Uncategorized Archives | Modus Construction Consultants

What are the benefits of a feasibility study for my next construction project?

A feasibility study is an early-stage assessment into the viability of a construction project to meet the end needs of a developer. Cost Consultants are often involved in feasibility studies to provide expert cost advice on a range of matters related to the project.

A construction feasibility study offers several benefits in evaluating the viability of a construction project. Some of the key benefits include:

Early Problem Identification: A feasibility study helps identify potential challenges and problems that may arise during the construction project. By conducting a thorough analysis, stakeholders can spot issues early on and develop mitigation strategies to address them.

Risk Assessment: Feasibility studies assess the potential risks associated with the construction project, such as technical, environmental, regulatory, and financial risks. This allows stakeholders to understand the risks involved and make informed decisions to minimise and manage them effectively.

Cost Estimation and Budget Planning: Feasibility studies help estimate the costs involved in the construction project and determine its financial feasibility. By conducting a detailed analysis of the project scope and requirements, stakeholders can develop an accurate budget plan and allocate resources effectively.

Market Analysis: Feasibility studies include market analysis, evaluating factors such as demand, competition, and market trends. This analysis provides insights into the market conditions and helps determine the potential success and profitability of the project.

Decision-Making Tool: Feasibility studies provide stakeholders with valuable information to make informed decisions regarding the project. This includes evaluating the benefits, disadvantages, and constraints, helping decision-makers determine whether to proceed with the project or explore alternative options.

Stakeholder Alignment: Conducting a feasibility study allows for effective communication and alignment among stakeholders. It provides a platform to discuss and evaluate different aspects of the construction project, leading to a shared understanding and consensus among stakeholders.

It is important to note that the specific benefits of a construction feasibility study may vary depending on the project and its unique circumstances. However, overall, a feasibility study serves as a crucial tool in assessing the viability and potential success of a construction project.

If you have a construction project in the pipeline and would like to discuss a feasibility study, Modus would be more than happy to assist. Fill out a form on our Contact Us page and tell us a few details about your project.

Modus shortlisted in Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards

Exciting news! Modus are finalists in the ‘Business of the Year’ category of the 2023 Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards!

The Annual Business Awards bring together the business community in Kent, showcasing the amazing achievements of a range of businesses and talented individuals.

This year, the Business of the Year category is sponsored by Canterbury Christ Church University, and is judged on a number of aspects of business operation including commercial success, plans for growth, commitment to staff, local communities, environment and customers, and innovation and leadership.

Good luck to the other finalists and fingers crossed for the awards ceremony at the end of November!

Modus attend G4C Kent Launch

As committee members, Modus were delighted to have been part of the successful launch of G4C Kent last week at the F51 Skatepark in Folkestone. Marketing & BD Manager, Natasha, and Surveyors Tom and Fin, attended the event which consisted of networking, an inspiring talk from change innovator, Dr Bola Abisogun and a tour around the skatepark (kudos to Jenner Contractors; what an amazing building!).

G4C (Generation for Change) is a change network for those with less than 10 years in the construction industry and will challenge and shape the construction network for future generations.

The aims of G4C:

Engage with students, apprentice and graduates, and young professionals across the Built Environment sectors
Promote the Built Environment industry and its connections to the wider context
Become a driving force to develop best practice and challenge the ideologies across the Built Environment
Keep up to date with the latest industry trends and adaptations (changes with legislation, technology innovations, climate crisis, etc.)
Recognise and appreciate talent within the industry
Benefits to young professionals:
Expand their professional network across a variety of companies and individuals across the industry
Fulfil professional body requirements through CPD sessions – access to low cost, high quality professional training
Develop industry awareness through engagement with like-minded individuals who are active across disciplines and management levels
Assist in building your professional identity by developing key skills
Opportunity to enhance and promote commercial objectives for their organisations

It was brilliant to see so many new, young faces at the launch from a range of specialisms including surveying, design, engineering and construction.

With the event being the first networking event that many had ever attended, we can’t wait for the second event on 7^th March to see further connections being formed between our future construction leaders. See you there!

Visit the G4C Kent LinkedIn page.

Modus named in Top 150 Consultants for 2023

We are delighted to announce that Modus have been named in Building Magazine‘s Top 15o Consultants for 2023!

Having filled out a survey earlier in the year, we found out late last week that we had been successful in making it onto the prestigious list. The survey covered details such as numbers of chartered and non-chartered staff, numbers of offices, fee income, staff recruitment, wage patterns, margins, areas of work, and work expectations.

This achievement comes at a really exciting time for us as we continue growing our presence across the South East and become successful in securing some of our largest projects to date.

Here’s to a successful 2024!

Modus achieve ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes over the last couple of months and are proud to announce that we have been awarded our ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications!

