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.

The difference between tier 1, 2, and 3 building companies

Every industry has a ‘classification’ or a ‘rating’ system. Sometimes these labels are official; other times they’re just unofficial ways to describe a company’s size and abilities. For example, small companies often call themselves ‘boutique’, while larger ones make their ‘significant’ size known. While these general labels are helpful, the construction industry has a very specific rating system. Building firms are classified as ‘tier 1’, ‘tier 2’, or ‘tier 3’, and since that doesn’t really give much information away, we thought we’d explain what those terms mean.

What’s the difference?

The tier system isn’t a difficult one to wrap your head around – it’s actually quite logical. Basically, Sydney builders are rated according to their capacity to take on certain projects. The size, resources, experience, and of course, money a company has determines the kind of projects they are able to take on, and therefore what ‘tier’ group they fall in to. In layman’s terms, tier 1 companies are the big guns, and the tier 3 ones are the more modest firms. Over time, companies can move up the tiers if they fit the criteria.

Now, let’s explore the different tiers a little more.

Tier 1

Tier 1 firms are the largest, wealthiest, and most experienced in the industry. This tier is so exclusive, in fact, that there are only 5 tier one contractors in the whole of Australia! Furthermore, all 5 are run under 2 parent companies. Here’s the breakdown:

• Leighton Holdings – has Leighton Contractors, Theiss, and John Holland under its umbrella
• Lend Lease Infrastructure – controls Boulderstone and Abigroup.

These Sydney commercial builders take on major commercial projects such as motorways, railways, hospitals, universities, office towers, shopping centres and the like. They have the expertise, resources, and finances to take on such large-scale projects. Tier one contracts are usually in the hundreds of millions and even billions price range.

Tier 2

Mid-tier companies are still key players in the construction industry. As the name suggests, they are somewhere in between tier 1 and 3. As a general rule, tier 2 companies are more likely to take on commercial (rather than residential) projects. Patterson Building Group is a tier 2 company, and we specialise in aged care, education, heritage, retail, and industrial projects.

Tier 3

Now that you know a little bit about the tier ratings, you can probably guess that tier 3 companies take on the smaller projects. There are a lot more of them around, and they have plenty of work to keep them busy. Tier 3 firms usually take on projects around the million-dollar range; sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. The types of projects they take on are:

• Sizeable residential jobs, including rebuilding and refurbishing.
• Small-scale commercial work, such as building or refurbishing petrol stations, supermarkets, offices, and places like McDonalds.

These companies are essential to the industry, and they build up their portfolio with this type of work. They then have the opportunity to start moving up the tier ladder.

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!

What makes building companies stand out in a highly competitive marketplace?

Last week we talked about what to look for when hiring a building company, focusing on essential considerations such as accreditations and price. This week, we wanted to discuss how the values of and people in a company can make all the difference to the client’s experience. There are countless construction companies out there, so what makes one really stand out? Besides the obvious reasons such as performance, there are subtle ways a company such as PBG can make their mark in such a competitive industry.

Company character

Just like people, Sydney commercial builders have ‘personalities’. Companies need to make sure that they present a positive character. The clever ones develop values or a mission statement that clearly expresses their vision. It is this vision that aligns staff, and drives them in every project. As a potential client, it’s a good idea to do your research on a company’s values before committing to them. When you’re going to have a working relationship for months or even years, it’s very important to make sure that you share the same ideals. Here at PBG, we have three key values at the core of our company: excellence, reliability, and passion. These values dictate everything we do.

Below are some further ideals that make building companies stand out:

• Authenticity – unfortunately, being genuine is a rare quality in the building industry.
• Approachability – businesses should work with you as a partner. They should be friendly, approachable, and happy to answer questions or discuss any issues. We can’t stress enough how important communication is!
• Commitment – all companies should be committed to seeing a job through to the end, and taking responsibility for every step along the way. This also includes being accountable for any errors.
• Honesty – the best companies pride themselves on being straight with their clients. Clients appreciate when companies are honest about any issues and shortcomings. Honesty plays a huge part in defining a company’s integrity and credibility.

