Role of the client | building work | upright construction

Exciting times are ahead. You’ve taken the first steps to get your building work underway, plans if applicable are in place and the builders are appointed. So you may be feeling relief that once the builders start the project manager will be in charge of ensuring that all elements are covered and you can sit back and watch the build take shape. Well, this is largely true; however, as the client, there are a number of responsibilities and obligations that fall to you.

Being responsible for the execution of the project from the initial idea to implementation.
Choosing the players involved in all stages from design through construction to long term management and ensuring they have the expertise and necessary qualifications and insurances to manage the project.
Ensuring that the relevant permissions are secured (planning etc).

Prior to any building work commencing at your property, there are a number of elements that your building contractor will require notification of:

Restrictions - are there any site restrictions affecting your build? These could be noise, working hours or access related restrictions.
Asbestos - is there any known asbestos at the property? A survey prior to work would be required (we would recommend a survey for properties constructed or altered pre-2000).
Kitchen - if your build project will remove your kitchen facility, will a temporary kitchen be required?
Are there are any elements of the current building that will be retained or sold? If yes the team will need prior notification of this.
Any trees or foliage which need removing or protecting from the building work.
The services currently available to your property e.g. gas, water, electric of the building work.

As the client, it is your responsibility to:

Appoint building control and pay the necessary fees.
Notify neighbours and put in place party wall agreements where applicable.
Notify all providers of services to your property e.g. gas, water, electric should these items be moved during the build.
Notify your insurance provider of the building work taking place.
Have in place and available structural requirements for your build.

Undertaking the role of the ‘client’ can be highly rewarding and with a dedicated and knowledgeable team on board working with you a highly successful one.

At Upright Construction we work alongside our clients throughout the build to ensure that they have full knowledge of their obligations. All of our project managers are on hand throughout the project, working alongside the clients to steer them through the process.

If you’re looking to undertake building work, whether it’s a home extension, renovation, loft conversion or new build project get in contact with a member of our team to talk through your project. If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look through our cases page, where a select number of our projects are on show.

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Building work - the role of the client

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