Care Home Services

Feasibility

Often prior to acquisition Clients require a high level feasibility study and cost plans for possible existing residential property or new build site purchases. Site visits, planning research and sketch designs accompanied by in house cost data and BCIS figures, inform these Development Appraisals, that are often then used by Clients in the preparation of business cases for internal approval and in ongoing discussion with local housing care commissioners and social services.

Concept

Should schemes proceed, a key role is to provide Concept design layout planning, these are more often than not with specific care needs in mind and can meet varying accessibility requirements dependent on local referral requests. The team are sensitive designers at this stage using key design standards from the CQC and CIW to inform the design process. At this stage a Budget Estimate is prepared by our in house Quantity Surveying team to ensure cost planning is up to date and the Client is fully informed.

Planning

Depending on the scale and level of care that is required of the property, sometimes the pre app advice process is accessed to lead the next stage towards purchase, it is equally often clear that a Change of Use planning application is required and/or Lawful Development application. All of which are handled by the CC Ltd team. These applications can be challenging and complex because the Use Class system is complicated within this field and conversions of this type can be met with local objection.

Detailed design, specification and tendering

With planning approval secured and concept designs agreed with Care Commissioners the detailed design stage is undertaken. Our team have technical expertise to ensure the scheme meets with Building Regulation and Fire Safety regulations and progress the detailed design to provide drawings, specifications and schedules of work appropriate to each project and suitable for use within the tender process. This involves utilising our inhouse Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and external Structural Engineers. If required a pre tender cost estimate is undertaken to ensure budgets are being adhered to.

Tender process

Our team have the expertise to deliver schemes through the Construction stage and have experience in both traditional and design and build contract procurement methods, advising the Client as to the most appropriate.

Where the traditional route is decided upon, and to ensure best value for money to our client the team manages a competitive tender to the market, generally tendering to contractors that are familiar with the needs of this type of Client. A clear Tender analysis is provided to the Client to enable contractor choice to be made and a timely start on site achieved.

Delivery of Construction stage

Our input does not stop at this point, once the scheme is commenced on site the team Project Manage the scheme providing contract administration, principal designer and cost control services. The delivery of these projects are not only interesting and engaging for the team but also increase awareness of the wider social responsibility to provide appropriate care settings in the UK for people with additional needs - it is a rewarding sector to be involved in.