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Project & Asset ManagementContract 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.
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.
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
Specification Preparation
Developing detailed specifications and scopes of work to ensure contractors are pricing and delivering the correct requirements.
Tendering and Procurement
Managing competitive tender processes and assisting clients in selecting suitable contractors.
Contract Preparation
Supporting the appointment process and ensuring appropriate contractual arrangements are in place.
Site Inspections
Monitoring works throughout the construction phase to assess progress and quality.
Contract Administration
Managing instructions, variations, progress meetings and contractual matters.
Valuations and Payment Certification
Reviewing contractor applications and certifying payments where appropriate.
Practical Completion Inspections
Assessing completed works and identifying any outstanding items.
Defects Management
Monitoring and managing defects identified during the rectification period.
What we do
Our Project Management Services
Project Planning
Helping establish realistic project objectives, budgets and programmes.
Consultant Coordination
Managing communication between surveyors, architects, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders.
Budget Control
Monitoring expenditure and helping clients maintain financial control throughout the project.
Programme Management
Tracking progress and helping minimise delays, keeping the project on track.
Risk Management
Identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them.
Stakeholder Management
Facilitating communication between all parties involved in the project.
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.
Commercial Refurbishments
Office upgrades, fit-outs and modernisation projects.
Industrial and Warehouse Improvements
Building alterations, repairs and improvement works.
Roof Replacement Projects
Managing roofing contracts from specification through to completion.
Planned Maintenance Programmes
Coordinating major maintenance and capital expenditure projects.
Dilapidations Works
Managing lease-end remedial works for landlords and tenants.
Fire Safety and Compliance Projects
Supporting building safety improvements and compliance programmes.
Property Investment Improvements
Delivering works designed to protect and enhance asset value.
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.
Protect Your Investment
Independent oversight helps ensure works are completed to the required quality standards.
Control Costs
Monitoring variations and expenditure can help avoid unnecessary cost increases.
Reduce Risk
Professional management helps identify and address issues before they become major problems.
Save Time
Clients can focus on their business while we manage the day-to-day administration of the project.
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.
Why Ashstep
Why Choose Ashstep Surveys?
Director-Led Service
You will deal directly with an experienced Building Surveyor throughout the project.
Commercial Property Expertise
We understand the challenges associated with occupied buildings, investment properties and commercial environments.
Independent Advice
Our role is to protect your interests and help achieve the best possible outcome.
Practical Project Experience
Our advice is grounded in years of hands-on project delivery experience.
Fast and Responsive
We understand that project decisions often need to be made quickly and efficiently.
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.

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.