Navigating the Need: The Emergence of Client-Side Project Management in Residential Construction

Client-side project management in the residential sector, has traditionally found its place within development companies, commercial or large-scale projects like civil infrastructure and apartment buildings.

However, the escalating layers of compliance, documentation requirements, and a concerning track record of illegal site work in residential construction have highlighted a pressing need for this role in individual home builds or apartment renovations.
 
This necessity extends beyond multi-residential or duplex sites, with our firm increasingly being tasked with mediating client risk in constructing their forever homes, overseeing the bylaw process, and implementing structure and process mid-build.
 
 

Several factors underscore the urgency of client-side project management in the residential sector:

1. The recent changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) in the current year carry significant implications for building standards, necessitating a keen focus on compliance and regulatory adherence. 

2. The introduction of class 2 registration for apartment renovations, has nearly doubled planning costs for residential clients. As a rule of thumb, if the renovation works affect the waterproofing membrane of a bathroom this automatically triggers, the Class 2 requirements. It’s time to get an experienced interior designer or architect involved.  

3. Diverse avenues for obtaining builder or trade licenses make it crucial to assess the experience and track record of chosen builders, ensuring they align with the specific requirements of the project.

New South Wales clients have experienced minor impacts, while Queensland clients require significant design changes to meet private certifier standards. With new changes, interpretations of the code vary.

4. The rise in construction costs has led some clients to consider owner-building or engaging less experienced builders for a DIY approach. However, the long-term savings perceived by clients often overlook the financial implications, extended timelines, additional mortgage payments, and the emotional toll involved in managing the site.

5. Poor quality design and engineering documentation in the residential industry has broad consequences, affecting site operations, procurement, and leading to variations in architectural or interior design.

Comparing it to buying a car, the residential construction process involves choosing between different models like Mazda 5, Volkswagen Tiguan, or Tesla, where inclusions, quality, and design impact the final result.

In conclusion, client-side project management is crucial in the evolving residential sector, addressing compliance challenges, documentation intricacies, and client risk. Integrating this role is pivotal for ensuring successful and secure construction projects.

 
Residential Interior Design | Studio Gaxa | The Role of Client-Side Project Management

About STUDIO GAXA: Your Partner in Interior Designing

STUDIO GAXA is a full-service design studio specialising in cost-conscious, high-end residential and commercial fit-outs. We believe that exceptional design, particularly in interior design, should be accessible to everyone. Our goal is to create beautiful spaces that reflect our client’s unique styles and personalities.

We offer a wide range of services, including initial design or feasibility consultations, building design, interior design, styling, procurement, and commercial fit-outs. Whether you’re looking to renovate a new home or design a new concept store, our expertise in interior design is at your service.

Kat Koulizakis – 

Design & Project Manager at STUDIO GAXA

P: 02 9053 9090
E: [email protected]
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