Pre-Construction Services
Benjamin Michael - Home
Client Account:
Benjamin Michael is one of the few building firms in the UK to offer a pre construction service to the domestic market. Whether the projects are for new or custom homes, we believe the success of any project hinges on the best use of the time before construction work begins. Key elements to this are thorough planning, informed decision making and careful scheduling that meet the needs and requirements of our clients.
We work closely with our clients, architects and designers to discuss primarily function and aesthetic considerations. During this process we will provide you with information about construction costs and methods to optimize the quality of the project and keep within your budget.
Our experience has shown us that there are significant cost advantages to having a construction team involved from the preliminary stages of your project. Fees associated with planning and design can be considerable, especially if you do not possess the experience to know if your expectations are realistic within your budget. Architects generally do not maintain an extensive cost database that is current; nor do they need one. In addition, we often find that knowledge of design and constructability are two very different things. For example, a site with significant gradient can be designed many ways, some cost-effective and some not. There could be a savings of tens of thousands of pounds by having knowledgeable builders at your side from the beginning.
The pre construction service goes through series of stages where important factors are considered while liaising with the client. The purpose of this is to assist our clients from the initial daunting steps to the commencement of works date, with the main aim ensuring that come completion, the project matches their budget and design goals.
Pre-Construction services typically determine:
We will visit the site of the project and gather information on the utilities available, authority permits required as well as getting a good idea on what the conditions are like. The surrounding area is also taken into consideration for ease of access and environmental concerns. The entire team shall reach consensus on critical project objectives and will set out to meet these.
We will determine what roles need to be filled for the project and how many team members are required, whilst at the same time budgeting for each one. Construction team members may include:
As a member of the team, Benjamin Michael will participate actively in the design process, providing technical expertise, planning of construction and monitoring progress. The best time to add value to a project is before the project is built. All things associated with the project are brought to the forefront and considered. This includes:
An estimate is given early on however it may alter during the pre-construction service process in line with changing requirements. If there is a discrepancy between initial designs and client budgets, we look at alternative methods and materials. Cost control and value engineering are a specialty of Benjamin Michael, and rely on achieving a consistent balance between performance and cost for every element of the project.
Following a good understanding of all requirements, we will draw up a detailed construction schedule that shows the timelines of different parts of the construction that will occur during the project. Everything is broken down and planned realistically, however we maintain a flexibility should your requirements change.
We provide written statements of the assumptions and specification underlying in our estimates. Design and development of any plans in need of construction details will be produced.
As the project design becomes clearer, we will continue to review the constructability, materials and machinery requirements. We shall propose ideas for alternative construction methods that will lower costs of the current design. Suggest technologies for decreasing long term operation and maintenance costs, while providing solution to maximise environmental benefits of the property. This will help both of us understand what the most efficient and effective solutions are for each part of the building.
Enquire Online
Miss Blackwell
"This was the first time I had employed any builders & was not sure what to expect. BMC were a pleasure to work with throughout. Although it was only a small project all my queries were dealt with in a professional, timely & unbiased way. The standard of work was excellent & the site kept very clean & tidy throughout. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone."
Mr & Mrs Hastings
"We were very happy with the building work at every stage and were impressed by the tidy and professional way of working. We also welcomed the ability to discuss any queries or concerns and these would be addressed (including changing our mind on something on the plan & was already started!) The work was always done to a high standard and no corners were cut. We would have no hesitation in recommending you to others."
Mr & Mrs Causen
“Ben and Michael were really friendly and helpful. They explained clearly everything that was involved and kept us fully informed as the build progressed. They are completely trustworthy and got along with the kids and dog. They are tidy workers and left the site each day as organized as possible. We would be happy to use their services again and would certainly recommend them to friends and family.”
Ms Reading
“If looking for reliable trustworthy sensible contractors and are working full time and need to let the builders get on with it then I’d recommend Ben, Guy and his dad. Inevitably snags happen but willingness to respond and put right without hassle was refreshing.”
Mr & Mrs Shepherd
“We found Mick & Ben easy to work with. They were always polite, kept us informed and turned up as and when they said they would. The quality of their work was high and we would certainly consider using them again.”
Mr & Mrs Bilby
“All the building work & finishing was completed to a very high standard. We would not hesitate in employing Benjamin Michael Construction in the future as they were very professional in every way & it was nice to have builders that cleaned up at the end of every day. Highly recommended.”
Mr & Mrs Young
“We were not looking forward to having the work done, but were very pleasantly surprised by how little disruption the work caused, despite the extend of the work. The contractors were very friendly, professional, hardworking and trust-worthy.
The end result is superb, and disruption during the work was as little as possible.”
Mr & Mrs Horsfall
“Having received many quotations – some through recommendations, I found BMC to be competitive & very thorough.
When the work began, and throughout the work, the necessary mess was confined to the site & never came through into the house. I was amazed how clean builders could be!!
Overall BMC’s work was excellent & I would have no hesitation in recommending their work to others”
Mr & Mrs Young
“The work (all of it) was carried out to an excellent standard. The builders were always on time or let us know otherwise. We always knew what was going on with our project at various stages. The builders were friendly yet professional”
Mr & Mrs Smith
“From the start to finish all of the work was carried out in a highly professional & friendly manner. We felt very comfortable consulting both Ben & Mick and always felt they were providing excellent, impartial advice. A potentially tough time was made easy. At times they went above & beyond, i.e. helping to provide a new kitchen”
Mr & Mrs Burrows
“Very helpful when discussing plans i.e. ideas for our extension. Would have no hesitation in recommending to friends and family. We found them very efficient and friendly”
