SERVICES

    Services

    Building a property, particularly a larger one such as a high-end architecturally designed home or a commercial building, means negotiating a minefield of consent issues, contractor selection, supplier and trade coordination and potential cost overruns.

    That’s where our exceptional combination of project management and quantity surveying skills can help. We can take care of every aspect of the process, keep the project on time and up to date, and – through detailed quantity surveying up front and careful management throughout the build – ensure there are no nasty suprises. In fact in many cases we can also save you money in the long run!

    Focus provides services in both residential and commercial sectors on both new and existing building projects throughout New Zealand. These include:
    • Quantity Surveying and Project Management on high-end architectural housing
    • Commercial projects such as Retirement Village developments
    • Apartment Blocks, Office Blocks, Retail and insurance assessment and structural upgrade projects.
    Focus can manage as much, or as little, of the process as you require and the project dictates. 

    Quantity Surveying

    The role of a Quantity Surveyor, in broad terms, is the person who is responsible for the financial aspects associated with building projects - from conception - assisting with budget development, through to completion - finalising accounts with the Principal or Builder. Quantity Surveyors work in various roles whether it be a Professional Quantity Surveyor ('PQS') - working directly for the 'client', a 'builders' Quantity Surveyor, or a subcontracting Quantity Surveyor. Our Quantity Surveyors are proficient in all aspects of quantity surveying and can assist with the following:
    • Project budget development and cost planning;
    • Cost check and design cost management;
    • Tender procurement - we can facilitate the entire tender process for clients directly, or for client representatives or key stakeholders;
    • Manage all financial aspects of a project from contract development through to contract administration, such as payment claim management, variation management and final account management;
    • For our builder clients we assist with tender management and tender preparation and submission;
    • Assist our builder clients with all 'financial' aspects of their projects by managing the payment claims, variation price establishment and assistance with their final accounts.

    Project Management

    The role Project Manager is succinctly defined as ’the person responsible for the planning and execution of a particular project’. Our Project Managers operate as the ‘hub’ around which all project activities revolve. We work hard to develop close relationships with key stakeholders, establish and define project goals and parameters of the project, then set to work to provide a successful outcome for our clients via the following means: 
    • Programme development and management – from high level, development stage programmes, through to detailed construction sequencing programmes – as the project stage requires;
    • Consultant engagement and design management – selecting the right team of designers for the project and then making sure the team works together for the best overall outcome for the client;
    • Contractor procurement – selecting and engaging the Contractor/s that best ‘fit’ the project; 
    • Project control and monitoring – project cost, health and safety overview, adherence to programme;
    • Quality assurance – ensuring not only quality of the final finishes, but the items that you don’t necessarily see but are just as important, the structural elements and the services as well;
    • Project close out – a successful project is only as good as the finished product. 

    Contract Administration

    The Contract Administrator for a company or an organisation is responsible for the management of contracts, including approval of any necessary changes to a contract that may be needed over the course of its execution. This is to ensure the project is completed in accordance with the contract in place and is executed to realise the agreed budget, programme and quality requirements stipulated in the contract. Focus pride ourselves on ensuring that building contracts are administered in accordance with the contract conditions. We ensure that:
    • Contracts are executed correctly, and the contract conditions are adhered to; 
    • Payment claims are reviewed and processed in accordance with the Construction Contracts Act; 
    • Variations are managed in accordance with the contract conditions - including claimed variation review, processing and approvals; 
    • Retentions are held where applicable, and in line with the terms of the contract;
    • Accurate forecasting of the ‘cost to complete’ for the project is maintained to ensure that there are no financial surprises;
    • Final accounts management is completed- including the review and approval process for project close out.

    How Can We Help You?

    Click on a question below to see how Focus can help.

    Are you thinking about building a new home?

    Then you’ll no doubt have plenty of questions such as:

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Just how much will this project cost?

