EOIs part 1: What are they & what purpose do they serve?

The construction industry in Australia requires contractors to follow certain processes. The process depends on the type, scale, and budget of a project. While there are specific things that need to be checked off for residential projects, this post will focus on one of the major processes in the commercial building world: the EOI.

What are EOIs?

An EOI is an ‘Expression of Interest.’ Basically, it is a document that responds to a tender proposal. Just to refresh your memory, a tender is a document sent out by a client explaining all the requirements of a project. The tender then invites all contractors that meet the necessary requirements to submit an EOI. The EOIs are then collected and judged by a panel, and they decide which company wins the work. As such, it is very important that commercial builders in NSW submit good EOIs. In addition, it’s usually the most lucrative projects that require EOIs. Therefore, EOIs can affect not only a company’s professional standing, but also their income.

What’s included in an EOI?

The format and content of an EOI depends entirely on the tender. However, there are some key things that need to be addressed in every EOI. Firstly, the contractor will have to explain why they believe they deserve the work. They may draw on their experience, resources, or reputation in the industry – basically, anything relevant that will help shape their case. This is their chance to persuade the tender panel why they should win the work, and all of the benefits that come with it. Secondly, the NSW commercial builder will have to prove that they meet all of the requirements in the tender. They will need to show that they have the resources, finances, accreditations, time, and specialist skills to complete the project to ‘spec.’ This assures the client that the building contractor will be able to complete the project to their needs, timeframe, and budget. There is no room for dishonesty in an EOI – it actually acts as a legal document once the work commences. The whole basis of opening a project to EOIs is to ensure that the best, most deserving company wins the work.

What is their purpose?

The concept of an EOI is quite straightforward, and so is its purpose. For contractors, EOIs provide an opportunity to prove themselves in front of an industry panel. They also allow contractors to determine the kinds of projects they can (and want) to work on, thus giving them something to work towards. From a client’s perspective, EOIs provide them with options. They also give clients a sense of security: as the tender/EOI process is done in writing, the contractor is legally bound to follow through.

In this post, we’ve defined EOIs and given a brief overview of why they are so important. Next week, we will explain how to prepare an EOI that stands out amongst its competitors.

Suppliers: who are they and what do they do?

Last week, we explored the roles and responsibilities of contractors in the building industry. This week, we’re turning our attention to suppliers. Together, these two groups make up a very important sector of the industry. They are vital in ensuring that the industry functions efficiently.

What is a supplier?

As the name suggests, suppliers provide all the materials and services needed for building projects. The term ‘supplier’ encompasses a very diverse range of roles, duties, and skills. As such, their responsibilities vary from project to project. The best suppliers are reliable and efficient, and as a result, they have great relationships with their clients. Many Sydney construction companies consistently use the same suppliers for these reasons. While many suppliers cater exclusively to the commercial and trade industries, some also work on residential projects.

What is a supplier’s role?

As we mentioned above, the role of a supplier can revolve around materials or services. For example, a building company may use an external supplier to source the following materials: timber, tools, windows, frames, and roof tiles. They can also supply – and sometimes recommend – the machinery needed for a project. While many construction companies do have machinery and tools on hand, they often use suppliers for projects that require more innovative materials. Some suppliers stock recycled materials, which is convenient for those building companies that have environmental criteria to meet. In terms of services, suppliers can offer delivery, the cutting and dressing of wood, and the sharpening of tools.

What should you consider when hiring a supplier?

As a general rule, suppliers operate very differently. That is why it’s so important to have a few things that always need to be ticked off before hiring one. Here are some criteria to look out for:

• Does the supplier have a good reputation and referral rate?
•  Which companies use the supplier? (If tier one and two building companies use them, then it’s safe to say that they are efficient).
• Are they a niche supplier, or can they supply everything you need? (If they do, this will save you a lot of time in the long run!)
• Do they supply good quality materials and machinery?
• Do they guarantee they can meet your deadline?
• How are they priced in comparison to other suppliers?

When dealing with anyone in the building industry, it’s a good idea to take the time to make careful decisions. Before placing an order with a supplier, the most important thing is to make sure they’re reputable. Also, it’s smart to compare a few quotes before deciding which supplier to go with.

