Construction consultants are professionals who have at least 10 years of experience in the construction industry, hold relevant licenses and extensive project management experience to offer each client with tailored services. They play a crucial role in ensuring projects are completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest industry standards.
In this blog article, we will teach you the A to Z of how construction consultants work, and help you decide whether they are the right fit for your project!
Why is Construction Consulting Important?
In the early 1920s, Sydney faced a monumental task: spanning its iconic Darling Harbour with a bridge.
The Bridge had been proposed in the 19th century, but due to technical difficulties and financial constraints, its actual construction was delayed for nearly a century. It is until the 1920s, Sir Ralph Freeman, a brilliant English civil engineer working for the consulting firm Douglas Fox & Partners, was brought in as the Consulting Engineer for Dorman Long and Co, the company tasked with building the bridge.
Freeman and his associate Georges Imbault meticulously designed every detail, from the massive steel arch to the intricate cable system. They also conducted extensive research on Darling Harbour’s weather condition, ensuring the trains are safe to pass even under strong winds.
Throughout the eight-year construction, Freeman’s consulting played a pivotal role. He oversaw the production of detailed drawings and calculations, ensuring every aspect of the bridge was precisely engineered.
Thanks to Freeman’s expertise and the collaborative efforts of over 1600 workers, the Sydney Harbour Bridge now stands today as a testament to the power of expert consulting in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
An Overview of the Current Market
Construction contributes 7 per cent of Australia’s national GDP and employs almost 1 in 10 of the working population. Within this, consulting has a revenue share of 19.82%, showing its indispensable status in the industry.
Some notable construction consulting firms in Australia include CIMIC Group Limited, Lendlease Group, John Holland Group, Laing O’Rourke Australia, and Fulton Hogan. Major international firms are also present here. For example, global management consulting firms like KPMG, EY, and Mickensy & Co also offer construction consulting services to businesses.
Key Services of a Construction Consultant
The work of construction consultants evolves around three pillars: safety, quality, and speed. Because of this guiding principle, their essential services span across but are not limited to:
- Hiring appropriate contractors
- Assessing technical specifications
- Appointing suitable design/certification engineer
- Contract reviews
- Project management and team structuring
- Budget estimate or detailed costing of services
- Conduct safety analysis or inspections before project completion
- Manage disputes, defects and repairs
- Audits on completed claims
Additionally, consultants often provide pre-construction services such as project planning, feasibility studies, and obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local governments. They also assist in the design and documentation phase, working closely with architects and engineers to ensure project alignment with client requirements.
Construction Consultant V.S. General Contractor
While both are indispensable for construction projects, there are some key differences between construction consultants and general contractors. Construction consultants primarily provide expert advice and guidance throughout various stages of a project. They focus on planning, risk assessment, and can sometimes work as an objective third party between project owner and contractors. They may not be on site everyday, but they provide a superstructural project management.
General contractors, on the other hand, are responsible for the physical execution of the construction project. They manage the day-to-day operations on-site, recruit and supervise subcontractors, and are directly involved in the building process. General contractors typically work on a lump sum basis, while construction consultants often charge a fixed fee or hourly rate.
Construction Consultant V.S. Field Engineer
Like consultants, field engineers are key personnel who ensure every construction project is built safely and efficiently. However, there are some significant differences between the two.
Field Engineers are responsible for interpreting blueprints, coordinating with contractors, and solving on-site technical problems. Unlike consultants, who provide a wide range of services at every stage of the construction, field engineers have a niche focus on the technical aspects of construction, ensuring that all designs are accurately implemented and all work meets required specifications and standards. They typically have a hands-on approach, although they may not be on-site everyday like general contractors.
Who Needs Construction Consulting
Construction consultants work on both commercial and residential projects. Large scale commercial projects usually engage with a team of consultants, who provide invaluable assistance in areas such as:
– Project planning and development
– Risk assessment and management
– Contract administration and negotiation
– Quality control and assurance
– Compliance with regulations and building codes
– Dispute resolution and problem-solving
– Performance monitoring and reporting
For smaller residential projects, independent consultants usually offer the best value. Homeowners can find these professionals on websites like Houzz and Australian Society of Building Contractors. It is also highly recommended to visit consultants with specific requirements such as ‘quality assurance’ or ‘project planning’, this helps homeowners to identify the right person to work with.
In New South Wales, an independent construction consultant typically charges between £75 to £250 per hour, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the project.
How to Find Your Construction Consultant
If you’re considering engaging a consultant for your next building venture, Construction Concierge is here to offer a free consultation service. Drawing from over thirty years of collective expertise in the construction industry, we have helped countless clients navigate both commercial and residential projects, turning complex builds into smooth, stress-free experiences.
After understanding your needs at our initial consultation, we connect you with the most suitable professionals in our carefully vetted network of industry professionals, all at no additional cost. Whether you are overseeing a major commercial development or planning a full-house renovation, we can help you find the right designers, architects and contractors to work on the project.
With the right expertise on your side, we assure you can navigate the process with confidence and achieve outstanding results. Contact Construction Concierge today to save your valuable time and energy, let us help you streamline every aspect of your project!