    • Our Quantity Surveyors can estimate the cost of your proposed building project very early in the piece. This is done initially by using the concept documents to establish a high-level cost indication. We appreciate that at this stage in the process you don’t want to commit too much capital. But having an early indication of cost will really help you assess viability and ensure the cost fits within your budget. You are then in a much better position to decide whether you can continue, or if you need to adjust your plans to better fit your needs and budget.

  • What about Design?

    • Our Project Managers work closely with the various related professionals such as Architects, Structural Engineers, Service Engineers, Interior Designers. So they can make sure the plans drawn for your new home are exactly what you want.

  • Consent – can you assist with this?

    • Absolutely! Our Project Managers work closely with Planners and Design Consultants to ensure all consenting requirements are met , then liaise on your behalf with the Territorial or Local Authority to monitor the consent processing and avoid any unnecessary delays.

  • How do I find a builder?

    • Exciting times ahead! When you’re ready to start, our team will work closely with you to secure the best people for your project. We will prepared detailed tender documentation to ensure potential contractors have a very clear idea of what is involved, then invite selected Building Contractors to tender for the project. We will then review each tender to ensure the contractor has allowed for every aspect of the build. ‘The devil is in the detail’ so this is an important part of the process as it helps to iron out any potential risk to you and helps you understand the difference between tenders received.
      We then prepare a report for you summarising findings, this will also show a clear comparison between tenders received to help you select which builder you would like to work with. Once the builder is selected, our Quantity Surveyors will prepare Contract Documentation for signing by all parties.

  • Can you manage our building project?

    • Definitely! Whether you’re the hands on type wanting close involvement in your project or too busy getting on with your day to day business, our full Project and Contract Management services can be tailored to best suit you.
      We can do any or all of the following for you:
      • Develop and monitor a construction related programme - this includes close liaison with, and management of, the selected building contractor to ensure targets are met and the project is completed in a timely fashion;
      • We will regularly inspect the work in progress, and (without diminishing responsibilities of any other consultants), ensure all work is being carried out in compliance with the project brief;
      • Liaise with Contractors to ensure a robust QA (Quality Assurance) system is implemented. Then monitor construction on site to ensure all work is of a high standard, and any remedial action required is carried out promptly;
      • Manage all building finances on your behalf. This involves assessing the building contractor’s payment claims, reviewing and approving variations claimed by the building contractor, providing you with monthly financial updates and reports, and settling the final account with the building contractor.

    • Do you require Project Management and/or Quantity Surveying on your commercial project?

    Project Management

    We can either work with you in the dual role of Client Representative / Project Manager, or as a Project Manager liaising directly with you or your representative. Either way our priority would be to develop close relationships to help achieve a successful outcome.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Project control; includes:

    • • Implementing a management and meeting structure;
      • Preparing a detailed budget which is monitored regularly, reporting monthly on performance against budget;
      • Regular work inspections and liaison with Contractors to ensure a robust QA system is implemented, monitoring construction on site to ensure consistently high quality workmanship, and ensuring any remedial action is undertaken promptly;
      • Monitoring consultant activity and any tests required during the project;
      • Providing you with regular reports as and when required.

  • Consultant Management; includes:

    • • Coordinating fees and conditions of engagement of consultants, making sure they carry the appropriate professional indemnity insurance, and ensuring all documentation they produce is accurate and timely;
      • Evaluating options during the design and documentation phases to ensure maximum value for money in all expenditure;
      • Managing consultants, administering their fees and providing you with regular comparison of expenditure against budget and the anticipated cost to complete.

  • Design services; we can:

    • • Prepare a brief outlining the project description and objectives for your approval;
      • Direct and monitor design development and documentation to ensure it complies with the brief;
      • Prepare monthly project reports for you on all relevant issues;
      • Ensure that the approved programme, budget and project quality are maintained;
      • Develop a design programme and consult with you progressively throughout the design development;
      • Ensure that technical and plant equipment are to the appropriate standard and will provide reliable and economical service throughout the life of the facility (in-conjunction with the consultant team);
      • Ensure that the building structure, fabric and finishes are of the appropriate standard and suitable for the facility’s purpose.