Each staff member should reflect the Sydney construction company’s ideals and expectations. This ensures that every single project is delivered to the same standard. It is the management’s role to make sure that there is consistency across the company’s branding and performance.

Skills and training

The top construction companies take skill levels very seriously. There are a number of people involved on a building project – from engineers to labourers to project managers. Great companies hire or train people to specialise in these niche areas of construction or management. Experts are the best in their field, and hiring them ensures that every project is completed to the best possible standard. For instance, at PBG, we have project managers, contract administrators, civil engineers, architects, and site managers on staff – all of which have contributed to our successful track record.

While skills are essential, continual training is something that makes a company like PBG stand out in the marketplace. The construction industry is evolving all the time, and it’s important to keep up with these changes. There are always new techniques, tools, and regulations to learn about, and the top companies are committed to keeping up to date.

What to look for when hiring a building company

Hiring a building company is a process that requires careful consideration. If we’re being honest, the building industry doesn’t have a stellar reputation. Because of this unfortunate status, clients need to be alert and educated when they are approaching construction companies. Similarly, those companies need to be able to prove their skills and reliability. When embarking on a building project, you’re investing both money and time in your contractor. Of course, you want to make sure you will be working with the best possible partner. To help you avoid encountering any problems, we’ve compiled this guide to hiring a Sydney building company. We suggest you use it as a checklist when you’re at the initial stages of your project.

Qualifications

Fortunately, it’s very easy to find out a company’s qualifications. From a client’s point of view, a company’s accreditations are a useful indicator of how qualified they are, and what exactly they are qualified to do. As accreditations are awarded by third party boards, they attest to a contractor’s reliability and consistency. They prove that the company is genuine and accountable to someone other than their client. Finally, they give you, the client, peace of mind. Look out for accreditations such as Quality Assurance and OH & S.

Experience

When hiring a company to undertake a commercial project, experience is a major factor. We recommend choosing one that has experience with the type of project that you have. This is the best way of knowing that they have the skills and resources to do the job right. Luckily, all you have to do is ask for their project portfolio. A genuine, reliable construction company should be able and happy to provide you with this information.

References

As well as asking for proof of successfully completed projects, it’s also a very good idea to ask for recommendations. If people make the effort to refer a company, they are confirming their trustworthiness, reliability, quality of work, and communication skills. Such references will help you to determine if the company’s ‘character’ suits your needs.

Price

As a general rule, in the construction industry, you get what you pay for. Therefore, price is a very important consideration. Just like in any other industry, every company will charge according to their own fees and resources. Remember, the price does match the quality. If the quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Projects are a long-term investment, so it’s worth spending that little bit more on a verifiable Sydney commercial builder that you know will do the job well.

Time

Make sure that the company has the time to complete your job within the given time frame. This hurdle can be taken down in the interview stage. Just ask them outright if they can meet your deadline. If they seem to be overstretched, it might be in your best interest to move on to the next one.

Put everything in writing

Repeat after us, everything must be in writing! This should not be a problem at all, and if it is, cue the alarm bells. Draw up a contract at the beginning of the project, and make sure it is signed and agreed upon before anything else. In addition, if there are any changes to the original contract along the way, put these in writing as well. Avoid verbal agreements at all costs. It’s the sensible thing to do.

Who will you find working on a construction site? What are their roles?

A building site can seem like a dirty, busy place. But amidst all that chaos is structure and organisation. In fact, there is a hierarchy in place to ensure both safety and results. Everyone knows their roles, what is expected of them, and who their superior is. Below is a very brief outline of the people who typically work on a construction site, and what exactly they do.

Project manager

The project manager is the person in charge of the project from beginning to end. They are involved in every single stage, from design to construction. Basically, they are responsible for planning, managing lead stakeholders and suppliers, and successfully completing their projects. This job requires the ability to work under intense pressure and to remain calm. With so many people working under them, they have to be extremely organised and always in problem-solving mode. They also have to keep their team and the client happy. A huge part of this is communication – they must be willing to listen to demands and issues, and be able to clearly explain themselves. When the project is at the construction stage, the Sydney project manager does not stay on site. They usually just drop in from time to time to monitor progress. In a nutshell, the project manager is the ‘boss’, and most accountable person involved.

