Base build
A successful base build transition is one of the most critical determinants of programme certainty, quality, and commercial performance on major commercial fit out projects. Drawing on the principles, risks, programme observations, and logistics strategies developed over decades, this document sets out a best-in-class approach to transitioning from landlord shell & core delivery into tenant fit out works.
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The objective is not simply to receive possession of a building, but to create a structured transition process that protects programme, enables early works, validates building performance, and reduces the impact of base build non-performance on the fit out delivery.
Explore base build
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Protecting programme certainty through early base build integration
Engage early
Identify risks and critical interfaces before they become programme issues.
Secure early access
Gain phased possession to start surveys, coordination and enabling works sooner.
Verify building readiness
Validate critical systems before fit-out adoption.
Lead through one team
Single governance structure with clear ownership and decision-making.
Protect programme
Maintain contingency and recovery plans to safeguard occupation dates.
De-risking before posession
Four proven actions that reduce risk, accelerate procurement and improve handover readiness. By engaging early with the base build, validating existing conditions and progressing commissioning in parallel with construction, we can remove uncertainty, accelerate critical activities and protect key milestone dates
MONITOR
Base build monitoring
Early engagement with the base build team provides visibility of commissioning status, quality reporting and emerging risks.
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• Earlier risk mitigation
• Better forecasting accuracy
• Faster issue resolution
CAPTURE
Reality capture
Early reality capture enables design validation and coordination before possession.
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• Clash detection
• Services coordination
• Earlier fabrication decisions
COORDINATE
Early staircase strategy
Multi-floor staircases are often the most programme-sensitive element. Early surveys, procurement and approvals remove uncertainty from the critical path.
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• Early structural validation
• Advance procurement
• Protection of milestone dates
COMMISSION
Progressive commissioning
Progressive commissioning validates systems throughout delivery rather than at project close-out.
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• Earlier operational readiness
• Reduced handover risk
• More predictable completion
Our posession strategy
Four proven actions that reduce risk, accelerate procurement and improve handover readiness. By engaging early with the base build, validating existing conditions and progressing commissioning in parallel with construction, we can remove uncertainty, accelerate critical activities and protect key milestone dates