  • Authority requirements; we can:

    • • Manage the timely submission of documentation to relevant authorities and assist with any communication required;
      • Ensure the final clearance is obtained from relevant authorities in relation to tendering and contract documents as quickly as possible.

  • Completion phase; we can:

    • • Ensure that formal notices of practical and final completion are issued when appropriate;
      • Arrange for handover of the building at completion;
      • Facilitate the arrangement of appropriate insurance in conjunction with your insurance advisors;
      • Ensure that all monetary adjustments between client and contractor have been accounted for;
      • Ensure that all maintenance and service manuals for installations, plant and equipment have been prepared and handed over;
      • Ensure that all operating procedures have been demonstrated and all appropriate maintenance contracts have been arranged.

    • Quantity Surveying

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Financial Management; we can:

    • • Investigate the most appropriate option for contracting the works;
      • Tender / negotiate contract sums with contractors and sub-contractors. If these exceed budget, we can review and advise you on options available to either meet the budget or re-cost;
      • Make recommendations to the client in relation to tender acceptances and ensure the proper execution of contracts.

  • Construction phase; we can:

    • • Ensure the proper administration of the head contract and of any separate contracts;
      • Brief you or your representative regularly on progress, variation status, forecast final costs and other relevant matters;
      • Make recommendations in respect to any matters arising during construction;
      • Liaise with your bank Quantity Surveyor (bank QS) and assist with the claims certification process;
      • Provide instructions and directions to the consultants in clear and precise terms;
      • Provide you with a project cash flow and amend this when required;
      • Check and issue progress payment schedules and certificates for contractors and sub-contractors on a monthly basis, in accordance with the CCA;
      • In the event of any disputes arising with contractors, notify you of the details of the relevant issues, and endeavour to resolve the dispute on your behalf;
      • Assist you and your insurance broker in effecting and maintaining appropriate insurances for the project;
      • Ensure that all warranties and guarantees have been provided;
      • Settle the contractor’s final accounts.

    • Are you dealing with insurance companies?

    Are you still battling with EQC or your insurer regarding your earthquake related repair? Have you been offered a Cash Settlement to cover the repair or rebuild of your home or business, but are unsure as to whether the offer will cover the costs to undertake the repair work should you choose to do so?

    We have helped many of our clients navigate their way through to a successful and fair repair/ rebuild Cash Settlement with their insurers. Nine times out of ten, our service has increased the Cash Settlement offer. On the very rare occasion when our assessment has been in line with the insurance proposal, our client has at least gained certainty around whether or not to accept the insurer’s offer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Focus Quantity Surveyors assist our insurance related clients via the following process:

    • • Obtain and review all documentation issued to you to date, including geotechnical, architectural and engineering reports;
      • Ascertain whether the proposed repair strategy and scope is robust and complete - this may require additional engineering consultation and reporting for complete accuracy;
      • Visit the property and undertake detailed on-site scoping and measurement of building elements, areas, and surrounding landscape components (if required);
      • Provide a detailed scope of works schedule based on the repair strategy arrived upon (if required);
      • Establish costs for repair work;
      • Meet with you and your broker/ solicitor to present and discuss the repair strategy and associated budget;
      • Liaise with you, your broker/ solicitor and your insurer as required and address any questions raised on your behalf.

    • Do you own an earthquake prone building?

    If you own a building that is deemed by the Territorial Authority to be Earthquake Prone, your building will be subject to upgrade requirements within a timeframe established by local Territorial Authority. This can be a challenging and daunting prospect for building owners, property managers and, of course, your tenants.