Site manager

Also known as the construction manager or foreman, the site manager is in charge of the workers on site. The site manager is usually a tradesman who has had many years of experience, and has proven their leadership and trade skills to the point where they have been entrusted with the supervision of a project. Their job description includes in it several key responsibilities, all of which are key to ensuring the smooth running of a project. Among their many roles are the following:

-        Reporting any issues as well as progress to the project manager

-        Supervising the safe use of equipment by workers

-        Creating the workers’ schedule

-        Arranging for materials to be delivered to site.

Site managers must possess a can-do attitude. They need to be able to coordinate up to hundreds of workers on a site so that they work in the most safe and efficient way. It is essential for them to have great communication skills, and to build up a rapport with their workers. These qualities ensure that the projects are delivered to the satisfaction of the project manager and client.

Construction workers

‘Construction worker’ is the umbrella term for professional tradesmen who are involved in the construction of infrastructure. While some people take this term to simply mean ‘builder’, it can also encompass a very wide range of specialised tradesmen. In other words, it refers to any and every person who is hands-on involved in the building process. Construction workers include but are not limited to: bricklayers, carpenters, concreters, heavy equipment operators, electricians, labourers, plasterers, plumbers, roofers, tilers, and welders. Typically, a construction company like Patterson Building Group will employ or sub-contract work to these tradesmen. Because there are so many people involved in building and refurbishing commercial buildings, it’s a great idea to enlist a Sydney commercial builder to take care of the entire project for you, from start to finish.

Predicted Building Trends for 2012

In almost every industry, the turn of the new year has brought with it a discussion about the trends that will dominate 2012. The construction industry is no exception. There have already been a number of reports from Sydney developers as well as companies like McGraw-Hill predicting where, what, and how to build this year. Here are some of the findings.

 

Multi-purpose commercial buildings

While the residential sector of the construction industry has been quite unstable in the past few years, commercial buildings are on the rise. In particular, multi-purpose buildings will be key. These buildings need to house various companies and functions at the same time. For instance, industrial units, high-rise office blocks, and loft-style offices are all buildings that can cater to large number of working people comfortably. As well as the style of the building, location will also be a major consideration. The value of a commercial building increases when it is centrally and conveniently located near public transport and shops. Though the land may be expensive to purchase at first, the return on investment will be worth it.

 

Functionality

In 2012, functionality and practicality will reign over extravagance. After years of unique, superfluous designs that were sometimes a little too artistic, minimalism is back. The building industry will see a return to simplicity, to clean lines and classic design. Admittedly, this trend has been driven by the instability of the economy and funding, but it is a positive change. Building in a functional and practical way reduces unnecessary expenditure and use of space. This trend also links closely to the increase of multi-purpose buildings, as the aim is to create buildings that allow more people to live and work in them effectively and comfortably.

 

Green Building

Many eco organisations are optimistic that 2012 will be the year where green building becomes a standard for Sydney commercial builders. The ultimate aim is for green buildings to become the norm rather than an afterthought, but this is a gradual process. ‘Green’ buildings are more affordable now than ever, and will only become more popular as people discover how space, time, money, and energy saving they are. As well as these benefits, building ‘green’ is also about using space in the most smart, practical way. Some ‘green’ features that are predicted to really take off in 2012 are green roofs, water saving fixtures, efficient lighting, and solar power. Also, excess free space (such as large foyers) will be replaced with more practical uses.

 

Of course, the year has barely begun, so these are just predictions. They are based on extensive research, so it will be interesting to see if they turn out to be accurate. Regardless of how they play out, Patterson Building Group will continue to focus on commercial buildings and keep up our green initiatives.

 

The benefits of variety building

Variety is the spice of life, and we believe that there’s no reason why this philosophy shouldn’t apply when it comes to building. While it’s understandable why some Sydney developers choose to specialise in a niche area of building, there are also plenty of benefits for variety building.

