Chapter 2: Managing alteration and refurbishment projects

Alteration and refurbishment projects involve unique challenges that affect the overall project management process. Unlike new-build projects, the unknowns are concentrated not only in the substructure but also in the existing structure of the building, especially where only inaccurate records of the existing building are available. These uncertainties necessitate the consideration of specialist management techniques that will ensure efficiency of the health and safety management process.

This chapter examines matters of procurement in relation to the process of alteration and refurbishment projects. These arrangements depend on several factors, such as the type of structure and client (residential, commercial, institutional, etc.), the nature and extent of the work to be done, as well as other environmental factors and considerations. Regardless of the contractual arrangements, however, each party to the contract and others related to the project will have duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and will need to execute these accordingly. However, the success of the health and safety management process within a project will depend largely on the effectiveness of the information exchange between all the duty holders involved in the project.