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THE BUILD CONSULTANCY SERVICE

The knowledge you need

The Build Consultancy Service will provide anyone undertaking a building project no matter how large or small with the knowledge they need to remain in control, be it with legislation and other professionals at design stage or to manage the contractors during the build.

 

Vince’s consultancy service is provided on a bespoke basis; you may simply need remote advice that can be given over the phone or by email. You may need help deciding on what materials or methods to use, that could be provided at one meeting and then communicated remotely.

 

You may need help with the design, costings, legislation and appointment elements but can then proceed with the build yourself or with comfort knowing that Vince is there if you need him.

 

You may have all of the above in place but need guidance when dealing with contractors during the actual build process, or periodic policing and signing off. Vince can tailor his service accordingly.

 

Do your architects and designers really know what goes into a build? probably not since most have never actually built what they are designing, so not truly understand what is required. Vince can advise on this along with energy performance technicalities and renewable technology explanations.

 

Just one aspect that you will quite likely need help with is finding the correct builder or contractor, Vince can help with just this if you wish.

Quite often, jobs run into trouble because the builder is not the right size for the job. The temptation is to employ a smaller, therefore on the face of it cheaper builder for your works, but this is a mistake, as is using a builder more suitable to larger works with an organisation to support.

Vince understands these pitfalls and can advise you accordingly.

 

Do you have a builder but are having trouble communicating with him or finding yourself in dispute regarding completion items?

Vince can help sort out this with his extensive knowledge of  how a builder might approach his side of the proceedings, and also clarify and agree contractual matters, giving you support and mediation if necessary.

Read Vince's comprehensive FAQs and get in touch if you need to know more.

COMMON CONSULTANCY TOPICS

Some of the core topics Vince offers advice on include:

 

- Construction Design

- Energy Performance Measures

- Regulations and Legislations

- Costings

- Builder Selection

- Quality Control

- Contractor Management               

- Disputes

A LITTLE ABOUT VINCE - THE BUILD CONSULTANT

Vince represents a rarity in the construction industry; someone passionate about their profession, experienced and skilled in the site mechanics, hugely interested and conscientious regarding energy performance, and dedicated to enabling others to learn the abilities and knowledge they need to achieve their construction dreams.

THE SELF-BUILD BOOKS

BUILD ADVICE
BUILD ADVICE

MORE INFORMATION

The Self-Build Guide books are compiled from over 4 decades of construction experience and cover much of what is needed to manage your own 'Self-Build'*. Irrelevant of the size or scope of work, these books are a proven resource to anyone undertaking a building project.

I decided to write this book for very similar reasons that I decided to follow the path of Construction Project Manager, over Building Contractor. Quite simply, there is too much information required between the designer(s) and builder and too many gaps in the collation of this information.

* A Self-Build or Self-Builder does not mean that you must be building your own house nor does it mean that you must be physically taking on the work yourself. The term simply refers to anyone that is managing the contractors (whether that be a general builder or individual trades) themselves.

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Build Advice
FAQs

BUILD CONSULTANCY FAQs

The knowledge you need
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILD CONSULTANCY & PROJECT MANAGEMENT?

Not everyone needs a full project management service but most people need expert consultancy. This could be it at the design stage, helping decide what performance measures should be incorporated and how to manage other professionals through to back up during the build stage.

The advice service can be as much or as little as you choose.

Generally, project management would provide a continuous supervision throughout the entire process.

HOW DOES THE BUILD CONSULTANCY SERVICE WORK?

The service is there to provide advice whether on site or remotely, and would be tailored to suit your individual knowledge and requirements. Vince will be on hand to answer your questions and investigate your concerns during the design stage or during the works. As an inpartial third party, Vince will be able to asses your project and offer you solid guidance where you need it most.

I ALREADY HAVE AN ARCHITECT & BUILDER - WHY WOULD I NEED A CONSULTANT?

There are many components and different professionals involved in a build, each with their own knowledge limitations within their field, and own agendas.

Vince has extensive knowledge and experience in most aspects but more importantly his agenda is to protect the interest of you the client. He would help glue all these components together to make them run smoothly.

 

HOW WOULD USING A BUILD CONSULTANT SAVE ME MONEY & TIME?

By providing valuable advice and holding your hand so making sure that the build runs smoothly. Mistakes or omissions can be costly and time consuming.

 

HOW MUCH DOES BUILD CONSULTANCY COST?

Every project is different in scope and needs and Vince aims to tailor each price to what, in his expert opinion, each individual project needs. Costs can either be worked out on an hourly basis or if the  scope is known, with a fixed fee structure suited to the project

 

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Thank you! Vince will be in touch soon.

CONTACT DETAILS

Vince Holden 

e:  vince@vinceholden.com

e:  advice@vinceholden.com

t:   +44 (0) 118 948 5168

m: +44 (0) 7815 144 959

Self Build Books
 

Written from the constructor's perspective, with useful advice, this book will familiarize you with construction management fundamentals and provide you with the everyday knowledge required to develop, plan and manage your project.

 

The Self-Builder's Guide to Project Managementexplains the process step-by-step and is designed to help you turn your dream into reality.

 

This is not a book about how to build your own house, it will not explain how to lay bricks, the correct mix of concrete or how to work out the plumb cut on a rafter. There are many publications both in books or on line to explain these mechanics.

 

This book will teach you how to manage the build of your home. It will explain the different Building Regulations and your responsibilities regarding Health and Safety. It will guide you through the process of creating the right documents, to get real, accurate quotations for the works and then how to make sure you have found the best people for the job.

 

It will go on to differentiate between the content of say the ground works package and the Brickworks contractor. I will explain the importance of a SAP calculation (Energy Performance), whether or not you need a Party Wall agreement, and much more. In short, each and every step to having your home built efficiently and correctly, with the knowledge required. You will be the Project Manager!

Practical advice compiled from over 40 years of construction experience

Written by Vince Holden MCIOB

THE SELF-BUILDERS GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT

In my first book, The Self-Builders Guide To Project Management, I explored and explained many of the mechanisms involved to navigate the Pre-construction phase and therefore get you ready to tackle the construction works.That’s where this book takes over!

 

The Self-Builders Guide To The Construction Phase will use all of the knowledge gained of the Pre-construction elements, and put them into practice during the build process along with a valuable insight and guidance on how to deal with the works and contractors.

Without doubt, there is a huge amount of information required between the designer(s), client and builder and too many gaps in the collation of this information.

 

Therefore, as the scale of work increases from, say extensions and modernisations, up through large re-furbs and new builds, so does the importance for someone to glue it all together. This required management role escalates also with the inclusion of recent energy performance requirements, and most importantly the thirst of Mr & Mrs Self Build to build their own dream home with the inclusion of renewable technologies, and low running costs.

 

Using the knowledge gained from this book, you will be the one able to manage this process with confidence. Each trade is discussed, with potential shortfalls highlighted so you can have the confidence to proceed through the construction phase with your nerves intact.

 

This book will not teach you say, how to lay bricks, but will provide the knowledge to ensure that the bricky is doing his job correctly. We will address the CDM (Health & Safety) requirements along with pointers on energy performance issues such as air-tightness, cold bridging and many other elements that should be incorporated within the build. I will teach you how to manage the site step by step and without drama. The information in this book will enable you to construct the home of your dreams by placing you in complete control.

Practical advice compiled from over 40 years of construction experience

Written by Vince Holden MCIOB

THE SELF-BUILDERS GUIDE TO THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

SELF BUILD BOOKS

Written by Vince Holden MCIOB
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