Heritage Works for Housing: Implementation

Project Milestone: Entering into contract

The implementation period will be defined by the type of contract. Historic buildings can be complex, and as such contract negotiations can become protracted whilst the relevant parties seek to minimise and mitigate risk. Early consideration of the contract during the design development stage can help to reduce programme impacts and an Employer’s Agent can be valuable in navigating the process.

Key elements of the contract specific to historic buildings may include the scope of work, including any specific requirements related to the preservation of historic features or materials. It may also include insurance and liability requirements for all parties involved in the project, including any specific requirements related to historic preservation.

The construction phase

Prior to commencing works, the relevant building control consents should be sought, and which should include any design development as a result of contractual negotiations.

Important considerations in the construction phase that are specific to historic buildings include:

• Discharging the relevant planning and listed building consent conditions.
• Unforeseen discoveries being made.
• As design develops to construction level detail there may be changes required to the approved drawings, e.g. due to buildability challenges.

Whilst the challenges for any building project can be difficult to predict, there are a number of considerations at this stage that can help to facilitate a simpler process:

• Procure tradespeople with specialised skills in historic preservation.
• Establish a strategy for how unforeseen discoveries will be addressed as and when they arise, this may be included as part of the building contract. The strategy may also include allowing for appropriate contingencies and which specialists should be consulted.
• Ensure that works are carried out in accordance with relevant building codes and regulations.
• Using planning and listed building consent conditions to streamline the construction process by providing a forum to agree details that were unknown at application stage. Otherwise, planning permission and listed building consents may be required for small additional works.
• Consider the supply chain to source the material needed for construction.
• Monitor progress to ensure that the work is being carried out to a high standard, which will involve regular site visits, inspections and quality control checks.
• Effective communication between all members of the project team.

Project Milestone: Practical completion

Practical completion will likely include an inspection and snagging, handover, final payment, and a defects liability period, before the issue of a completion certificate.

Heritage Works for Housing: Process

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