Managing and Implementing Infrastructure in a Real Estate Project

Introduction

The core infrastructure facilities in a medium/high real estate project include but are not limited to the following:

Stormwater Management, Waste Water Management, Waste Water Treatment, Electrical-Civil Installations, Water Supply and reticulation, Gas reticulation, Roadworks and Pavement, Earthworks and Landscape, Renewable Energy (Solar, etc.), Solid Waste Management, Fire Fighting, Reuse and Recycle options where applicable.

The Building and Civil Infrastructure Interface

From the project concept to the implementation stage: there are multiple and almost infinite levels of interfaces of works between the infrastructure facilities and the structural elements of the buildings. One of the most common relates to stormwater management that stipulates that unless there's a provision for sub-surface drainage in the plots/ compounds then the finish floor level of the plots must be higher than the finish floor level of the access roads.

The optimal approach is to kickstart all real estate projects with the provision of key engineering infrastructure (such as earth roads (sub-base level), stormwater, electrical, water supply lines, etc.)?and then the plots/compounds are plugged in accordingly in due course as is done in most planned districts in the Federal Capital Territory- Abuja.?

The Business Sense versus Standard Practice

However, the economic outlook does not support this in the Nigerian private real estate sector. Consequently, because clients and stakeholders who invest/finance in real estate do so primarily to acquire a building and as much as the infrastructure facilities are an important part of the construction process the stakeholders are more vested in the building construction and not buried infrastructure facilities that do not increase the perceived value of the project even for the real estate company.

Therefore in the construction management of the real estate project, it is imperative to create a workable framework to actualise the construction of buildings and infrastructure utilities concurrently. It is not without its challenges, setbacks, and cost implications: but with proper planning and implementation, the framework can achieve the best benefits in the scenario.

The Framework is in 3 stages:

A. The Infrastructure Implementation/Management

B. The Infrastructure Quality Assurance

C. The Support Structure

A. The Infrastructure Implementation/Management

• In practice, there may be different lots for buildings and infrastructure in the bidding process: so tender processes of buildings and infrastructure should be integrated especially in terms of technical specifications as this ensures that there is synergy in the project from the concept/tender stage.
• Project documentation such as project schedules, method statements, implementation, procurement plans, budget, and risk register is mandatory and enforced. All team members should prepare these documents that should also include contractors, vendors, external consultants, etc., as they join the project at various stages.
• Establish tracking systems to oversee the status of both the building and infrastructure elements of the project. From experience, this tracking system can be very subjective and depends on the complexity of the project, the skill set of the team/contractors, and project methodology amongst other factors.
• Analyse the tracking systems, and the project performance and identify ways to streamline both construction processes (buildings + infra) frequently. This is an iterative process; having lessons learned register is good- to have a document from this process and a valuable organisational process asset for future or current projects.

B. The Infrastructure Quality Assurance

• Frequent drawing reviews should be done for both the building and infrastructure aspects of the project.
• A system for spot checks should be developed that integrates both the building and infra works. For some organisations, a project manual or checklists serve this purpose.
• Develop in-house resources and perform frequent training for both building + infra teams to execute both sub-projects concurrently. A quality unit (internal or external) should conduct scheduled and unscheduled project audits and provide supporting corrective actions when needed.?

C. The Support Structure

Other necessary support structures include but are not limited to:

• Workflow management to implementing teams and contractors
• Contractor management
• Site and design reviews
• Site-specific QA plans
• Management approval and support
• Building/Infrastructure best practices, etc

How best can you manage the construction of buildings and civil infrastructure concurrently? Share with us in the comments...

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