Suppliers are an integral group in the construction industry. Without them, it would be both difficult and time-consuming for Sydney commercial builders to source high quality materials and services.

A collection of interesting commercial buildings

Our Sydney construction company is a little unusual in that we have the ability to manage the whole building process. Along with actually constructing buildings, we also have the resources to design them. With that in mind, this week we thought we would focus on something different: design and inspiration. Below are some of the most interesting commercial buildings that we’ve come across around the world.

Cybertecture Egg, India

This unique building was designed by James Law Cybertecture International and completed in 2010. It was commissed by Vijay Associated, a major real estate developer firm in India. The egg-shaped building is a 32,000 square metre feat of engineering, and it’s made its mark on the architectural landscape of Mumbai. In addition, the ‘egg’ complies with environmental design guidelines, making it a certified ‘green’ building. Impressive!

Kansas City Public Library, USA

Located in the state of Missouri, USA, this building has garnered quite a bit of attention in the design and architectural world, as well as amongst tourists. The concept of this building’s design is so simple yet so effective. Anyone who sees this building will instantly know what’s inside. It has a striking and functional design, but it is fairly flat, meaning that the construction process would not have been too difficult.

The Solar Building, China

The Solar Building makes our ‘interesting buildings’ list for its design, size, and innovative technology. Located in Dezhou, China, this building is the largest of its kind in the world. Designed in the shape of a fan, the entire external surface of the building is made up of solar panels. Thanks to other ‘green’ features such as roof and wall insulation, these offices use 30% less energy than the typical Chinese commercial building.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, USA

This concert hall was designed in alignment with the Disney values of creativity and imagination. Since the building is located a stone’s throw from Disneyland in Los Angeles, the designers would have faced the challenge of making this building stand out, somehow, from the rest. From a design perspective, they’ve certainly achieved that. It’s interesting how they sacrificed windows to allow for better acoustics inside.

Raffles Hotel, Dubai

Since the turn of the millennium, Dubai has been a pioneer in the design and building sector. The ‘new’ part of the city is built on a premise of quality design, innovation, and scale, and the Raffles Hotel is no exception. This building was inspired by the great pyramids of Egypt as well as the luxuriousness of the Arab Emirates. The designers combined these two very different aesthetics to successfully create a unique landmark on the Dubai cityscape.

The HSB Turning Torso, Sweden

The ‘Turning Torso’ is the tallest skyscraper in Sweden, standing at 190 metres high. The architect behind the project was Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, who was commissioned to design a building that would symbolise the Swedish city of Malmo. He was inspired by a sculpture called ‘Twisting Torso’. The building is constructed in nine sections of five-storey pentagons that ‘twist’ as the building rises. This design led to the segment at the very top being twisted 90 degrees more than the ground floor. The entire building is supported by a steel framework, and is thus very durable.

As Sydney commercial builders, we try to keep up to date with the latest design trends, techniques, and methods. While these aren’t your typical commercial buildings, it’s interesting to see the kinds of innovative designs people are coming up with around the world!

How to easily refurbish your commercial building

Many of us spend most of our days in commercial buildings such as offices and schools. We are expected to productively work, socialise, and generally enjoy the time we spend in these places. It makes sense, then, that these kinds of buildings should be ‘spruced up’ every now and again. Sydney commercial builders call this a ‘refurbishment’. A ‘refurb’ refers to any updates made to the look, feel, and functionality of a building. Refurbs can be done on a variety of scales, but in this post we’re going to focus on quick and easy ways to refresh commercial buildings.

Changing the ‘look’

When people get bored with the décor of their house, they do things like paint the walls and replace the furniture. There’s no reason why you can’t do the same for your workplace, educational institution, or aged care facility. The first step is deciding on the style you would like your building to reflect. Do you like the minimalist, ultra modern, heritage, or Victorian look? The key to a refurb is consistency, so you should aim to update the whole building in the style you’ve chosen. Start with the façade. Could it do with new, automatic, or bigger doors? Could it use a paint job? While the outside of a building gives the all-important first impression, the ‘look’ needs to carry on inside. You can also update the look of a building by changing the type and quality of flooring, and fitting out new furniture such as workstations.

