Office Fitout Project Management – What to Expect When Working with Contractors

An office fitout can be a stressful time for the people in charge of it. You will have a head full of plans and possibilities, a nagging load of what-ifs and governing the whole thing, a budget to stick to. And on top of all that, life goes on and there is work to be done as usual. That makes it vitally important to have a plan, especially if you’re going to be working with contractors.

Organisation, Organisation, Organisation

Start with a blank page and gradually fill it in. If you’re a graphically-minded type, you might use a big sheet of paper and a pencil (not a pen, because pencil can be erased and you’re going to be doing a lot of erasing).

Words are another way of doing it. Draw up a list of objectives and work on each of them, trying to stick to one at a time, although they will inevitably tread on each other’s toes at certain points. Be disciplined and don’t get discouraged.

If everything makes more sense to you on a computer screen, do your organising there. Whichever way you like to work, put your contractors on there, to remind you you’re going to need to work in harmony with them, and they will be more cooperative if they can see you’ve thought it through.

Run it Past Someone Else

Think of a trusted colleague, someone who has your best interests at heart but will give you an honest opinion. Once you’ve got some detail on your plan, go through it with the friend and see what they say. Have you forgotten something. Are you making things difficult for yourself? Would there be a better way of doing it?

Choose Your Contractors Carefully

Contractors are specialists and they may not readily see the bigger picture, so make sure there is someone there who you feel you can work with. They will be accustomed to talking to people in their own industry, but don’t let them blind you with science. There are plenty of helpful people in the world, so find yourself some. Maybe have a preliminary chat to give them a good idea of what you’re aiming for and what you are potentially up against.

Agree a timeline and try to stick to it, while making clear you expect them to stick to it too. Stuff happens in these projects, but if you’re all doing your bit and pulling together you’ve got a greater chance of success.

Keep an Eye on Costs

There are estimates and there are quotations; one is an educated guess, and the other is a promise or guarantee. And yes, things can change through no fault of yours or the contractor’s, but don’t be afraid to insist on things if they had led you to believe them.

They’ve got a job to do but so have you. If you can see things from each other’s perspective, both of you may be able to make allowances. You have a common goal, and the contractor’s performance will play a part in the overall success or otherwise of your project.

Eventually you will have the completion and handover phase, where you have to sign off on the work that’s been done.

Office fitout project management: it doesn’t have to be a nightmare If you follow these tips and work with a great company like us at Ultimate Fitout Group. Contact the team here.