Project by FMB member City Lofts London
Project by FMB member City Lofts London
Project by FMB member City Lofts London
Project by FMB member City Lofts London
City Lofts London LTD invited FMB London Director Sam Eden to visit their recently completed new build in Wimbledon. A stunning project that really typifies the brilliant craftsmanship of a master builder. Sam managed to grab 10 minutes with City Lofts Director Kulveer Singh Sanghera to really understand what it takes to complete a project of this quality and size.
Q1: Congratulations on the completion of this stunning new build in the heart of Wimbledon. What would you say were the key challenges you faced on a build of this size and quality?
A – The sheer scale and complexity of the project meant that there was a lot of moving parts. This project also ran through Covid, so procurement was challenging to say the least.
Q2: This build clearly took time to complete and I guess you had to manage a number of alterations on site, how do you price in those additions with the client, presumably after contracts have been agreed?
A – Personally I think the key to this is having a clear contracted price to begin with. It is much easier to discuss alterations and potential additional costs when it is clear that they were definitely not in the original quote and contract.
From there it’s important to really stay on top of variations. Be sure not to miss variation requests from clients, quote for those variations in a timely fashion and do not carry out the work until the client has agreed to potential additional costs and additional time to the schedule.
Q – What would be your advice for members who are starting out and looking to take on projects like this in the future?
A – Build up the confidence to take on larger projects by completing smaller project successfully to a high standard. Progressively take on bigger projects as your confidence and competence grows. Build good relationships with trades and suppliers along the way.
Q – Why does being an FMB Master Builder help you win work of this size?
A – Often when prospective customers are undertaking a project of this size all the building contractors they are considering are of a high standard. Being a member of a reputable organisation such as the FMB can be the reason the decision goes in your favour.
Authors
Tom Peardon
Tom represents the London membership of the FMB championing their interests to key industry stakeholders in London and providing a support to the membership.
Tom has eighteen years of experience working commercially in construction media including fifteen years on the CIOB publications Construction Management and BIMplus. Tom has also worked on the Architects’ Journal, the Architectural Review and the Association for Project Safety publication the Project Safety Journal.
Tom holds a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Roehampton.
