Choose your high-end builder early on in the project
Builders – good builders – do more than build from a set of drawings. We make sure those drawings will work: that the building will function as required, be structurally sound, look good, and fall within budget and timescale. It’s called ‘buildability’ – taking an architect’s vision and planning the build. It makes sense, therefore, to choose your high-end builder early on in the project.
A good builder is in at the beginning – on the design team alongside the architect and their client, the property owner. In this blog we look at the benefits of having Galower on your team right from the get-go.
Buildability without compromising the vision
Collaborating from the outset allows us to identify and address potential challenges. Together with an architect, we establish project goals, define scope, and develop a cohesive strategy that guides every aspect of the project’s development. By default, this proactive approach minimises delays and costly revisions later in the project. Our goal is a seamless transition from design to construction.
In this blog, we look at five key elements of a high-end project build. The sooner we can get these rolling, the better the outcome of the whole project:
- Working alongside the architect to build their vision
- Communicating clearly and regularly with all parties
- Paying close attention to logistics
- Developing a pragmatic schedule
- Managing the cost plan
There’s a logical order to these elements, and a lot of cross-over.
1. Working alongside the architect to build their vision
Through a collaborative approach, design boundaries can be pushed, and a beautiful property will emerge, particularly if choose your high-end builder early on in the project. Our 45+ years’ experience as high-end builders means we have valuable and broad insights into alternative materials, construction methods and design solutions.
The most successful projects are those where we work with the architect right from the earliest stage. It gives us the chance to understand what the architect and their client really want. It allows us to take on any challenges or misconceptions about how an aspect of the build can be achieved.
With older properties, we are sensitive to preserving authenticity and anticipating the inevitable pitfalls. Experience shows that the earlier we become involved in the conversion and renovation of period properties, the more successful the project will turn out.
If we are to preserve successfully the architect’s design aesthetic and ensure structural integrity, we need time to explore alternative construction methods and material options early on. For example, focusing on bespoke joinery to ensure every bit of space is used in a small city apartment. It takes time for a skilled joiner and carpenter to build a beautiful staircase or create elegant storage that uses every inch of space.
2. Communicating clearly and regularly with all parties
Creating an early synergy between the architect and Galower Build is vital. It makes communication easer and encourages a culture of openness and positive action that involves everyone as the project progresses. Beyond our very clear process of reporting and consulting, we pay great attention to keeping everyone on board and able to contribute. This includes the property owner and all 3rd party suppliers, such as kitchen designers and garden landscapers. It means challenges are overcome and opportunities captured.
Together with the high quality of our build, it’s our communication skills that home-owners remember about working with Galower Build. They look forward to updates, take their responsibilities on the project seriously, are motivated at each stage and incredibly excited as the build unfolds.
Some property owners are on site regularly, others we update on video call in their office 1,000’s of miles away. Whatever the arrangement, we keep them fully informed and up-dated with progress as well as evaluating and consulting on finishes, fixtures and fittings.
This kind of relationship is best achieved as soon as possible to give us the best chance of creating a positive, trusted relationship. So, choose your builder as soon as you can.
3. Paying close attention to logistics
Logistics is the process of planning and organising to make sure that resources are in place when you need them. We plan for people and materials based on an assessment undertaken during buildability of the project. This then feeds into the whole project management system.
It’s very difficult to plan a complicated framework for building a multi-million pound property based on someone else’s buildability data. Yet, that’s often the scenario if a building contractor is brought in at a later stage – after the design has been approved, costed out and a schedule set. It’s not impossible, just not ideal.
Take the logistics of a city-based high-end build, for example; we’re best place to work out how we deliver materials to and remove from a site with reduced access and storage facilities. We might need to opt for a modular construction approach, combining on and off-site fabrication and build.
4. Developing a pragmatic schedule
The buildability stage determines the schedule. Take a basement build project, for example. Building below ground is something we do regularly, sometimes involving the whole footprint of a property. Consequently, we know that no two basement projects are the same. We plan a careful underpinning, excavating a metre at a time and making new supports along the way. Gradually, the space for the basement is created, with the existing building supported by brand new foundations. That’s the general process but the amount of time it takes is on a project-by-project basis.
That kind of planning and scheduling is best done by Galower having been part of the project team early on.
5. Managing the cost plan
As an experienced building contractor, Galower has an holistic and up-to-date knowledge of materials and labour costs, including using specialist trades people. Working alongside an architect as they create the vision, we get a clear idea of any budget constraints, and how we can best manage costs as the project progresses.
We go through different stages of estimating – from feasibility to definitive – each getting progressively more accurate as the design and architect’s intentions take shape. What emerges is the cost plan covering every stage of the project and the essential reference against which the project is managed.
Invite your builder on the design team
Early collaboration between the architect and building contractor is the cornerstone of establishing a shared vision and achieving a unified approach to high-end residential projects. This collaborative process ensures that both parties are aligned in their understanding of the project goals, design intent and feasibility constraints.
Designing and building is a team effort so choose your high-end builder early on. In recent years, projects have become more complex and multidisciplinary, demanding an holistic approach and a diverse set of skills and expertise. By involving Galower Build in the design phase, architects leverage our experience and insight leading to practical outcomes and, in many cases, adding to the architectural vision.