In a nutshell, the certifications audit how we manage our business and the processes that go alongside that; giving our clients reassurance that everything we do is credible and meets all required standards.

Benefits of ISO 9001 Certification (Quality Management):

Helps to improve quality of service
Helps to drive continual improvement
Helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and risks.
Helps to increase opportunities won through tenders
Helps to improve the monitoring and measurement of performance

Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification (Environmental Management):

Demonstrates commitment to managing environmental risks and thereby helping to protect the environment
Raise employee environmental awareness
Gives customers peace of mind that they are working with a company that has a good environmental ethos
Proves you are maintain a forward thinking, environmentally aware organisation that fulfils its corporate social responsibility

Looking forward, we plan to work towards further certifications to improve our business and ultimately our service to clients.

Modus expands with Surrey based office

Following a number of recent successes, including our National RICS Award win, and several years of strong growth within Kent, Modus are pleased to announce the further expansion of our business with a Surrey based office!

We’ll be offering the same great construction consultancy services across the Surrey and Sussex areas, working with our clients to reduce financial and contractual risk on their construction projects. We have already completed a number of successful schemes in Surrey and are looking forward to supporting more ambitious clients with their ideas.

Whether you are an NHS Trust, Private Developer, Local Authority or Education provider, Modus will be on hand to manage budgets and contracts from design stage to end use.

Our services will include:

Quantity Surveying
Contract Administration
Employer’s Agent
Project Management
Bills of Quantities
Monitoring Surveying / Bank Monitoring

We’re also excited to now be part of the Constructing Excellence Surrey Club committee. The platform stimulates, debates and drives much needed change in the construction sector and aims to improve industry performance in order to produce a better built environment.

Sam Prideaux MRICS will be heading up our new Surrey office. Joining us as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor in 2015, Sam has grown with the company and quickly moved up the ranks; he now holds the position of Associate and supports our two Directors in the development and growth of Modus. Sam is a chartered Surveyor with the RICS meaning he upholds the highest standards within the industry, and was awarded a South East Construction Award in 2021 for his outstanding career progression over the last 8 years.

If you are a Surrey based client and have plans for a new construction project, we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you through effective budget and contract management.

You’ll find us at Regus, 25 Clarendon Road, Abbey House, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QZ.

Our office contact number will be 01737 301960.

Phase 2 of ED expansion gets underway at QEQM Hospital in Margate

Following the completion of Phase 1 in November, Phase 2 of the Emergency Department Expansion & Refurbishment at the QEQM Hospital in Margate is well underway 🏥✅

Working for our client, 2gether Support Solutions and East Kent Hospitals NHS University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), the works will address and improve the critical problems that hospitals are facing, including long wait times for patients, ambulance build-ups and a lack of beds for patients.

Internal demolition, alterations and strip out, first fix M&E works, internal drainage alterations and the construction of internal partitions are currently taking place.

Phase 2 works comprise the existing A&E and Paediatric waiting areas being refurbished to create new Rapid Assessment treatment bays and associated medical rooms that will provide much needed additional bed bays within the hospital. The third phase, due to start next year, will expand and renovate the resuscitation area, where some of the sickest patients are treated.

Project Team:

Gardiner & Theobald – Project Manager

Planning – Lee Evans Partnership

Architect – Hazle McCormack Young

Principal Designer, Quantity Surveyor & Contract Administrator – Modus Construction Consultants

Main Contractor – WW Martin

Our 2022 in review

Happy New Year and welcome, 2023!

Even though they say you should only look forwards in business, it’s important to look back to see what you have achieved and how far you have come!

2022 was certainly a pivotal year for the Modus team, seeing us achieve some of our most memorable milestones to date. We’ve listed a few of them below.

We won RICS National Outstanding Small Surveying Firm 2022. Up against other surveyors and consultancies from across the country, the category ‘recognises an outstanding small surveying firm or team with fewer than 50 employees.’ Criteria for the award was divided into 5 main areas; Professionalism, Teamwork/Collaboration, Outcome and Achievement, Thought Innovation and Sustainability.

We moved into our new office space in Faversham. Although we loved the barn in Boughton-under-Blean, we simply outgrew the space and needed somewhere better suited to our needs and numbers! Our new office provides more desk space, chill out areas (pool table included), meeting rooms and a gym.

We grew in headcount, welcoming 2 Trainees, an Assistant Surveyor and a Project Surveyor, as well as welcoming back Sam Prideaux as an Associate. Visit our meet the team page.

We hosted at a number of events including Canterbury Rugby Club, CIH and our own office opening party, as well as attending various networking events from golf to football to awards ceremonies across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

We invested in new software and technology to improve our service offering. These included ESTA, a project management software for Surveyors, Project Managers and Contract Administrators and Fieldwire, a mobile app enabling us to handle documentation and drawings with ease and to improve the efficiency of site visits through streamlining reports and inspections.