 

Showcase ability

If nothing else, variety building will allow you to showcase the extent of your abilities. By being involved in the design and construction of a range of projects, you will be able to showcase an impressive collection of work to clients. By building up a varied creative portfolio, you will prove your flexibility, which is an excellent trait to have in this industry. It will also showcase your diversity and willingness to take on different projects. This, in turn, will increase the likelihood of attracting new clients as well as repeat work from existing clients.

 

Increase business prospects

When you restrict your Sydney construction company to a certain type of building, you automatically limit yourself to a smaller number of clients and prospectives. By allocating time, training, and resources to variety building, you will be opening yourself up to more opportunities. From a business point of view, variety building will allow you expand the client base in the future. Remember that every client is different, and every client has unique needs. It’s only natural that if you have an array of projects to promote, you will attract a larger number of clients. However, there is a fine line between limiting and overstretching your company. You still need to be excellent at the work you accept, so ensure that you have staff with the know-how on each type of building project.

 

Think about the future

Having an impressive, diverse creative portfolio will give you the option to expand the business later on down the track. If you have been variety building, then you will have the knowledge, skills, and staff to handle a range of projects. If and when the opportunity presents itself to expand the company, it’s very likely that you will be able to embrace it.

 

Challenge

Everyone loves, or at least needs, a challenge once in a while. For builders and managers alike, taking on the same kind of projects all the time can get repetitive, boring, and very uninspiring. Site managers should have the chance to be creative. They need to be challenged to test their boundaries, to learn something new, and to nurture the talent of their staff. Similarly, builders need to be able to mix up their work. They will be more inspired if in the space of months, they get to work on completely different things: a retirement village, a railway station, and a school. If you want to stimulate your staff, keep things interesting and challenging.

 

At Patterson Building Group, we believe that being different sets us apart. In a world where expertise is a type of currency, why be an expert at just one thing?

 

Why Building Accreditations Matter

Building accreditations are all about defining and recognising quality. There are a number of different accreditation schemes, but they all outline the skills, knowledge, and code of conduct required by Sydney commercial builders. When a builder is qualified with an accreditation, this instills faith and confidence in the client. More than that, it is incredibly important for honest, capable people to be in charge of building! On a personal level, for builders, accreditations also serve as a record of achievement.

 

Standards

First and foremost, accreditation schemes are important because they establish the high standards that builders should work towards. By setting standards in this way, Sydney construction companies are aware of the expectations placed on them, and the quality of work they should aim to achieve. They also know the minimum standards, and what they need to do to achieve further accreditation. Consumers can rest with the knowledge that accredited builders will act professionally and lawfully. Some of the most vital accreditations include Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental, and Quality Assurance.

 

Credibility

To put it quite simply, certification directly relates to credibility. Accreditations attest to the building company’s capabilities and achievements. By doing so, they promote the company’s trustworthiness, integrity, and ability to comply with the law. Building companies have to prove their eligibility for certification and really earn the label, and as such, it is one they have a right to wear proudly.

 

Third party involvement

Accreditations are assessed by council certifiers (70%) and private certifiers (30%). The involvement of this type of third party is important for both builders and consumers. Consumers have peace of mind in that they know the work of accredited Sydney developers is overseen by a strict board. Furthermore, they know that they can confidently contact that board if any issues arise.

 

Development

From a builder’s perspective, being involved in an accreditation scheme is invaluable. By obtaining and maintaining membership, a Sydney construction company like PBG can gain further insights about the industry. They are updated on new techniques, legislation, and initiatives. They also benefit from the results of the board’s complaints and auditing program, which allows them to learn from the successes and failures of their peers.

 

A Breakdown of Patterson Building Group’s accreditations

• PBG has a certified Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9001: 2008. To put this in a way non-builders can understand, QMS is an international quality benchmark. It is set to ensure business performance and customer confidence.
• PBG also has an accredited Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) system in accordance with AS/NZS 4801-2001. This means they continue to provide safe premises, machinery, and materials, as well as appropriate training and supervision.
• Finally, PBG has a certified Environmental Management System in compliance with AS/NZS 14001:2004. PBG manages its business in such a way to avoid any adverse effects on the local government as well as protecting both on-site workers and the community.