Case Study — ResidentialDecent Homes Programme, Lambeth & Hackney
Quantity surveying, project management and clerk of works services for Lambeth Living and Hackney Homes, bringing social housing stock, from individual homes to tower blocks, up to the Decent Homes Standard under NEC3 framework contracts.
The challenge
Bringing occupied social housing up to the Decent Homes Standard
On behalf of Lambeth Living and Hackney Homes, I worked in a multi-disciplinary role as quantity surveyor, project manager and clerk of works across a series of refurbishment schemes delivered under the Decent Homes Programme.
The programme covered a wide range of existing social housing stock, from individual housing units to tower blocks, which needed refurbishment to meet the Decent Homes Standard. Surveys of the existing stock defined the scope of works for each unit, which was then delivered through the appropriate framework contractor for each Lot.
Schemes were procured on a design and build basis through the framework, using NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract Options B, C, D and E with client amendments. With residents living in their homes throughout, the work combined commercial control with careful site supervision and resident liaison.
Project facts
At a glance
Client: Lambeth Living and Hackney Homes
Location: Lambeth and Hackney, London
Value: Various
Role: Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Clerk of Works (pre- and post-contract)
Procurement: Design and build via framework
Contract: NEC3 ECC Options B, C, D and E with client amendments
Programme: Various
Stock condition surveys
Surveying existing homes and tower blocks to record condition and identify the works needed to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
Scope definition
Turning survey findings into a clear scope of works for each property, ready to issue to the framework contractor for that Lot.
Cost planning
Estimates and budgets for each package of works, tracked against the client’s programme allocation.
Framework call-off
Issuing works to the appropriate framework contractor for each Lot and agreeing prices on the right NEC3 main option.
NEC3 contract management
Administering NEC3 ECC Options B, C, D and E: early warnings, compensation events and assessments.
Valuations and payment
Measuring work done, assessing applications and certifying payments in line with the contract.
Project management
Coordinating contractors, programmes and approvals across many properties running in parallel.
Clerk of works
Inspecting quality on site, checking workmanship against specification and signing off completed homes.
Resident liaison
Planning works around residents living in their homes, with access, safety and communication agreed in advance.
Our approach
How each scheme was delivered
Surveys
Condition surveys of each home or block to establish what was needed.
Scope and budget
A defined scope of works and budget for each property or package.
Framework call-off
Works issued to the appropriate framework contractor for the Lot, on the right NEC3 option.
Mobilisation
Programmes, access and resident communication agreed before work started.
Delivery
Contract management, valuations and quality inspections while homes stayed occupied.
Completion
Inspection, sign-off and final account for each property.
The outcome
What this meant for the client
Scope based on evidence
Surveying the stock first meant each property received the works it actually needed, with budgets set on a sound basis.
One point of contact
Combining quantity surveying, project management and clerk of works gave the client joined-up commercial, programme and quality control.
Homes improved with residents in place
Works were planned and supervised around occupied homes, keeping disruption down and standards up.
Delivered by Ollie Thompson MRICS in a previous role at Mace. Planning a housing refurbishment programme? Talk to us about your scheme.
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