All projects start with the best of intentions but problems soon emerge if stringent processes are not in place to keep all of the main players on track, according to Andrew Barr, project engineer at A.G. Coombs Advisory.
In a presentation entitled “When good projects go wrong” as part of the ARBS seminar series, Barr said the earlier a problem is identified the cheaper it is to fix.
In his role as an independent commissioning agent, Barr goes from project to project dealing with a wide range of issues which means he is ideally placed to provide insight into the most common project pitfalls. His Green Star and LEED rating expertise ensures he is active in all the major phases of a project from start to finish.
“It certainly gives me a broad perspective,” he said. “I’ve found that all projects start with the best intentions but things happen along the way.”
With project mistakes, Barr said it really comes down to three core areas – documentation, communication and coordination.
“If any one of these break down there is potential for real problems,” he said. To demonstrate his point, Barr provided
case studies dealing with the most common mistakes and how they relate to each of the three core areas.
He then provided tips on how to prevent problems. Barr said documentation needs to start early.
“It is better to be addressing issues 12 months before handover, not solving problems when handover is only weeks away,” he said.
“It is all about clarity, my job is really about process and ensuring every stage of the project has been approved by all parties.”
With stringent processes in place and a solid framework, Barr said there is very little room for good projects to go wrong.
Even during the design phase Barr suggests an independent review. “It is good to have someone separate from the design team, a person with commissioning experience to provide clarity,” he said.
“It’s my job to ask the right questions to prevent problems later. It definitely reduces risk.
“Even during the construction phase I would suggest workshops to ensure everything works together. For example, how will the BMS inferface with other systems?
“These questions need to be addressed by all of the main players, everyone needs to be accountable.”
That is also key to success – accountability. Barr then posed the important question, “What processes do you have in place to ensure accountability?”
“Everyone needs to be accountable, the contractors, consultants and clients.”
In addition to reviews and workshops, Barr also suggested regular coordination reviews to ensure everyone is on the same page.
“Coordination is important to ensure everyone is working together and heading in the same direction,” he said.
“Nobody wants contractors arguing over an installation weeks before handover.
“When this happens the contractor is under pressure to agree to something they don’t like simply because there is no time left to do anything else.”
For more information on A.G. Coombs Advisory’s range of technical services, please visit: https://www.agcoombs.com.au/what-we-do/advisory//