From Planning to Completion
Here’s our guide to refurbishment projects. Refurbishment projects are standard within the hospitality industry. However, they can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when working with multiple contractors. From design to execution, there are many moving parts involved in a refurbishment project.
The success of any project depends on careful planning, coordination, execution, and management of the project to ensure that any disruptions are kept to an absolute minimum from start to finish. This is where a main contractor, experienced in project managing a full refurbishment programme from end to end will make a significant impact. Here are some simple pointers to manage the process:
Assess what needs to be done: This will help in the creation of a budget that is both realistic and achievable. A proficient contractor will help guide the project in the right direction and provide advice across a myriad of potential issues, such as accessibility and health and safety. For instance, if you are renovating a hotel, you need to consider the number of bedrooms, the size of the reception rooms, and whether there are any restrictions i.e. if the property is listed. Consideration also needs to be given to whether the refurbishment will be carried out in a live environment. If this is the case, zoning off sections and only working within scheduled hours to minimise disruption should be considered. The proximity around the building will also be considered to ensure that there is sufficient access for vehicles, no exits are blocked, or valuable space is taken up.
Plan the project: After assessing the scope and agreeing on the budget, the next step is to plan the project. The planning phase is essential as it will produce a programme of works and ensure that everyone involved understands their role in the project and the time available. A main contractor will have an experienced and cohesive team and ensure that everyone delivering on the project is on the same page to execute all elements efficiently.
Execution: Once the planning phase is complete, the next step is to execute the project. A refurbishment project can be overwhelming, and the chances are that it will not be completed in a few days. A good main contractor will not only manage the execution but coordinate the project, ensuring that everything is done according to plan, minimise disruption, and overcome any unforeseen challenges.
Communication is key: Your main contractor should maintain close communication. This is essential to ensuring that the project remains on track. They will stay within the parameters set by the budget, find solutions to avoid delays, and make sure that everyone is aware of any changes to the plan.
Refurbishment projects are complex and require careful planning, coordination, and execution. The success of a project, regardless of size or budget starts with assessing what needs to be done and working with an experienced contractor. This will ensure that everything is carried out according to plan, resulting in minimal disruption and an efficient project. With the right approach, a refurbishment project can be transformative, and its benefits can be felt for years to come.
CIC provides a full end-to-end project management service, managing many different trades throughout each phase of a refurbishment. The work we did with The Clayton Hotel, Manchester is a fantastic example of this ability and how our strict phased refurbishment ensured that the hotel was able to pre-sell rooms.
