Point of difference

Quantity surveyor and construction cost consultant Kingston Partners played an integral part in Zone 23's evolving dynamic. Director-in-charge Roger Fairhead describes some of the aspects addressed.

Services provided included initial cost estimates based on conceptual floor plans, value engineering, negotiating the contract price with the contractor and negotiating the final account, Fairhead says.

Cost control was challenging as the design and construction process involved many learning curves. This meant there was continual redesign and cost re-estimation to find suitable cost solutions without compromising the project's design.

"Timing was also an issue, as savings through careful management could easily be eroded by changes in construction costs. The solution was to finalise design quickly and fast-track work on site," he says. "This was achieved by bringing key sub-contractors into the design loop early on, so buildability issues were resolved immediately and not on site during construction. As a result, the project was delivered to the client's brief and to budget."

For details, contact Kingston Partners, 22 York St, Parnell, Auckland, phone (09) 373 2200, fax (09) 373 2300. Email: rfairhead@kingstons.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas