Building Construction Services

Building Design Services | Building Specifications | Building Contract Administration

Project Management | Feasibility Reports | Residential Building Plans

Lawrence-Vacher provide a building design and specification service to commercial, residential and public sector clients covering new build, extensions, alterations, conversion and refurbishment of existing buildings and the redevelopment of underutilised or redundant buildings and land.

Our services include an initial assessment of the clients requirements and advice on the feasibility of the project, preparation of outline plans for consideration and agreement, preparation of detailed plans and submissions for planning and building regulation approval. The drawings can be supported by a detailed specification to fully describe the project and provide a basis for tendering by contractors.

Where the project requires, we work closely with other consultants - architects, structural engineers, services engineers - to fully integrate the design to meet the client's aspirations and budget.

Our building design service can be undertaken as a standalone commission, but is often combined with contract administration to provide the client with a comprehensive service from inception to completion of building works.

Building construction is a complex process and skilful management can be the key to success in meeting the requirements of the client and controlling expenditure and time. Employing a contract administrator removes the client from the day-to-day management of the building project and reduces risk and the potential for conflict. Lawrence-Vacher has successfully overseen construction projects of behalf of local authorities, commercial and residential clients for over forty years enabling us to bring a wealth of experience to this role.

As contract administrator we advise on procurement, tender the project, assist the client in the appointment of the contractor and prepare the contract documents. We arrange commencement of the work and carry out regular site visits to monitor the progress, quality and compliance with the specification, deal with variations and certify payments to the contractor. At completion we scrutinise documents and agree the final account with the contractor. Following completion we administer the rectification (defects liability) provisions of the contract.

Throughout the process we work closely with the client and prepare regular reports on progress and expenditure.

Project management combines the roles of architectural and building design with contract administration to provide overall management of a construction project from its inception, through the design and construction phases, to the completion of building works.

When appointed as project managers Lawrence-Vacher work closely with clients to help them realise their objectives within an agreed timescale and budget. Our involvement throughout the project ensures a continuity of management that eases the process, facilitates timely decision making and reduces risk and uncertainty.

We are able to recognise and design out problems early in the project resulting in savings in cost and time during the construction phase. In complex projects we identify the need for and integrate the role of other consultants or specialist contractors and ensure their appointment at the appropriate time to reduce the risk of delay.

The role of project manager brings a strategic view to the process that is an important element in the successful completion of a construction project.

Lawrence-Vacher prepare feasibility reports to advise clients on the potential for development of land or buildings. We discuss the client's requirements to establish the outline of the project and agree the scope of service to be provided.

In investigating the options for development we consider the effect of:

planning constraints
health and safety issues
building regulations and other statutory controls
party wall matters
environmental issues

We advise the client on the need for other consultants and co-ordinate their input into the feasibility process.

Our final report contains advice on possible courses of action for development including cost implications and advantages/disadvantages and presents outline proposals and budget costs of the options to be considered.

For clients wishing to alter or extend their home, we can prepare plans and deal with planning and building regulation applications to the Council.

After an initial discussion and measurement, we prepare outline plans for your consideration. Once the scheme is agreed with you, we develop the plans with the information needed for the planning application and the construction details required to show compliance with the building regulations and submit the applications on your behalf. We monitor the progress of the applications and report to you.

Plans can be prepared for extensions, alterations and loft conversions and for the conversion of houses into flats. We can advise on the effect of Council planning policies and guide you towards the most appropriate solution to your requirements.

Where necessary, our service will include the structural design of beams and other elements, thus avoiding the need to appoint a separate engineer.

The service can be undertaken as a standalone commission or be combined with contract administration to provide you with a comprehensive service from project inception to completion of building works.

Lawrence-Vacher prepare building specifications for a wide range of commercial, residential and public sector minor works and construction projects. With or without project drawings, the specification provides a detailed description of the standards of workmanship and materials to be employed and sets down requirements for the organisation of the work including site management, health and safety and the general conduct of the contractor. The specification includes a schedule of works that, when priced by the contractor, provides a basis for cost management of the project.

The specification is compiled to meet the intentions of the client and the particularly requirements of the building work and is an essential tool for achieving a successful outcome of construction projects ranging from small repairs to large commercial developments.