On time, on budget, project still standing? Why you shouldn’t have to choose

When Meatloaf sung ‘two out of three ain’t bad,’ some may argue that it wasn’t unrequited love he was lamenting, but a the ‘pick two’ myth that haunts project management.

It has long been accepted that the holy trinity - time, cost, quality – is largely unachievable, and that instead you have to pick the two elements that are most important to you, and wave goodbye to the third.

Well, sorry Meatloaf, we reckon that’s a load of old claptrap, frankly. Like a Bat out of Hell, that theory has GONE and we’re confident that nobody should be compromising.

But how do you achieve the apparently unachievable?

The common causes of project slip ups

Most projects don’t go over because ‘projects are unpredictable’. They go wrong because of predictable gaps that haven’t been planned for.

Of course, things happen that can’t be predicted, but a good architect and project manager will allow for a little flexibility within the plan to allow for this.

The key pinch points that most projects slip up on include:

 

Vague brief from the client resulting in late changes to the design.

Fix: take your time over the brief. Work with your architect to agree must-haves vs nice-to-haves early on in the process, and if anything feels wrong at any stage of the process, speak up – don’t wait until walls are being plastered to decide it doesn’t feel like it’s in the right place.

Site unknowns resulting in surprise variations.

Fix: A good (or bad) survey can make or break a project, and can add huge amounts of time and money onto even the most well managed build.  hidden defects. Ensuring you have all checks performed as promptly as possible allows complete clarity on a project, giving everyone as much time to make any necessary adjustments.

Unrealistic timeframes resulting in paying a premium for panicked and poor finishing

Fix: A programme of works with time built in to allows for hold ups is far more sensible than something which is designed to be completed in an unrealistic timeframe. You may be dreaming of being in your dream home for Christmas, but if there’s a hold up with the windows being delivered as the Trick or Treaters come knocking, chances are, Santa may be waiting another year.

Material delays resulting in design changes or hold ups

Fix: We live in uncertain times, and materials that once were easy to source, can now be a challenge to reliably procure. Geopolitical tensions continue to put pressure on global supply chains, in turn having a direct knock-on effect to both the cost and reliability of delivery of your project’s building materials. There is no easy fix, but flexibility in both time and potentially design elements can help make this somewhat insurmountable issue feel like less of a catastrophe for your project.

What you should expect from your architect

Contrary to popular belief, architects aren’t magicians, we simply cannot make roof joists that are stuck in transit appear any faster (although what a superpower to have, eh?).

However, with a clear scope, complete information, the right procurement strategy and great communication we can perform project miracles, without compromising design quality.

At Nick Gardner Architecture, we ensure that every project starts on solid foundations:

• A clear brief, alongside a programme that everyone understands.

• Regular budget checks during the design process to ensure that you are not committing to a project that is beyond your budget. Options can be costed very early in the process to help you decide on the best project scope and design to suit your budget.

• Drawings, specs and schedules detailed enough to price accurately, even if there are lastminute changes.

• Time frames designed to match your project goals as much as possible

• Transparency all the way – communication is vital

  
  

If you’re planning a home refurbishment, extension or new build and want the confidence of a time, cost and quality assured process, we’d love to help.