St Catherines Aged Care saves $120,000 on Marsfield project

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How St Catherine's Aged Care Saved $120,000 on Marsfield project

Renovating an aged care facility can be a daunting project, especially when it’s essential to remain operational throughout construction. This was the challenge facing St Catherine’s Aged Care as they embarked on a refurbishment project to enhance facilities and meet evolving care standards. With a strict budget and the need for seamless coordination, St Catherine’s turned to Linear Project Management and Skope Constructions to guide the project to success. Not only did they achieve their renovation goals, but they also saved a remarkable $120,000, thanks to Skope’s strategic planning, collaborative approach, and strong dedication to transparency.

A Transparent and Collaborative Approach

Transparency and open communication are often said to be the backbone of successful construction projects, and for this renovation, Skope Constructions truly embodied these principles. Philip Tsioutis from Linear Project Management highlighted that Skope’s transparency was instrumental in achieving project success. “What I'm most proud of with Skope is that they identify key items on-site that do come up,” Philip explained. “They don't shy away from the transparency. They actually flag things, and we can work things through together... We’re all trying to deliver the same project altogether, so it's best off that we all talk about it, have that transparency, and work through it together.”

This approach went beyond mere communication. Skope actively involved both the project management team and the client in key decision-making moments, empowering St Catherine’s to make informed choices on necessary adjustments. By including Linear Project Management and St Catherine’s in each discussion, Skope ensured that the entire team could move forward with confidence, reducing potential delays and aligning all parties on the budget and project priorities.

Strategic Cost Savings Through Value Management

One of the standout aspects of Skope’s management of the project was their approach to value management, a process that carefully assesses and adjusts plans to enhance value without compromising on quality. This approach was integral in helping St Catherine’s stay within their budget while realizing substantial cost savings.

From the early planning stages, Skope brought their extensive experience and expertise to the table. Philip noted, “They added value through doing a bit of value engineering exercise that was peer-reviewed by all consultants, including ourselves.” This “value engineering” involved identifying areas where costs could be minimized, such as alternative finishes and materials that maintained quality while reducing expenses. For example, high-gloss finishes were swapped for standard laminates, offering a cost-effective yet aesthetically pleasing solution.

These changes were not arbitrary; they were the result of collaborative discussions with the design team and careful evaluation by consultants. This peer-reviewed process ensured that each choice was aligned with the project’s goals. Philip elaborated, “We didn't sacrifice the quality of the work... the actual structure itself, we didn't modify. We adapted alternative methods, but in essence, the foundations were still there, and a quality project was delivered.”

Innovative Problem Solving in a Live Environment

One of the most challenging aspects of this project was completing renovations while St Catherine’s remained operational, with residents continuing to live in the facility. This scenario required meticulous planning to ensure that construction activities did not disrupt daily routines or compromise resident safety. Skope worked closely with Linear Project Management and St Catherine’s to create a phased approach that allowed different sections of the facility to remain fully functional.

“Skope are very capable of working in live environments,” said Philip. “They worked with us to break down the project into stages, relocating some residents to other areas of the facility when necessary.” Skope’s team carefully scheduled noisier activities to occur during times that were less disruptive, and they established safe, restricted zones where construction could proceed without interfering with resident access or daily routines.

By creating clear lines of communication and ensuring that each phase was executed thoughtfully, Skope minimized inconvenience for both staff and residents, earning the trust and appreciation of St Catherine’s management.

Direct and Hands-On Involvement from Leadership

Another distinguishing feature of Skope’s approach was the hands-on involvement of their founder and Managing Director, John Carolan. In the construction industry, it’s not uncommon for CEOs and directors to be involved only at a high level, often leaving day-to-day management to site supervisors and project managers. However, John Carolan took a very different approach with St Catherine’s.

“The founder of Skope, John Carolan, really goes out of his way to keep in touch on a day-to-day basis,” said Philip. “Dealing with John gives that confidence that he's involved in delivering the project himself. He guides his team really well and provides that hands-on experience throughout.” John’s direct engagement meant that Skope’s commitment to quality and client satisfaction was evident in every stage of the project.

Delivering Results Through Trust and Open Communication

By the end of the project, St Catherine’s management was not only satisfied with the cost savings but also impressed by the seamless communication and consistent collaboration they experienced with Skope. The project delivered on time, and the team achieved significant financial savings without compromising on quality or functionality. This strong rapport built between Skope and St Catherine’s has led to continued work between the two, demonstrating the long-term value that Skope’s approach brings to its clients.

Philip summed it up well when he described the project’s success, saying, “It was a transparent process where the communication was open during that whole construction period... Skope’s open communication entrusts us and the client as well. They are guided through the entire process and educated through that process as well.”

A Final Recommendation

Reflecting on the project, Philip expressed his strong endorsement of Skope Constructions. “I guess my recommendation would be to give Skope the opportunity to look at the project. They have a lot of experience. They've proven themselves on St Catherine’s — their ability and their skills to deliver projects on time and within budget.” His recommendation highlights the impact that Skope’s dedication to transparency, innovative solutions, and personalized service has had on St Catherine’s success and underscores why Skope is a preferred partner for aged care facilities looking to manage projects efficiently.

Skope Constructions’ work with St Catherine’s is a testament to the power of transparent collaboration, strategic cost management, and hands-on leadership. By working closely with their clients, Skope consistently achieves results that exceed expectations, both financially and operationally. For St Catherine’s, this meant $120,000 in savings, minimal disruption to residents, and a final result that reinforces the trust they have in Skope as a construction partner.