The job will generally come down to four things - budget, specification, weather and ‘The Laws of Buggerance’
Barry Pace, Speedcut Contractors
an independent specialist to draw up the specification and provide a Bill of Quantities specific to the job.” “Secondly, they should ask around
for recommendations of reputable contractors. The independent specialist should be able to recommend a couple at least. I will not consider pricing for a job unless the first two are in place.” “I am amazed at how often I am
asked to price without a specification. I always lead the club to an independent advisor and work from there.” “Clubs who think they can put someone up to project manage, to save a bob or two, are misguided in my opinion. Very often a contractor will run rings round these people, eventually costing the club more.” “Apart from everything else, I want to be known as one of the best,” says Gordon. “I want to be seen as reliable and honest, and not just a quick buck earner.” Barry Pace of Speedcut Contractors says that the most important factor is to know what you want. “Draw up a brief of your requirements, what you want to
achieve and to what standard. But, be realistic. If you don’t know, then you should be employing someone like the STRI, or an equally experienced consultant agronomy practice, to advise you. This forms the basis of your requirements, on which a contractor should provide the best priced solution.” “Ask for an itemised quote, let them show you exactly what they have allowed for - in detail - this must be provided.”
“Decide at what point you want to
take over. For example, as soon as the site is seeded or after full germination. Be clear as to when responsibility is to pass over to you and your staff, as this also has an influence on cost.” David Warner, Grounds and Gardens Manager at Millfield School agrees. “Make sure you know exactly what it is that you want and contact independent advisers to help with your specification, design and Bill of Quantities. You need this level of information for your contractors to be able to quote accurately, and that they are all pricing
for the same requirements that the customer is requesting.”
“Have all your tenders itemised so that you can see the cost and types of materials being suggested for each section of the contract.” “Select three or four contractors to
tender. Once you receive the tenders take time to read through them with your adviser. Look at the pros and cons of each tender and invite the contractors to a meeting to discuss the project to see which company suits your needs.”
But, Malcolm Gardner, Grounds Manager at BA Clubs, offers a word of caution. “At what level would a project manager need to be considered, i.e. would it be better to consider a project manager on projects over £50k or £250K? What are the advantages of a project manager, i.e. what would they bring to the project?” “Personally, I would say that most
experienced project managers do have a portfolio of their own preferred contractors that they can trust to deliver a quality product at a fair price.
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