Client: Dimensions (UK) Limited
Property: Various care homes
Project: Repair & PPM Works, & adaptation and refurbishment schemes
Value: Circa £100,000 per scheme
Project Overview:
Dimensions is a housing association for people with learning difficulties. Dimensions own approximately 300 care homes throughout the country. Dimensions was formed out of MENCAP. Whilst MENCAP are recognised as an excellent provider of care services for disabled residents, looking after a property portfolio is not a core service and so this was transferred to Dimensions approximately 15 years ago. Lea Hough have been a Surveying Consultant to Dimensions for ten years and have assisted the client with many schemes throughout the country.
Lea Hough Role:
Generally our role entails an initial survey and preparation of a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Schedule, identifying works that are required, a programme for undertaking the works, and budget costs. We also assess the suitability of the premises and the site, in respect of the residents’ needs and compliance with current day standards.
Typically, we will then prepare drawings and specifications for large scale repairs and maintenance projects at a batch of 5-6 care homes in each region. We undergo a competitive tender exercise, review and report on contractors prices, seek client’s instructions, and progress the works. We hold a pre-start meeting with the contractor and with staff at each care home, and establish a definite programme and sequence for the works. Building Regulations Approval is often required, and Planning Permission is also sometimes needed.
We then place the contract, and generally project manage and undertake contract administration throughout, involving regular site visits, liaising with the contractor, certifying interim valuations, certifying practical completion, agreeing the contractor’s final account followed by a re-inspection at the end of the rectification period. We also act as CDM Coordinator and ensure that all aspects of the CDM Regulations are met.
Project Outcome:
We have managed numerous maintenance and refurbishment schemes throughout the country, including batches of properties at Whitley Bay, Tyneside, Newcastle, Hexham, Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Barrow in Furness, Sheffield, Coventry, Birmingham, Northampton, Wiltshire etc.