We got involved in community value initiatives including careers fairs at the Turner Free School and Folkestone Academy, taking part in an Employer’s Round Table Event at Canterbury College and hosting work experience students.

We exhibited at the South East Construction Expo for the first time. With our mission to expand into the Surrey and Sussex markets, this was the perfect opportunity to get the Modus name out there.

We completed on a number of projects including both Phase 1s of the Emergency Department expansions and refurbishments at the William Harvey Hospital and QEQM, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at William Harvey, MGS Sports Pavilion Phase 2, Heathlands Dementia Care Home in Bracknell and Foy House in Margate.

We were appointed on some of our highest value schemes to date, including a mixed-used scheme in Leeds, a mixed-use scheme in Bermondsey, London, and Thanet District Council’s Affordable Homes Phase 4 scheme.

We got smarter! Both Jake and Fin completed their BSc Hons Degree in Quantity Surveying and will now begin their journey to achieving chartership with the RICS.

We got interviewed for the ‘Big Interview’ feature in Kent Invicta Chamber’s ‘Thinking Business’ Magazine. Martin Munday & Michael Hoggart delved into the history of Modus and how apprenticeships have helped to grow the business to the successful consultancy it is today.

We kept standards high, maintaining our membership of the RICS, Constructionline and Cyber Essentials, signed up to the government-backed SME Climate Hub and began our journey towards becoming ISO 9001 and 14001 certified.

Watch the video.

We’re really proud of everything we’ve achieved this year and grateful to everyone who has helped us get there. Here’s to the same and more in 2023!

Investing in new technology

We are pleased to announce that we have recently invested in a number of new technology platforms to enable us to be even more efficient and accurate in our work, ultimately providing our clients with the highest possible service. We understand that technology is consistently evolving within the construction sector and are dedicated to staying up to date with these changes.

ESTA is a project management software for Surveyors, Project Managers and Contract Administrators and provides a 360 view of all projects and real-time data to show at which stages a project is. ESTA is a RICS Tech Partner meaning they uphold the RICS code of conduct and integrity. Through using ESTA, companies have seen 40% fewer mistakes in their work and an average saving of 4 hours a week. Project features with the software include single view project management, a contract certificates log, intelligent GANTT charts, risk reduction tools, a meeting minutes tracker and budget tracking.

The second technology platform we have invested in is Fieldwire. The mobile app enables us to handle documentation and drawings with ease and to improve the efficiency of site visits through streamlining reports and inspections and collaborating with the field team. We can also improve transparency and collaboration with owners and contractors to stay on top of multiple projects. The app ensures everyone is using and marking-up the same drawings and can discuss design issues as they arise, attaching any detailed sketches or specs.

We look forward to seeing how ESTA and Fieldwire can benefit both us and our clients during construction projects through risk management, time saving and cost efficiency.

Modus Win National RICS Award

Modus Construction Consultants Banner - Outstanding Small Surveying Team

Modus bring home ‘National Outstanding Small Surveying Team’ Award at the RICS Grand Final 2022

It’s still sinking in…but WE WON! When entering the regional awards earlier this year, we thought we might have a fighting chance. But when the regional category was progressed to a national award, we knew there would be some fierce competition.

Having been shortlisted in the national list, Director, Michael, and Marketing & Bid Co-ordinator, Natasha, were invited to a virtual interview with national award judge, Michael Fiddes, where further information was gathered around our original submission. It was then all down to the Grand Final in October to see if we’d done enough to win!

“The RICS UK Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork, and companies.”

The Outstanding Small Surveying Team category ‘recognises an outstanding small surveying firm or team with fewer than 50 employees.’ and criteria for the award was divided into 5 main areas; Professionalism, Teamwork/Collaboration, Outcome and Achievement, Thought Innovation and Sustainability.

Something that clearly stood out to judges was our commitment to growing the company organically and sustainably, not just through apprenticeships, but also up-skilling our existing staff and providing them with a clear and structured career path to achieving not only their own goals, but also the company’s.

Michael Fiddes, National Judge, said:

“There was a strong and varied list of entries for this category both geographically and discipline wise. Modus Construction Consultants Ltd stood out for the combination of their passion for their business, their teamwork, innovation and focus on sustainability not only in their work but also in their workplace.”

As a RICS regulated firm, we endeavour to ensure the company practices and complies with globally recognised ethical and professional standards, giving our clients confidence that we can be trusted to always deliver a high standard of service.

We are unbelievably proud of our team for their unfaltering hard work, dedication and commitment to Modus over the last 8 years, and are grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey to become the best small surveying firm in the country!

Here’s to many more successful years providing the best service we can to our clients, whilst continuously upholding the highest RICS standards.

You can find the RICS Winners brochure here.

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