    We can assist you to plan and manage the upgrades whilst maintaining a clear dialogue with all involved. The efficiency we bring to this process ensures that the building is bought up to the required Building Code requirements as soon as possible, so you can get your tenants back into the building and back to business.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • We do this by:

    • • Liaising with the client and stakeholders.
      Assisting you to select and engage a structural engineer and any other Design Consultants required;
      • Working with the project Structural Engineer and other Design Consultants (if required) to produce construction level documentation;
      • Assisting with formulating associated upgrade costs and developing and managing a Cost Plan;
      • Procuring a Building Contractor;
      • Managing the selected Contractor through to completion of the project to ensure cost, quality and time aspects are well managed on your behalf;
      • Liaising with the project Structural Engineer to ensure work is completed in a sequence and timing that best suits your needs;
      • Managing the payment claim process on your behalf and issuing payment schedules and certificates;
      • Managing the Building Contractor’s variation claims and reporting on both actual and forecast cost to complete;
      • Establishing and overseeing quality management, defect identification and remediation to ensure a high quality build and finish;
      • Ensuring that health and safety systems are established, implemented and adhered to in accordance with current legislation;
      • Throughout the project, we will be the central point of contact, reporting back regularly to you to ensure you are kept up to date.

    • Builders: need help with that Tender?

    Tendering or quoting for future work is the core of every Builder’s or Contractor’s business. But it takes time and soaks up important resources which could be better directed towards your current projects. We can help ease the workload by handling your tender procurement, managing the entire tender process including trade scoping, tender invitations and sub-contractor liaison. However, we do appreciate each business functions differently, so we can also just focus on selected aspects of the tender process. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • Here’s a snippet of the specific services we offer in relation to Tendering:

    • • Review all tender documentation;
      • Undertake a detailed ‘take off’ of materials associated with the Builder’s works trades;
      • Apply market based ‘labour constants’ to the quantities taken off;
      • Utilising your supply chain (if requested) we can apply supplier rates to the materials taken off in order to compile a Builder’s Trade quote for use in your tender submission;
      • Provide a trade summary for you to cross reference against subcontractors you have invited to tender (we can assist with subcontractor quotation procurement if required) and those trades for which quotations may be required;
      • Assist you with compiling a preliminaries and general breakdown;
      • Review and ‘de-tag’ subcontractor quotations (procured by yourself or Focus depending on your requirements) and enter these into the trade summary (in Buildsoft Estimating Software);
      • Meet with you to discuss the Builder’s trade works, preliminary and general, general tender build-up and margin to be applied;
      • Write a tender offer letter for submission of your tender.

    • Our service is collaborative and interactive. We encourage regular meetings during this process to ensure you are completely satisfied with the outcome at the conclusion of the tender process.

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • In addition, we also offer ongoing cost management. This includes:

    • • Assistance with setting up subcontracts;
      • Assistance with establishing budgets – we work closely with your Project Manager to establish a ‘coded’ project budget;
      • Issue all project documentation (including budgets against each trade, subcontractor quotes, correspondence re negotiations etc) in a file that the Site Manager can easily reference;
      • Assist with monthly claims;
      • Monitor progress – monthly, or as the project requires - and assist with the payment claim to your client;
      • Ensure the project is cashflow positive;
      • Check Sub-contractor claims for inclusion in your payment claim;
      • Ensure variations are accounted for within payment claims where applicable;
      • Assist with variation management;
      • Maintain a variation register;
      • Liaise closely with the Site Manager (Foreman);
      • Price all variations – including chasing and managing Sub-contractor variations to the head contract;
      • Liaise with the Client / Client Rep on your behalf and ensure any questions are addressed to close out / approve variations issued;
      • Forecast variation costs on the register to keep you abreast of the forecast final account;
      • Assist with managing Sub-contractor accounts and variations;
      • Assist with labour monitoring;
      • Obtain timesheets (monthly) – and monitor labour expenditure against budget and forecast labour required to completion. This ensures you have the information to investigate and potentially avert any “blowouts”. (Tracking regularly ensures that issues can be established/ mitigated without surprises at the end of a project. If an issue arises early enough and the Foreman is made aware – attempts to mitigate can be made early);
      • Assist with Final Account;
      • Assist to close out the Contract with your client and to close out sub-contracts.

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