Your step-by-step guide to checking out your contractor's credentials, and asking all the right questions.

Whether you're relocating, refurbishing or fitting out new office space, the company you hire is one of the most critical choices you can make.

Get it right and you'll have a smooth transition, with no disruption or budget over-runs. Get it wrong and it can be a nightmare of escalating budgets and business disruption.

The following checklist is designed to help you separate the good from the not-so-good, enabling you to have a successful project.

Checking their reputation

Reputation is everything. A design and fit out company will live or die on it. Whoever you choose to manage your project, take time out to talk to their past clients and look at projects they've delivered. It will be time well spent.

• Have they provided references?
• Have they managed projects of a similar size?
• Do they have a solid track record in your sector?
• Will they arrange site visits for you to see one of their finished projects? 
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they work all over Ireland

Assessing their financial stability and your risk

The health of the company you hire has a direct relation to your financial risk. 

• Will they guarantee to deliver on budget, with no surprises?
• Will they guarantee to deliver on a fixed date, with no delays?
• Will they guarantee to deliver a snag-free project?
• Do they have the purchasing power to negotiate for materials, furniture, etc., on your behalf?

What services are included?

Make a list of everything your contractor will provide as part of their service and those things that it won't. Comparing companies on this basis will determine true value for money. Many companies will quote a lower price in full knowledge that you will need additional services later on. Beware of this practice.

Which of these services do they offer in-house? For which ones will you have to hire additional contractors and manage yourself?

CONSULTANCY

• Workplace appraisal (to work out how much space you need)
• Accommodation summary (to see if your staff can fit well into the new space)
• Management interviews (to determine individual departmental needs)
• Building appraisal (to see if your site is really suitable)
• Detailed cost estimates (so you can create an accurate budget)

DESIGN

• In-house team
• Space planning (to determine the exact layout)
• Concept drawings (so you can get the overall feel and flavour)
• Test fit drawings (to make sure you'll fit in your new space)
• Selecting finishes and fittings
• Working drawings (for construction)
• Furniture (true independent procurement and advice)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Project co-coordinator to manage design and estimating process
• Detailed cost estimates
• Detailed programme 
• Dedicated site manager, single point of contact / responsibility
• Day-to-day co-ordination of your project
• Weekly update meetings
• Liaising with landlords
• Provide mechanical & electrical experts (to manage air conditioning and electrical installations)

OFFICE RELOCATION AND MOVE MANAGEMENT

• Move management services
• IT installation and relocation
• Experience in moving and installing comms rooms
• Furniture installation
• Testing & commissioning
• Snag process - do they guarantee no snags?
• Move-in day - do they guarantee on time move-in?
• Do they remove waste from the site?

 

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