Key considerations for delivering best value in the small building works portfolio of large client organizations

Abstract

Many large organizations own and occupy extensive, complex and varied property estates, which are essential to their business. Continued reliance on these resources often requires considerable annual expenditure on maintenance, alterations, refurbishment and small‐scale new building works. Such activities form the category small building works, a sub‐sector of the UK construction industry which currently approximates to £11 billion, or 20% of annual total output. The delivery of best value in the management of small building works, in the context of an organization with a large property portfolio, is important to the business. Studies into small building works conducted over the past 15 years have been synthesized and augmented to highlight the key considerations for ensuring best value in small building works. The delivery of best value requires a comprehensive understanding of the proposed works themselves and then the potential impact of those works upon the property portfolio, and all within the context of the organization’s business activities. Clients need to establish first, an effective procurement approach and second, an effective operational approach.