Updating the ‘feel’

Updating the décor of a building will definitely change its ‘feel’, or its ambience. There are some other things you can do to change the way people work in and move around the space. Refurbishments can have a dramatic effect on how people think and feel about the environment. This especially applies to places where people are expected to be creative and productive, such as schools and workplaces. Our best suggestion for updating the ‘feel’ of a building is to embrace space. Space is a commodity, and everyone will benefit from creating the illusion of – or a greater sense of – space in a building. The simplest way to do this is to knock down unnecessary walls and petitions, and get rid of excess furniture. It’s also a good idea to update the style of workstations to better suit a more ‘open’ setup. If renovation is an option, you could consider expanding the building to add extra floor. Of course, those types of refurbishments are subject to council approval.

Refreshing the ‘functionality’

If your building is a little old – like many university campuses, nursing homes, and offices in places like The Rocks are – it’s likely that it may not be as practical as it used to be. When it comes to refurbishment, checking the functionality of a building is just as big a consideration as its look and feel. Things need to work, and they need to work well. In addition, facilities should be up to a modern standard. When tackling the usability of a building, think about the elevators, stairwells, restrooms, and kitchens. Are they all safe and in working order? Does the building have adequate heating and air conditioning? Is there appropriate wheelchair access in at least some areas of the building? These are all things that should be taken into account when updating a building’s practicality.

In this post, we’ve outlined some simple ways to refurbish commercial buildings. If you are seriously considering making any updates to your building or space, it is worth seeking the advice of a Sydney construction company like Patterson Building Group. We have the resources and ability to take care of the renovation process from start to finish.

The important things to consider when building aged care facilities

This country has an ageing population, and as such, there is a huge demand for good aged care facilities. These can include nursing homes, palliative care, and specialist care facilities for people with illnesses such as dementia. In Australia, there are stringent laws that apply to the design and build of all aged care facilities. The federal government’s Aged Care Act 1997 outlines the expected standards of aged care buildings, and those that meet these standards are certified by the Department of Health and Ageing. As well as the law, builders must follow the regulations set out in the Building Code of Australia. Aged care facilities need to be able to cater to the needs of the elderly, the ill, and the less mobile. They also need to be safe places for staff to work in. Because of all these reasons, they are very complex projects. It is important to hire a construction company in NSW that understands and is compliant with all the rules.

Patterson Building Group has a wealth of experience in the aged care sector. Below are the kinds of things that our designers and builders take into consideration when working on aged care facilities.

Safety and security

Aged care buildings have two major functions: they are homes to the elderly, and workplaces for the staff. As such, they have to incorporate safety standards for both groups. All aged care facilities have to comply with the latest version of OH&S, which can be found on the Australian Government’s website. When working on these projects, builders need to reduce hazards. For example, they have to make sure there are no slippery or uneven surfaces, and that the stairs and railings have enough grip. Every person in the building needs to have easy access to emergency exits, and multiple fire alarms need to be in working order. Aged care facilities also need to be protected by security. While these security measures need to be unobtrusive to residents and staff, they have to be good enough to deter any unwanted visitors. Owners and builders are responsible for providing a safe working environment for staff, and for making the elderly feel at ease in their home.

Space and privacy

When it comes to aged care, designers need to create a space that is as homely as possible. In the design process, they consider the amount of space residents need in their bedrooms and common rooms. While it is mandatory that there are no more than 4 people per bedroom, most designers aim for no more than two. This takes into account the residents’ need for privacy, which is key to making them feel comfortable in their ‘home.’ There also needs to be enough space for staff and residents (who may be in wheelchairs) to move around easily and safely.

Accessibility

As the name suggests, aged care facilities cater mostly to the elderly. Therefore, a major thing to keep in mind is that elderly people are usually less mobile than the young. In fact, some facilities may cater to residents who are completely immobile. As such, the design and build of aged care needs to take this factor into account. For example, bathroom facilities should be located close to bedrooms and common rooms. There must also be some areas of the building that are accessible to everyone, including the disabled. To achieve this, designers will add features such as wheelchair ramps and elevators.

Amenities

As both a living and working environment, every aged care building needs adequate facilities. The number of amenities should be relative to the amount of people using the building. For example, the law states that there is a maximum of 6 residents per toilet and 7 per shower. When working on site, Sydney building companies need to ensure that the plumbing and electricity throughout the facility is unexposed and in working order.

