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Project & Asset Management

Contract Administration & Project Management

Professional oversight for construction, refurbishment and property improvement projects.

Overview

Protecting your investment through professional oversight

Construction and refurbishment projects can be complex, time-consuming and costly if not managed effectively.

Whether you are planning a commercial refurbishment, roof replacement, dilapidations works, office fit-out, planned maintenance programme or major building improvement project, professional project oversight can help ensure works are delivered on time, within budget and to the required standard.

At Ashstep Surveys, we provide Contract Administration and Project Management services for commercial property owners, landlords, investors, developers and businesses across Gloucestershire and the surrounding region.

Led by experienced Building Surveyor Ashleigh Stephens, we help clients navigate every stage of the project lifecycle, providing independent advice, contractor management and quality control from inception through to completion.

Commercial refurbishment project managed by Ashstep Surveys

Planning Construction or Refurbishment Works?

Speak to Ashstep Surveys to discuss how professional project management can help protect your investment and achieve a successful outcome.

Request a Consultation

Contract Administration

What Is Contract Administration?

Contract Administration involves managing the contractual relationship between the client and contractor throughout a construction project.

The role is designed to ensure that:

  • Works are completed in accordance with the specification
  • Quality standards are maintained
  • Contractual obligations are met
  • Variations are properly managed
  • Costs are monitored
  • Risks are controlled
  • Projects progress efficiently

A Contract Administrator acts independently, helping to protect the client's interests while ensuring projects are delivered fairly and professionally.

Project Management

What Is Project Management?

Project Management is the process of planning, coordinating and overseeing construction projects from start to finish.

Effective project management helps ensure:

  • Clear project objectives
  • Defined budgets
  • Realistic programmes
  • Effective communication
  • Risk management
  • Contractor coordination
  • Successful project delivery

Our role is to provide structure, oversight and professional guidance throughout the project.

What we do

Our Contract Administration Services

01

Specification Preparation

Developing detailed specifications and scopes of work to ensure contractors are pricing and delivering the correct requirements.

02

Tendering and Procurement

Managing competitive tender processes and assisting clients in selecting suitable contractors.

03

Contract Preparation

Supporting the appointment process and ensuring appropriate contractual arrangements are in place.

04

Site Inspections

Monitoring works throughout the construction phase to assess progress and quality.

05

Contract Administration

Managing instructions, variations, progress meetings and contractual matters.

06

Valuations and Payment Certification

Reviewing contractor applications and certifying payments where appropriate.

07

Practical Completion Inspections

Assessing completed works and identifying any outstanding items.

08

Defects Management

Monitoring and managing defects identified during the rectification period.

What we do

Our Project Management Services

01

Project Planning

Helping establish realistic project objectives, budgets and programmes.

02

Consultant Coordination

Managing communication between surveyors, architects, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders.

03

Budget Control

Monitoring expenditure and helping clients maintain financial control throughout the project.

04

Programme Management

Tracking progress and helping minimise delays, keeping the project on track.

05

Risk Management

Identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them.

06

Stakeholder Management

Facilitating communication between all parties involved in the project.

07

Quality Assurance

Ensuring completed works meet the agreed standards and project requirements.

Where it applies

Types of Projects We Support

We provide Contract Administration and Project Management services across a wide range of commercial property projects.

01

Commercial Refurbishments

Office upgrades, fit-outs and modernisation projects.

02

Industrial and Warehouse Improvements

Building alterations, repairs and improvement works.

03

Roof Replacement Projects

Managing roofing contracts from specification through to completion.

04

Planned Maintenance Programmes

Coordinating major maintenance and capital expenditure projects.

05

Dilapidations Works

Managing lease-end remedial works for landlords and tenants.

06

Fire Safety and Compliance Projects

Supporting building safety improvements and compliance programmes.

07

Property Investment Improvements

Delivering works designed to protect and enhance asset value.

08

Commercial Redevelopment Projects

Managing refurbishment and redevelopment schemes across a variety of sectors.

The case for oversight

Why Appoint a Contract Administrator?

Many property owners assume contractors will manage projects themselves. However, having an independent professional overseeing the works can provide significant benefits.

01

Protect Your Investment

Independent oversight helps ensure works are completed to the required quality standards.

02

Control Costs

Monitoring variations and expenditure can help avoid unnecessary cost increases.

03

Reduce Risk

Professional management helps identify and address issues before they become major problems.

04

Save Time

Clients can focus on their business while we manage the day-to-day administration of the project.

05

Improved Communication

A single point of coordination helps streamline decision-making and project delivery.

Track record

Experience You Can Rely On

Ashleigh Stephens has extensive experience delivering construction and refurbishment projects across both commercial and public sector property portfolios.

Throughout his career he has:

  • Managed multi-million-pound remediation projects
  • Overseen major refurbishment programmes
  • Delivered capital works projects
  • Administered construction contracts
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary project teams
  • Managed contractors and consultants
  • Controlled project budgets and programmes
  • Acted as Employer's Agent on complex construction projects

This experience allows Ashstep Surveys to provide practical advice based on real-world project delivery.

Roof replacement contract managed by Ashstep Surveys

Why Ashstep

Why Choose Ashstep Surveys?

01

Director-Led Service

You will deal directly with an experienced Building Surveyor throughout the project.

02

Commercial Property Expertise

We understand the challenges associated with occupied buildings, investment properties and commercial environments.

03

Independent Advice

Our role is to protect your interests and help achieve the best possible outcome.

04

Practical Project Experience

Our advice is grounded in years of hands-on project delivery experience.

05

Fast and Responsive

We understand that project decisions often need to be made quickly and efficiently.

06

Local Knowledge

Based in Cheltenham, we support projects across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, the Cotswolds and the wider Gloucestershire region.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Contract Administration and Project Management?

Contract Administration focuses on managing the construction contract and ensuring works are delivered in accordance with the agreed terms. Project Management provides broader oversight of the entire project, including planning, coordination, budgeting and programme management.

Do I need a Contract Administrator for a refurbishment project?

While not always mandatory, professional contract administration can significantly reduce risk and help ensure successful project delivery.

Can you manage commercial refurbishment projects?

Yes. We regularly assist clients with office refurbishments, industrial improvements, maintenance projects and property upgrades.

What types of contracts do you administer?

We can support a range of construction and refurbishment contracts depending on the project requirements.

Can you act as Employer's Agent?

Yes. Ashleigh has extensive experience acting as Employer's Agent on complex projects and can advise on the most appropriate procurement and management arrangements.

How much does Project Management cost?

Fees vary depending on the size, complexity and duration of the project. We provide tailored quotations based on your specific requirements.

Ashleigh Stephens, Chartered Building Surveyor

Next steps

Delivering Projects with Confidence

Successful projects don't happen by accident. Professional oversight, clear communication and effective management are critical to achieving the best outcome. Whether you're planning refurbishment works, managing capital expenditure, undertaking dilapidations projects or delivering a major commercial improvement scheme, Ashstep Surveys can provide the expertise and support needed to keep your project on track.

Get in touch

Discuss Your Project Today

Whether you're planning refurbishment works, managing capital expenditure or delivering a major commercial improvement scheme, contact Ashstep Surveys today to discuss how professional project management can help protect your investment.

Call 0330 133 2685

Email info@ashstepsurveys.co.uk

Address The Limes, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AW

Ashstep Surveys — Providing Contract Administration, Employer's Agent and Project Management services for commercial property owners, investors, landlords and businesses across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, the Cotswolds and the wider Gloucestershire region.

We'll come back to you with a no-obligation quotation.