As the business has grown over the years, we’ve continued to apply the same level of attention to detail across all our projects, no matter the value or size of the job.

Our experienced team, all specialists in their own discipline, share the common vision that above all, we want to be able to look back and say, ‘we did a good job.’ We take pride in the personal level of service we provide for all our clients, whilst also effectively managing the full building envelope.

In our experience, there are four key factors that must be in place to ensure a project runs smoothly from start to finish.

1. A solid contract

One of the most important documents a client can provide us with in the early stages of engagement is a draft copy of the contract document for review.

A JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract must include a specification of works, materials and requirements, broken down into sections and agreed fees, with the obligations of the parties set out – including details for sign off or remedial work. Although a JCT is a standard document, it should give clarity on the roles and responsibilities of each party.

We’ll also need to review areas of the contract such as collateral warranty, which can sometimes conflict with the JCT, as well as insurance and indemnity policies.

There can be a lot of back and forth between contract administrators, but this is critical to get right, and there can be no cutting corners. Full disclosure of all information early on will ensure the contract is accurate, and protects all parties involved in the unlikely event of a dispute during the course of the project.

2. Quality assurance

We believe that we should not only meet, but exceed, the high standards demanded by our clients, and ensure that every job we take on undergoes our rigorous quality assurance process.

The internal processes and systems that we use not only reduce delays, but enable us to see how our sites are performing at all times, keeping us on track. Our site managers can access our QA system whilst on site, to upload images, notes and complete health and safety reports.

Commenting on a recent project we worked on, Gavin Leeks from main contractor RG Carter saw the impact of this first hand, “HSE came to the site, inspected what Eden Facades were doing, and went away happy that everything was being done correctly. That’s a good endorsement.”

Ultimately, having these processes in place means that not only is progress smooth, but we can make better, faster decisions and communicate more efficiently with our clients and other consultants.

3. Cost and payment plans

All parties involved in a project are under pressure from deadlines and budget constraints, and getting a full, accurate, compliant quote in the first instance reduces hold-ups as the project progresses.

Clients need to have confidence in the quote they have been provided with, and in order to supply an accurate quote, we ask our clients to provide as much information as possible early on, such as the expected programme of works, access requirements and delivery and storage restrictions.

We take the same thorough approach in preparing our quotes as we do in delivering the work, which is why 95% of the quotes we’ve sent out over the last few years didn’t change once the project went live, other than for agreed variations or instructed extra works.

4. Communication

Ensuring points 1-3 are in place should ensure a solid foundation for a good relationship between client, contractor and sub-contractor.

Knowing what is expected of each other and understanding the objectives and vision for the project before starting work avoids assumption, miscommunication, and can save thousands later on.

People make decisions based on trust, and through our open and transparent communication style and following through with our commitments, we have formed lasting relationships and earned the trust of our whole supply chain.

As a project team, the more we’re able to discuss issues and challenges as they arise, the greater the likelihood of addressing them and working through them. Communication delivers results.

By taking this approach with all our clients, regardless of the size or scope of the project, we have found that 70% of our work comes from repeat clients. If you’d like to discuss an upcoming project with us, or find out more about how we work, get in touch on 01268 744199 or email office@edenfacades.co.uk