Hopefully, the list above has given you a better idea of the kinds of things building companies need to take into consideration when working on aged care facilities. For more information on this topic, check out the ABCB or Australian Government websites.

What’s involved with maintaining a commercial building?

Buildings are like cars – they do require some ‘servicing’ from time to time. While some of the maintenance is based around making the building as aesthetically pleasing and comfortable as possible, there are actually many aspects that are legally required. For owners, maintenance really is an ongoing thing. It’s a good idea to review and fix problems as they arise, rather than allow them to build up and get worse. Trust us when we say that it’s worth investing in maintenance in order to avoid costly work later on down the track! Below is a very brief checklist of the types of things Sydney developers and owners need to be able to tick off.

Interior

Commercial buildings can house hundreds or thousands of people at a time. Because there are so many people that work and generally spend a great deal of time in commercial buildings, it is so important to make sure they are regularly maintained. Building inspectors can drop in at anytime unannounced, so it is in every owner’s best interest to be confident that everything is up to scratch.

Safety

 

• Review safety measures of the building. Are they compliant with the latest version of OH&S? (The most up-to-date OH&S requirements can be found on the Australian Government website).
• Check the condition of stairs and railings – they need to have enough grip to support those using them.
• Test the fire alarm and make sure the fire extinguisher is working.
• Confirm that the emergency exits are easily accessible by everyone in the building.
• Check for tripping hazards.

Facilities

• Ensure that the plumbing and electricity throughout the building is safe and unexposed.
• Check that all fixtures in the kitchens and bathrooms are working properly (e.g. fix any dripping taps and broken flushes)
• Make sure the elevator is operating well on each floor, and that the emergency instructions are clearly visible.
• Windows and doors should easily open and close.
• Confirm that the garbage removal and cleaning services are sufficient enough for the demands of the building.

 Aesthetics & comfort

• Check that lighting is sufficient in all areas of the building.
• Maintain insect and pest control.
• Make sure there is enough ventilation flowing through the building, particularly in basement areas or rooms where there are a lot of computers.
• Ensure that signage is clear and obvious.

Exterior

Maintaining the outside of a building is just as important as the inside. While it’s important for the building to look presentable, it also needs to be safe for people walking in and around the property. Sydney commercial builders will usually take the below into consideration in the design stages of a project.

Street view

• The street number, warning signs, and other signage needs to be clearly visible from the street.
• There should be sufficient lighting for people walking in and out of the building during nighttime hours.

Grounds

• If the commercial building has gardens or landscaped grounds, they need to be attended to on a regular basis. This involves mowing, manicuring, and weeding.
• Owners also need to fix any weather damage, such as erosion, leaks, or the impact of hail or heavy rain.

While this checklist will guide owners about what they need to look out for when maintaining their building, it is not as extensive as the official ones provided by the government as well as investigators. This is a good start, but please contact those departments for the most up-to-date, comprehensive information.

What are the Australian safety requirements for commercial buildings?

Australia has very vigilant laws when it comes to the safety of commercial buildings. As part of their accreditation process, all construction companies must prove that they are compliant with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). Basically, OH&S prevents – or at least reduces – the chance of injuries and accidents happening in the workplace. In Australia, ‘Safe Work’ develops and implements national policy about OH&S. They guide safety regulations, run regular risk assessments, and help businesses to maintain their OH&S.

While the OH&S rules are very comprehensive, below is a list of the kind of hazards that Sydney commercial builders need to look out for. Usually, these will be considered in the planning and design stages of the project, but they are legal requirements in the construction stagesNo uneven or slippery surfaces. Construction workers try to reduce the chance of accidents by putting grips on stairs etc.

• No obstructions restricting movement inside and outside the building. Builders take measures to protect workers, as well as anyone from the public that may be passing by.
• No objects with rough or sharp surfaces.
• No surfaces and materials that are very hot or cold to touch.
• Take care when working in unusually high workplaces. People should be able to reach upper levels safely, via stairs or lifts. This prevents the risk of falls.
• Insufficient first aid. Every commercial building needs appropriate first aid supplies.
• All buildings need clear safety signs and instructions on display, including exit signs and the fire drill procedure.
• No exposed electrical lines or equipment.
• No insecure scaffolding.
• No flammable or explosive materials.
• Reduce chemical substances (including dust) that may be in the air.
• There must be measures in place to prevent back injuries caused by carrying heavy loads or operating machines.
• Reduce exposure, and therefore impact of, high levels of noise and vibration.
• All areas of the building need to be well-lit.
• No biological hazards, such as viruses, mould, and asbestos.
• All equipment and machines used on site must be of good quality, and operated by trained staff.
• There needs to be sufficient, clean, and functional facilities in all commercial workplaces. These may include changing rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Everyone inhabiting the building must wear correct protective gear at all times. For example, during the building process, construction workers will need to wear hard hats. Once it’s business as usual, workers will need to wear footwear.
• Must have adequate waste disposal facilities.

