Quality rules for fit-out

Supply chain management and non-adversarial practices count for little when choosing a fit-out contractor in London.

A survey of 160 architects, quantity surveyors, project managers and building owners/occupiers involved in office fit-out in London and the South, commissioned by Overbury, shows that Eganite principles are not considered as important as the quality of a contractor's work.

On projects valued between £3m and £20m, a non-confrontational approach ranked sixth (behind financial management skills) out of nine criteria likely to determine whether a contractor will be shortlisted for a tender.

The top four are: quality of work; relevant experience; quality of staff; and the ability to take ownership of a project.

Management of subcontractors came in behind a non-confrontational approach in seventh. However, on smaller projects (£100,000 to £1m) it ranked fifth.

Management of mechanical and engineering elements and post-completion work ranked eighth and ninth.

"These results suggest a marked change in procurement attitudes," said Steve Elliott, Overbury's managing director. "With health and safety also a prime concern these days, clients are more concerned with developing long-term relationships that produce high quality work, which in turn delivers better value and long-term savings."