OUR APPROACH
A well-run building project needs more than good workmanship. It needs clear information, careful preparation, realistic decisions and consistent management from the first conversation through to handover.
01. Understanding the Project
We start by understanding what you want to achieve, how the property is used and what project information already exists. If you already have drawings, planning approval or structural information, we review it with you. If the project is earlier-stage, we help identify what information and professional input are needed before the construction work can be properly defined.
02. Project Information & Design Coordination
We make sure the project is developed far enough for the work to be understood and priced properly. Where required, we can help coordinate input from architects, structural engineers and other specialists, while the relevant appointed professional remains responsible for their design or technical work.
03. Clear Quotation & Scope
Once we have the available project information, we prepare an initial estimate so there is a realistic commercial starting point. We can then refine the scope with you and, where appropriate, explore value-engineering options or alternative ways of achieving the required result. Once the scope is agreed, we prepare an itemised Scope of Works and a detailed fixed-price quotation against it, giving you a clear agreed starting price for the construction work.
04. Contract & Pre-Start Planning
When the scope is agreed, the project is formalised through a written Federation of Master Builders contract. Before work starts, we confirm the programme, access, site setup, logistics, long-lead items and the drawings, planning, building regulations and structural information required by the site team. We also coordinate directly with your architect, interior designer and other appointed professionals where required. As an FMB member, Harrington Builders also works to the FMB Code of Conduct, which sets standards around quotations, contracts, workmanship and client communication.
05. Construction & Project Management
Once on site, we manage the work against the agreed scope and programme. Stuart remains involved throughout, coordinating the site team, trades, deliveries, technical information and client communication so the different parts of the project continue to move together.
06. Communication, Decisions & Changes
Building projects naturally involve questions, decisions and sometimes changes as the work progresses. We keep those conversations clear and deal with variations separately so there is a record of what has changed and what it means for the work, cost or programme.
07. Completion, Handover & Aftercare
At completion, we work through the final items and hand over the relevant project information, warranties and certificates where applicable. We also explain any important controls or maintenance information and remain available afterwards for genuine aftercare matters in line with the contract and applicable warranties. Where requested and available for the project, an insurance-backed guarantee can also be arranged at the client’s cost.
One place for the information around your build.
A substantial building project creates a lot of information — drawings, photographs, specifications, decisions, conversations, programme updates and financial records. We’re developing the Harrington Builders Client Portal so our team and our clients can keep that project information together, rather than scattered across emails, WhatsApp messages, folders and separate PDFs.
Clients will be able to follow shared project information, keep room-by-room conversations beside the work they relate to, and upload their own project documents — for example kitchen drawings or specifications — so both sides are working from the same information. The Portal is also designed to bring scope, valuations and key financial information into one clear project view. Official commercial records and acceptance remain in Xero.