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Accurate & competitive CIF Bid costings are essential if a school is going to be successful in securing CIF funding. Even if the CIF bid is ultimately unsuccessful, the process of preparing an accurate tender pack & receiving competitive building costs can often help in budget future works.

We regularly prepare a detailed tender package following completion of a condition survey. This package covers the specification of all necessary works, allowing invited contractors to provide accurate building costs. These three to five separate quotes then go through a process of tender analysis. Here we identify the most competitive offer that meets the required specification. The above can take many months to complete accurately. Therefore, we always recommend starting the CIF bid process in the Spring or early Summer before the CIF Bid application deadline, usually in December.

We assisted Peter Symonds College in Winchester with two CIF bids as part of the 2020-21 Condition Improvement Fund. The first was for roof repair and replacement works and the second was the replacement of a conservatory building.

Roof Repair and Replacement Works

 

The flat roofs and elements of the pitched roofs have been subject to failure. Many patch repairs were performed, some of which have failed as well.

Surveys of the flat roofing have identified its poor condition and show that its lifetime has expired. Core samples confirm that the minimal insulation present is ineffective because it is saturated. Moisture ingress from the failed coverings has caused damage to internal finishes and fixtures. Furthermore, it is close to electrical services in several areas.

The proposed works would provide new flat roof coverings with 25-year insurance backed guarantees. In conjunction with this, the damaged asbestos soffits and timber fascias would be replaced with uPVC products. This would significantly reduce ongoing maintenance to the roofs and address associated health and safety risks.

The flat roofs cover a significant percentage of the facility. The works would ensure the spaces remain weathertight and operational.

Conservatory Building Replacement

 

The conservatory building has been subject to roof failure and many patch repairs, which have also failed in some locations. Surveys of the roof have identified water ingress causing damage to internal finishes, fixtures and electrical services in a number of areas. This means that the lifetime has expired, and work is necessary.

The building is too cold in the winter months due to the thermal inefficiency of the building fabric but in the summer months, it is too hot due to the extent of glazing and unmanageable thermal gains. These issues frequently mean the space cannot be used as intended and students have to use other spaces within the College.

The proposed works would provide a traditionally constructed building with a pitched tiled roof, brickwork walls and less glazing, all constructed to current building regulations. The new building would enable the space to be used all year round to avoid alternative measures being required.

 

The Result

 

Following the condition survey and tender analysis of the building costs, the competitive CIF Bid pricing gave the college confidence to proceed with the works even though they were unsuccessful in securing CIF funding. The works are now in progress and Chawton Hill is managing them on-site on their behalf.

“I have been extremely impressed with their professional and friendly service. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. I have found them very reliable, competitive, courteous and I would happily recommend their services.” – Irfan Khan, Director of Finance, Peter Symonds College

If your academy, sixth-form college or school would like help in preparing a detailed tender package for a facilities project, perhaps following completion of a Condition Survey or after securing a successful CIF bid, then please get in touch.