to minimise and positively mitigate risks for the benefit of all parties before they become major issues, thus avoiding unnecessary delays.
Tailored service
Development monitoring can take on many forms and we specially tailor our service, reporting methods and formats to suit the precise requirements of each client and each development. The number and range of clients and developments, from all over the world, demonstrates our diversity.
Development monitoring products
- Development monitoring for landlord
- Development monitoring for funders
- Development monitoring for end-user
- Technical due diligence
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