FITTING IN THE BUDGET FOR FIT OUT PROJECTS

1. PLANNING

Nothing beats the value of planning. Budget preparation, finding the right contractor, defining the timeline and having the right content and provisions on the contract is imperative. In the case of combination projects (fit-out, furnitures and others), which means there are two categories underlying one project. The sequence of activities must be synchronized and checked to be able to determine the delivery of say, modern furnitures or installations of reception counters, or the delivery of the modular partitions. Numerous standards are coming along setting and various parameters can be the challenging part both for the client and contractor.

Therefore, every point must be taken down and considered, from the nature of the business up until how the end users sees it must be aligned. Remember, to avoid “unnecessary” movements during the course of the project, the contract must be clear and well understood for both parties, it normally includes the name of the project, it’s contractor and client, the scope of work and it’s limitation, ingress of materials, terms of payment, billing schedule, target completion date, who will assume responsibilities, warranties, pre punch-listing/punch listing schedules and contingencies will being discussed in good faith. Yet, given the preparation, projects still run in a 50/50 success or failure rate.

2. SETTING THE WORKFLOW

Good progress on the project highly depends on the workflow design. What makes workflow output significant is that it is layered with other project planning methodologies (like the PERT and GANTT Chart). Work derivatives must be determined to be able to create order on the sequence of works to be de one. Time is of essence in all projects and efficiency can save lots of money and idling is a BIG no.

3. FUND ALLOCATION AND PURCHASING

Another aspect of planning includes working within the budget and the preparation of the spending allocation on the project. Normally, the allocation of funds would go to manpower, materials and methodology. This stage is critical, why? There are some scope of works that immediately needs a substantial amount of material, so the site supervisor must be keen on monitoring or reporting regarding the pacing of work.

The procurement of some items like supply furniture must be scheduled based on the site progress, some designs furnitures on special purpose like supply file cabinet dividers, or desk partitions or L shaped office table which would take time because they are customized.

4. LOGISTICS

Schedule of procurement, storage and delivery of materials poses adds up to the challenge on the project, most especially if deadlines are tight and the materials are considered in special order or in an “as needed” set up. Logistics include movement of manpower, materials even pull out of site debris. All of these movements entail costs, so maximizing schedule is the key at this point. Always remember to look ahead into the goal that must be achieved.

5. MANPOWER

Deciding the manpower who will work on the project is as important as planning the budget of the project. Different strategies on the project undertaking require various skills, therefore, deciding when to use in-house manpower, subcontracting or combination of both depends on the nature of the project and must be thoroughly evaluated. Work conditions must be constantly monitored to be able to match site requirements with adequate manpower. Setting parameters are also important, since documented accomplishment this point is relevant. In addition, keeping track of the site conditions since it may affect deployment of manpower and materials, or the interior space might change for office development.

Remember, the objective is not only to finish the project, but to ensure that the schedules are always met on time. Choose a company that offers the best service-good design, transparent, detailed and responsive. Still, there are many cost drivers that make the budget bloated at some point, the key is always be ready, vigilant and be on the hunt for the best fit out contracting service provider and commercial office furnitures that can provide the support right where you need it!