An award-winning project
As a complete rebuild after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, this 224sqm architecturally designed three-bedroom home is a complete labour of love.
The sophisticated combination of vertical lines and angled roof serve to create a unique indoor/outdoor flow. Natural light flows keenly throughout the indoor space, highlighting the unique combination of Japanese inspired screens and charred larch cladding. All cleverly woven together to complement an eclectic collection of worldly souvenirs which have helped transform this clever hillside oasis, into a home of originality, story, and warmth.
It’s understandable why home-owners Sue and Steve are proud of what they have created. And considering this was the couple’s first ever home-build, they are thrilled with the result.
So too are building company SC Builders who worked closely with the couple to help manifest their bespoke vision. In fact, in his 25 years of building, SC Builders Founder Steve Cliff said this was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding projects he’d ever worked on.
“When we finished that job, the client was happy, we were happy, and together, we’ve created an amazing looking house,” he said. “And we are really proud of it, one of our favourite houses for sure.”
The need for an independent and objective project manager
It is fair to say that this project wasn’t without its challenges. Both client Sue and builder Steve Cliff agree that a large part of the projects’ success can be attributed to the efforts of Nathan Lang, owner and co-founder of Focus Project Services (Focus).
Recommended to Sue by a friend, Nathan was approached for his project management and communication services at a time when the homeowners were struggling to get plans and a contract bedded down, and confirm a way forward.
Cue Nathan, who entered the process after multiple design and build - price revisions, which led to the parties losing track of what had been priced, versus the original price proposed. The ultimate worst case confusion when in the beginning phase of building a house.
Contract revision and a centralised document register
The Focus Project Services team were brought into the process as an objective party, with the task of firming up the disconnect between the design package and the overall pricing for the contract.
With the Architect already engaged, Nathan’s task was to restructure the builder’s tender values to best align with the adjusted design costs and create a plan as to how they were to be managed going forward.
“Our job was to assist mainly with the contract process - we came on board to advise and ensure all contractual requirements were fulfilled, which left the client to enjoy making ‘the nice decisions’,” Nathan summarised.
He was also conscious of the need to create a strong, centralised and transparent framework, in which all parties could trust.
“Beyond pulling the elements of the project into one space, we needed to create clear communication lines between all parties and ensure all technical and financial aspects of the project remained on track.”
A centralised contract register
Once Focus Project Services were officially on board, Nathan focused on creating a project Documentation Register, into which all drawings, specifications and associated contract documentation was centralised.
“Nathan was incredible – he helped us unravel what was in that contract and worked with the builder to determine the way forward,” Sue explained.
Steve also agreed that Focus came on board at a critical point in the project and defined Nathan’s contribution as invaluable. He believed the pulling together of all previous versions of the design documentation and associated costings into “one concise document” was the key catalyst to helping the project move forward.
“The job was in a stalemate at one point,” he explained. “There were a number of tweaks and changes throughout the design phase, which needed to be priced multiple times,” he said.
“Without their help, it would have taken a lot longer for us to get it all sorted – they got all the information and pricing together and made it comfortable for everyone to push forward.”
Tracking of costs, variations, and budget
From the homeowner’s perspective, the regular tracking of costs, collation and reporting of variations, cost alignment, advice around budget, and end-of-month invoicing was the key to creating trust in the process.
“That gave us complete peace of mind that we were on track and that we were paying appropriately - Nathan would let us know if anything was out of line or if there was need for concern.”
Sue reiterated how well the centralised process worked, especially around pricing and costs.
“Nathan was mindful of costs and didn’t want to incur additional costs where we didn’t need to – but anything that was a key moment, especially in the early days, he would come on site where there were big decisions,” she said.
“Even though they mainly focused on contract management, they were good sounding boards for pricing and looking at the contract and costs - they would advise on areas that were under-cooked or over-cooked, so their quantity surveying experience was very valuable.”
Sue added: “He was always looking at how tidy the site was, as that is an indication of the quality of the work in itself – pride of the site – and that was so important to us as well.”
Project Management
Steve said he was grateful for the experience and expertise Nathan brought to the project. Although he usually project manages his new-builds, he felt it was right to outsource such a unique and sophisticated build to an experienced project manager.
“Admittedly, I was sceptical at the start, as I was not sure how well it would go for a third party to come into the project so far through the design and pricing process, but it ended up working incredibly well for us, as well as for the client,” he said.
Steve agreed that the project timeline and budget was pretty accurate as a result of Focus’ involvement and the project ran much more smoothly.
“Everyone knew where they were, exactly what they were supposed to be doing, all based off the pricing which had been updated and centralised into the one document,” he said.
Quantity surveying expertise
Sue also valued the quantity surveying knowledge and experience Focus was able to offer. She said it provided her with more certainty on how to manage certain elements of the project.
“There were many examples like that where he was a great sounding board and there were times when we needed to pull back and change tack, because the materials that we wanted cost more than our budget allowed,” she explained.
“Nathan was happy to advise, for example, when we had a discussion around the materials for our kitchen cabinets: he advised that veneer or melamine would be a better value option than solid timber, so we went back to the joiner to see what he could do, and we ended up saving on costs significantly.”
Excellent communication
“Nathan’s communication was excellent and outstanding – always prompt, detailed and clear,” said Sue.
This sentiment was echoed by Steve, who enjoyed working alongside Nathan and the team and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
“They’re great - they were always positive and super helpful as well.”
Noting that communication is key for success within the building industry, Steve was further complimentary of Nathan’s strong communication skills.
“Some of the emails sent through to him contained a lot of detail, but his responses were always professional and very well written, informative, and to the point, which made it helpful in knowing what to do next”.
Another huge benefit of Nathan’s ability to communicate and work well with all parties left little room for conflict.
“That’s were a lot of projects fall short, when builders don’t communicate with clients, and that’s when it can get really tricky.”
“But when invoicing was coming through at the end of every month, it was very clear on what was needed to be paid, which made it great for everyone.”
“There was simply no room for conflict once Focus came on board.”
Highly recommended
As to whether Sue would recommend the project management services of Focus Project Services to anyone looking to build a new home?
“Absolutely! Even though this was an additional cost to the project, it gave us a great peace of mind,” confirmed Sue.
“It was so good knowing there was someone independent who was there for us, representing our best interests – that was really important”.
Steve said he would be more than happy to work with Focus Project Services again.
“Even though I’ve been in the building industry for 25-years, having that independent person in the background was super helpful,” he confirmed.
Steve added that he would also recommend clients to engage Focus for larger-scale, high-end, architectural projects.
“Some of the hill-side architectural jobs can be hugely technical, and when the client is spending a lot of money, it’s important for the process to be open and visual - everyone needs to see exactly what they are getting, without any hidden surprises,” he explained.
“Nathan’s particular involvement was key – he was always available when you needed, and as soon as he came on board, the process ran much more smoothly,” he explained.
“They did a great job – 100%.”
For more detail on the processes used throughout this project, head over to our News Page and read through the
Focus Process at Glenstrae Rd.
