In new construction, renovation and transformation of real estate, one factor determines success: budgeting. The synergy of construction cost and project management is the key to the best results. At Drees & Sommer, these two services are seamlessly integrated into the ‘Building Performance’ offering and can be used in every phase of a housing assignment.
The integrated approach to cost advice and project management Drees & Sommer ensures efficient, cost-effective and successful results for their clients. Rob van der Heiden, Team Leader and Senior Cost Consultant, emphasizes the intrinsic connection between construction cost management and project management. ‘In every phase a project stands or falls with the costs involved. From the initial concept through to implementation, we bring value to every facet of a project, whether it is cost estimating, budgeting, alternative assessments or providing a second opinion.’
Our integrated services provide benefits for our customers”
Integrated services
The current complexity of construction projects requires an increasing variety of specialized expertise. It appeals to many parties when multiple disciplines are brought together under one roof. The other extreme – discussing with 25 people at the table, each with their own opinion and interests – is not very attractive. Van der Heiden underlines the added value. ‘Our integrated services provide efficiency benefits for our customers. We understand the project inside and out, which allows us to advise, identify and limit risks at an early stage.’
Broad project advice
In practice, many companies offer either cost consultancy or project management services. Drees & Sommer offers both. It is not without reason that Cost Consulting is part of the Building Performance business line at Drees & Sommer. The other services within this department – development management, project management, construction management and quality monitoring – also focus on cost control. ‘Although a contractor can also make a budget based on a specification, we are involved in the entire process and provide broad project advice, including on sustainability and sustainability practices. With us, one is not a by-product of the other; construction cost management and project management are equally important and reinforce each other.’
Prioritize the ‘G’ of money
When it comes to the seven management aspects summarized in GROTICK, Drees & Sommer systematically applies the ‘G’ for money whenever it is needed. “We serve both internal and external customers,” Van der Heiden explains. ‘Colleagues can contact us with cost-related questions very easily and at any stage of the housing process, which promotes speed and clarity in projects, especially when it comes to cost control and minimizing errors.’
Sectoral approach
Drees & Sommer uses a sectoral approach with specialists in various areas, such as Residential, Hospitality, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Education and Logistics. Both project managers and construction cost consultants benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience unique to these sectors. Van der Heiden: ‘A pole is a pole, regardless of the building it supports. The differences are mainly in the finish. We understand the specific requirements for, for example, an apartment building, an office, a hotel or a nursing home and the associated cost aspects. This knowledge adds a lot of value for our customers.’
Broad market knowledge
‘As Drees & Sommer Netherlands,’ Van der Heiden notes, ‘we have in-depth knowledge of the local market. We continuously analyze the quotes from contractors that come to us and keep a close eye on current developments. This way we always know exactly what the market situation is. Building Performance in particular – i.e. project management and construction management – can also benefit from the global know-how of the international Drees & Sommer group. The combination of our services, our sectoral approach and broad market knowledge reinforce each other. This allows us to make projects a success for our customers.’
This article is sponsored by Drees & Sommer.