OH&S is in place to protect people from harm, and it should be treated as a serious issue. All of us should be grateful that construction companies in NSW have to be properly accredited before they work on the buildings that we spend so much time in. In addition, we should all be appreciative of Australia’s high standards when it comes to safety.

Note: Patterson Building Group is compliant with the latest OH&S systems. They have been accredited by Global-Mark, the NSW Department of Finance & Services, and the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner.

The checklist for building educational institutions

When it comes to building learning environments, there are a few things that companies need to consider in terms of design, construction, and project management. Patterson Building Group specialises in building in the education sector, and while it is a lucrative area to be in, it’s also one that requires a bit of extra thought at every stage.

Design

Educational buildings are designed with simplicity in mind. Along with clean lines, here are some of the key things that designers have to consider:

Space

Architects optimise the space they have to work with, but at the same time, they ensure that there is enough space for students and staff to move around easily and safely. So that crowds of people can move quickly and comfortably between different areas, there needs to be spacious hallways, doorways, administration areas, and stairways.

Accessibility

Schools and universities have to be accessible all students, including the disabled. While the entire school does not have to be easy for the physically disabled to navigate, there needs to be some parts of it that are. It is then up to the school to schedule classes in those accessible areas. With this in mind, construction companies in NSW try to include lifts and ramps in the design.

Amenities

For both the safety and comfort of students and staff, every educational building needs facilities such as bathrooms. The number of amenities should be relative to the amount of people using the buildings.

Effective setups

Part of the design process is to have good learning environments. This all comes down to the setup. For instance, at schools, classrooms should have desks for the students and a slightly raised section at the front for teaching staff.

Building

When it comes to building in the education sector, Sydney commercial builders are bound by many requirements set down by the government.

OH&S

All properly accredited building companies follow Occupational Health and Safety requirements, often known simply as ‘OH&S.’ Basically, this just means that all buildings have to be safe to use. This is to reduce the chance of injury and other health problems for occupants, as well as any associated legal issues.

Signage

Clear signage is particularly important in schools, colleges, and universities. As these kinds of institutions usually have a lot of ‘wings’, ‘departments’, and ‘blocks’, it’s important that to label them clearly to avoid any confusion.

Project Management

Project Managers have to take the utmost care when working on educational sites, especially because there may be young children around.

No disruption

Often, these projects are undertaken while the schools are in operation. The safety and continued learning of students is a priority. Sydney Project Managers have to take the time to figure out how best to work around the students without disturbing the regular running of the school. This may mean doing most of the noisy work early in the mornings, during breaks, or after hours.

Time frames

It is common knowledge in the building industry that educational institutions impose some of the shortest time frames in which to work. Usually, the schools decide to undertake construction and refurbishment during holiday periods, and as such, give the companies they hire very tight deadlines. The challenge for builders is to complete the projects to the highest possible standard within the given time frame. If they do this, as well as meet the budget, client satisfaction is almost a guarantee.

As we’ve outlined, there are many things that designers, builders, and project managers need to take into consideration when working on educational institutions. This ensures that students and staff can learn and work in great, safe environments.

The limitations that come with a heritage-listed building

Although Australia is a relatively young country, we still have a fair few ‘heritage-listed’ properties scattered around the place. If you live or work in a heritage building, or are planning on buying or leasing one, it’s important to know the restrictions you may have to deal with. As Sydney developers, we can explain the kind of power the authorities have when it comes to assessing heritage-listed buildings. We’ll then talk you through the limitations as well as the extent of freedom that people have when renovating these properties.

What is a heritage-listed building?

