Hampstead, London NW3 RICS Regulated
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Major Works Consultancy for Residential Blocks

Specification, procurement and contract administration for major works to residential blocks, estates and managed buildings across London.

Works Specification Procurement & Tendering Contract Administration
Overview

Major works advice that helps block owners, managing agents and freeholders deliver works with stronger control

We provide major works consultancy for residential blocks across London, supporting freeholders, managing agents, housing associations and resident management companies through specification, procurement and contract administration for remedial, refurbishment and capital works programmes.

Major works to residential blocks are often commercially significant, technically demanding and operationally sensitive. Our advisory approach is designed to help clients define scope clearly, procure contractors on a fair and competitive basis, and maintain stronger control over programme, cost and quality through delivery.

Who This Service Is For

Clients responsible for delivering major works to residential buildings

Managing Agents Freeholders Resident Management Companies Housing Associations Block Owners Right to Manage Companies Asset Managers

This service is typically instructed where a residential block or estate requires major works and the client needs independent advisory support to define scope, manage procurement and oversee delivery, whether for a single block or a multi-building programme.

When To Instruct Us

Typical trigger points for major works

  • Where a condition survey has identified works requiring a structured delivery approach.
  • Before tendering where scope needs to be defined clearly for competitive pricing.
  • Where Section 20 consultation requires a defensible specification and procurement process.
  • Where previous major works have experienced cost, programme or quality issues.
  • Where a managing agent or freeholder needs independent advisory support through delivery.
  • Where remedial works to building fabric, roofs, windows or common parts are needed.
  • Where fire safety works need to be coordinated alongside wider building improvements.
  • Where residents or leaseholders need confidence in the scope, cost and management of works.
What We Cover

How we support major works from scope through to completion

Scope Definition and Specification

Defining the scope of works based on condition assessment, preparing specifications and documentation suitable for competitive tendering and contractor appointment.

Procurement and Tendering

Managing the procurement process including tender documentation, contractor selection, tender evaluation, recommendation and appointment on a fair and transparent basis.

Contract Administration

Acting as contract administrator through delivery, managing valuations, variations, instructions, programme and contractual obligations on behalf of the client.

Delivery Oversight and Completion

Monitoring progress on site, managing quality, addressing issues as they arise, overseeing practical completion and managing the defects liability period.

Common Issues

Common issues in major works to residential blocks

  • Unclear scope leading to cost overruns and contractor disputes.
  • Procurement that does not achieve competitive or comparable pricing.
  • Section 20 consultation requirements adding complexity to the process.
  • Works in occupied buildings where resident disruption must be managed.
  • Contractor performance issues during delivery.
  • Variations and additional costs emerging during the works.
  • Defects and snagging at practical completion.
  • Leaseholder concerns about cost, scope and management.

Why independent major works consultancy matters

Independent advisory support helps the client maintain control over a process that is often complex, costly and scrutinised by multiple parties. Clear specification, competitive procurement and independent contract administration reduce risk and strengthen the client's position throughout.

Typical Process

How a major works instruction typically works

01

Condition Review and Scope

We assess the building condition to establish what works are needed and develop a clear scope and specification for competitive tendering.

02

Tender Preparation

We prepare tender documentation, define the procurement route and identify a suitable contractor pool.

03

Tender Evaluation

We evaluate received tenders against price, quality, programme and methodology, and provide a clear recommendation to the client.

04

Contract Administration

We administer the building contract through delivery, managing valuations, variations, instructions and programme.

05

Completion and Defects

We oversee practical completion, manage snagging and defects, and support the client through the defects liability period to final account.

Example Instructions

The types of major works instruction we commonly receive

Roof and Envelope Works

A managing agent instructing major works to a 1960s residential block requiring roof replacement, brickwork repairs and window renewal under Section 20 consultation.

Estate-Wide Programme

A freeholder needing specification, procurement and contract administration for phased major works across 6 blocks on a residential estate.

Fire Safety and Building Works

A managing agent coordinating fire compartmentation remedial works alongside wider building fabric repairs, requiring a single integrated procurement and delivery approach.

Post-Survey Major Works

A resident management company that has received a condition survey identifying significant works and needs support to take those works from specification through procurement and delivery.

Deliverables

What the client receives

  • Scope of works and specification.
  • Tender documentation and procurement management.
  • Tender evaluation and recommendation report.
  • Contract administration through delivery.
  • Interim valuations and payment recommendations.
  • Variation management and cost control.
  • Practical completion and defects management.
  • Optional Section 20 support documentation.
How This Advice Is Used

How clients use this advice

  • Major works planning and budget approval.
  • Section 20 consultation and leaseholder communication.
  • Competitive contractor procurement.
  • Cost control and commercial management during works.
  • Resident and stakeholder reporting.
  • Defects management and close-out.
  • Long-term building planned maintenance.
Related Services

Services often instructed alongside major works consultancy

FAQs

Common questions about major works consultancy

Do you handle Section 20 consultation?

We support the Section 20 process by providing clear specification, defensible procurement documentation and structured cost reporting that managing agents and freeholders can use as part of the statutory consultation process.

Can you manage works to occupied buildings?

Yes. We plan and oversee works in occupied residential buildings, coordinating with contractors and residents to manage access, disruption and communication throughout the programme.

What size of major works programme is suitable?

We advise on major works ranging from single-block programmes to multi-building estate-wide works. The service is scaled to the instruction and the client's needs.

Do you act as contract administrator?

Yes. We act as contract administrator under standard building contracts, managing valuations, variations, instructions and contractual obligations on behalf of the client.

Can you help if works are already underway?

In some cases, yes. Where a project has encountered issues during delivery, we can provide advisory support, although earlier instruction typically allows for stronger control throughout.

How do you manage cost control during works?

We manage interim valuations, assess variations, monitor programme and provide regular cost reporting to help the client maintain financial control throughout the works.

Related Guides

Practical guidance for major works clients

Project Example

Major works to a residential block in North London

  • Client type: Managing agent acting for a freeholder
  • Building type: Purpose-built residential block, 48 flats, 1970s construction, North London
  • The issue: The block required major works including roof replacement, concrete balcony repairs, window renewal and external redecoration, with Section 20 consultation required
  • What we were appointed to do: Prepare the scope and specification, manage the procurement process, support Section 20 consultation and provide contract administration through delivery
  • What was reviewed: Building condition assessment, specification preparation, competitive tender with 4 contractors, tender evaluation and recommendation, contract administration through a 9-month works programme
  • What happened next: Works were delivered in an occupied building with structured resident communication, regular cost reporting and contractor performance management
  • Outcome: The project was completed on programme, within the approved budget, with a clear defects liability process and positive resident feedback on communication and management
  • Related services: Condition Surveys, Procurement & Tendering
Request a Consultation

Need major works consultancy for a residential block or estate?

Contact our team to discuss specification, procurement or contract administration for your major works programme.

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Reviewed by Savas Bulduk BSc (Hons) MRICS, Chartered Building Surveyor and Director at Hampstead Chartered Surveyors & Building Consultancy.