Client-side project management, is a relatively novel role in the residential sector, has traditionally found its place within development companies, commercial or large-scale projects like civil infrastructure and apartment buildings. However, the escalating layers of compliance, documentation requirements, and a concerning track record of illegal site works in residential construction have highlighted a pressing need for this role in individual home builds or apartment renovations. This necessity extends beyond multi-residential or duplex sites, with our firm increasingly being tasked with mediating client risk in constructing their forever homes, overseeing the bylaw process, implementing structure and process mid-build.

 

Several factors underscore the urgency of client-side project management in the residential sector:

 

1. The recent changes to the national construction code (NCC) in the current year carry significant implications for building standards, necessitating a keen focus on compliance and regulatory adherence. New South Wales has not been as significantly affected but our clients in Queensland are requiring significant design changes to satisfy the private certifier. As the changes are new, we are seeing various interpretations of the same code.

 

2. The introduction of class 2 registration for apartment renovations, has nearly doubled planning costs for residential clients. As a rule of thumb, if the renovation works affects the waterproofing membrane of a bathroom this automatically triggers, the Class 2 requirements. It’s time to get an experienced interior designer or architect involved.  

 

3. Diverse avenues for obtaining builder or trade licenses make it crucial to assess the experience and track record of chosen builders, ensuring they align with the specific requirements of the project.

 

4. The rise in construction costs has led some clients to consider owner-building or engaging less experienced builders for a DIY approach. However, the long-term savings perceived by clients often overlook the financial implications, extended timelines, additional mortgage payments, and the emotional toll involved in managing the site.

 

5. The residential industry’s acceptance of low-quality design and engineering documentation has far-reaching consequences, impacting site operations, procurement, and contributing to misunderstandings that lead to variations in architectural or interior design. Drawing an analogy to purchasing a car, the residential construction process parallels selecting between a Mazda 5, Volkswagen Tiguan, or a Tesla, with variables in inclusions, quality, and design affecting the overall outcome.