Combined assets

In any building enterprise, factoring in every possible cost contingency will ensure the project is completed within budget. In a commercial setting, that function is fulfilled by the quantity surveyor or, as is becoming more commonly known, the construction cost consultant.

For Telecom Place, that role was assigned to Davis Langdon, who provided cost management and administrative services regarding the fit-out of the building, says associate Howard Monteith.

"Cost management services consisted of initial high level per square metre budget evaluations and costs, followed up by more concise detailed cost-plan budgets as and when initial preliminary layouts and designs became available.

"As refinement of fit-out layouts progressed, the cost plans were adjusted and updated. In areas where there had been a cost increase, we worked with the interior designers to reduce costs without compromising the integrity of the design."

Davis Langdon also provided budgeting, cost and tender advice, and financial administration and reporting on the procurement and installation of data communications, audiovisual and security systems, workstations and soft furniture.

"In all cases, close monitoring of scope and budgets was required to oversee the client's need to balance interior design and business outputs against prudent fiscal outlay. The financial reports prepared covered all aspects from the actual onsite works to monitoring all direct costs and fees, thus providing client with a complete financial picture of the fit-out works."

To contact Davis Langdon, PO Box 935, Auckland 1140, phone (09) 379 9903, fax (09) 309 9814. Website: www.davislangdon.com.

Story by: Trendsideas