Have a project but not sure where to start?

Check out our helpful guide on the project process below!

Is It Possible?

  • What's important? The first step of any project is to establish what Utopia looks like for you and why you're doing the project? By understanding the 'why' and your end goal we can formulate a plan on how to take things forward.

  • Is it possible? We’re as excited as you for your new venture but lets not get ahead of ourselves. Before we get to far let's do some work to make sure it’s even possible. We'll do some initial checks on the 'how'.

  • To complete the 'how' sometimes we'll need a concept (sometimes called a masterplan or bulk and location) to give us direction. From there we can mold what we find out during feasibility into more detailed investigations during due diligence.

  • This phase is where we spend some time to find out more about the project and the location/environment. It can involve us arranging various investigations to form a better picture of what will be needed and more importantly that there aren't any gremlins waiting for us.

  • How much will it cost? One of the most common questions and important pieces of information any client needs to know. At the end of this initial phase we'll get you an early indication of how much the project might cost which will help with funding discussions i.e. with the bank.

  • After this initial phase, and forming part of you're overall project plan, we'll establish a timeline for your project. This helps drive decisions and gives us a benchmark to measure against when delivering your project.


Develop Your Dream

  • They say an experience is better with friends and this is where we invite them. Bringing in some like minded consultants at this stage to further develop your concept and provide expert reports to support any RMA Consents and mitigate risk to the project.

  • It's time to see what the Council say. Depending on your project we may need to obtain consent from Council under the RMA (Resource Management Act).

  • You'll see a common theme here…..as we progress through the lifecycle of your project we'll keep a close eye on your budget to make sure it's always under control.

  • Similarly with your timeline we'll keep checking this to keep you informed of how we're progressing against our agreed benchmark.


Lets Do This

  • Once we've taken care of any preliminary design items and RMA consents we begin developing the design documentation so that we can lodge building consents (if applicable).

  • These are the Council approvals that allow us to build.

  • Now we go to market and obtain a cost to build. This process can take many forms and we'll start with a procurement plan to talk you through the options and agree how we do it.

  • Following the procurement process you'll have a cost to build. This will be measured against the baseline that we've already established and there shouldn't be any surprises.

  • Similarly following the procurement process we'll have a firm timeline so you'll know when your dream becomes a reality.

  • Before we get into the execution phase of your project there's a few things we'll need to take care of. It's different for each project but could be things like a Construction Contract, supply agreements or discharging finance conditions from the bank or pre-commencement activities from the approved consents. We'll talk you through the requirements and have a strategy in place to manage.


It Comes To Life!

  • This is the exciting bit where your project comes to life. It's also the phase of the project if focus isn't given to measuring project performance and progress against the agreed baseline / project plan it can turn to custard. We don't let that happen.

  • The EtC role is well established in the NZ Construction sector. The EtC administer/s the Contract with the aim of helping the proper and timely completion of the works. It's important that this role remains independent of the design team to avoid conflict should an error be found in the design.

  • Tracking project costs against the agreed budget, forecasting, working with Quantity Surveyors to assess contract claims and undertaking financial drawdowns, amongst other things. It's a critical part of the project execution that we always know how many beans we have and how many we need.

  • Health, Safety, the Environment and Well-being are all crucial elements of a project execution. This has to be right, no excuses.


It’s Yours!

  • Break out the Champagne, cut the ribbon, shake hands and take a selfie. The projects done and now it's time for you to enjoy it.

  • While you're enjoying your new toy, we'll work away getting the final tidy up jobs done like closing out snags, closing out the contracts, creating asset lists etc.

  • Get in contact with us by calling 0508 276 583 or by filling out the form here


Downloadable Project Checklist

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Resources and Tools

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To get your next project done well