A heritage-listed building is one that is historically or culturally significant in some way. A government panel has decided that it’s worth preserving the character, architecture, or the landscape of the property. Basically, it’s a building that has been deemed special enough to protect from demolition or change. Once a property has been heritage-listed, there are rules that say it must be kept in its original state. Heritage status can be a positive thing, as you’re inhabiting or working in a part of history. On the other hand, it can be very frustrating when it comes to renovating such properties.

Who controls heritage real estate?

In Australia, there are three levels of authority that control heritage properties. These are the federal, state, and local governments. The ‘levels’ correspond with how important the property is. For instance, the federal government manages properties that are of Australia-wide significance, while the local councils do not. These governments set out the restrictions on each type of heritage property. The restrictions differ depending on how significant the property is, and what part of it needs to be preserved. The authorities also assess, approve, and reject any proposed changes to the properties.

What are the restrictions?

It’s a common misconception that you can’t do anything to a heritage-listed building. This isn’t true. There are limitations of course, but really, these apply to all buildings. For example, council and zoning are always an issue for Sydney commercial builders. With heritage properties, the building has to keep the same look and feel. However, functionality is a different story. If the buildings are going to be used, it’s only fair that they are practical, so there is some leeway in that regard.

Renovations

There is a little bit of flexibility when it comes to renovating these properties. The properties must be safe and useable. Some of the older houses may need new kitchens, better bathrooms, new electrical outlets, and more modern plumbing. Similarly, commercial buildings may also need fire alarms and stairs. The first thing to do is find out what the property was heritage listed for, and then that will help you understand the limitations. For example, if it was for the architecture, then you will have some freedom in updating the interior design. If it was for the outdoor landscape, you are just obligated to maintain that.

Extensions

In most cases, extensions are allowed, but they must match the existing building. They must be built in the same style, whether that be Federation, Victorian, or so on. If you are looking to add on to a heritage-listed property, just check in with your council first and find out if there are any styles you’ll need to imitate.

Hopefully this post has helped you gain a better understanding of both the power and freedom involved with heritage-listed buildings. In addition, we hope it has also debunked some of the myths about these historical properties.

Tenders, explained.

Tenders add to the challenging and competitive building arena. They require thought and time, with no guarantee of success.  Here we explain the basics of tendering.

What is a tender?

A tender is one of the ways through which the public sector buys goods and services. Organisations that need work done put out a Request for Proposal (RFP), and invite companies to respond. They do so via a tender, which details how they intend to carry out the work. The tender itself is a formal document that clearly explains how a building company can meet the requirements of the proposal.

What’s the process?

Among Sydney developers, submitting a tender is a very competitive process. It’s often the only opportunity a company has to demonstrate that they have the skills, experience, and resources to meet the requirements and do the work.

At Patterson Building Group, we often ask ourselves the following questions before writing up a response:

• Do we meet all of the criteria in the proposal?
• Do we have the time to undertake this project?
• Do we have previous or similar experience with this type of project?
• Do we have the staff, training, and resources to take on the job?
• Is there any reason why we shouldn’t submit a tender? (This could be anything from having a conflict of interest to not having the finances to see the project through to the end).
• Do we understand the organisation that we are potentially going to be dealing with? Will we work well together?
• If we win, will we need to contract some of the work or can we do it all ourselves?

Once a company has decided that it’s worth submitting a tender, they put a lot of effort in writing a winning response.

Below are some of the key items that need to be featured on a tender document.

• Response to RFP. This is generally a paragraph at the very start of the document. It details why the Sydney commercial builder has decided to respond to the RFP, and briefly explains why they feel they deserve to win the project.
• Company overview. Brief description of the company, and why they would work well when partnered with the buyer.
• Specifications. This is where the company proves that they meet every single requirement on the proposal’s list. This includes factors such as previous experience and resources.
• Price. Provide the best possible quote on the tender. Many buyers won’t negotiate the price at a later stage. Remember that giving value for money is better than offering the lowest price.

Don’t forget that deadlines are the most important thing of any tender response. All RFPs have a due date and companies will not accept anything after that date.

If you can prove you can deserve the work, then you’ve got a very good chance at winning the project. Once you’ve submitted your tender, the rest of the process is out of your control. The most difficult thing about tendering is accepting that the final decision is out of your hands. May the best company win!