property and construction consultants

Development Consultants	Project Managers	Chartered Quantity Surveyors
Tel: 020-8659 4856   www.vfmgroup.com   email@vfmgroup.com   Fax: 020-8325-6673
15 Mackenzie Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4RT

VFM Group is an established professional consultancy offering expert advice in property and construction. Core services include cost management, quantity surveying, property and project management.

We recognise that the construction process is inherently complex involving numerous organisations with differing and often conflicting interests. From a client or developer’s perspective it can be frustrating trying to co-ordinate, manage and control the various consultants, advisors and contractors who are all necessary to complete any one building project. At VFM we understand these difficulties, offering innovative, proactive, customer focused advice at each stage in the process.

Control and visibility of costs are an important feature in delivery of our services. VFM’s clients are not only assured of the highest standards of service tailored to meet their individual needs; they also benefit from competitive fees and an unrivalled commitment to meet project objectives.

Project Management and Client Advice

Experience has shown that the early development decisions in strategy and procurement are by far the most important as they are likely to have an effect throughout, impacting on following activities. For this reason we provide specialist client guidance to help plan and formulate project strategy at inception.

VFM has a wealth of experience across varying contractual arrangements including the latest forms of alternative and innovative joint venture procurement routes. The recent trend towards partnering, and more complex joint venture approaches has kept us at the forefront of change in this field.

Our project managers translate the scheme requirements into a comprehensive brief; optimising procurement arrangements and the project team structure to match our clients’ priorities of time, cost and quality. Progress is regularly analysed throughout against the agreed budget and master programme ensuring that clients are fully informed of the implications of any potential decisions which may become necessary.

We aim to achieve the right balance within the project team promoting a non adversarial culture of trust, open thinking, fairness and well-being. From clients, consultants, contractors and subcontractors throughout the supply chain such an approach can foster skills and improve synergy amongst the team achieving improved efficiencies.

Quantity Surveying and Cost Management

Effective cost management and financial control are also key factors in any construction scheme. We consider that appointment of a professional quantity surveyor is essential to ensure that clients are properly advised allowing them to continually assess their project finances and associated risks. Clients’ secure many benefits from this consultant service.

A typical QS commission would include estimating budget costs at the outset calculated from initial sketch proposals and agreeing the target project cost parameters. As design is developed the cost checking process continues giving vital feedback to designers and client alike highlighting any changes. Cost options can also be a useful tool in comparing alternative design considerations.

Once design is sufficiently progressed to the client’s approval the tendering process can commence. Dependant on the specific scheme requirements full tender documentation is prepared for issue to tenderers. On their return we would advise on and recommend contractor selection. Contracts would then be prepared as appropriate.

Our reporting continues during the construction phase, summarising the overall financial position and identifying potential risks, liabilities and forecast expenditure. Interim payments to contractors are evaluated and processed including negotiating the cost of variation works. Following completion of construction and any remedial works, final account agreement with the contractor would normally conclude our professional services.

At VFM we have successfully negotiated settlements on a variety of contractual claims involving extensions of time and associated loss and expense recovery. In the event of a dispute materialising we are able to provide support and advice should the matter be referred to adjudication.
 

Development Consultants	Project Managers	Chartered Quantity Surveyors
Tel: 020-8659 4856   www.vfmgroup.com   email@vfmgroup.com   Fax: 020-8325-6673
15 Mackenzie Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4RT