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Lodging a Development Approval without market validation can be an expensive mistake. Learn why early sales and marketing feedback can strengthen your project and reduce costly redesigns.

Having a good understanding of the different types of sales and marketing teams is key to the success of any project. Having an agent who brings value and buyers to your project is important.

Earlier in my career as I started to get more project experience, I noticed some projects were really enjoyable to work on and everyone seemed to get along.

A blocked project is one that’s not performing, is late, over budget. It’s the last thing you need. There are clear signs and symptoms that your project is blocked.

It’s never easy coming into a project when it’s already underway because there are normally two reasons why a project manager is being engaged late on a project:

One of the main distinguishing factors from project managers who work on small vs large projects is their confidence level.

During the GFC there were countless instances of builders not completing projects and going into administration. Some of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on have involved coming in to pick up the pieces after a builder has gone under.

Holding the energy isn’t a phrase used much in the industry. You won’t step on many sites—yet—where it’s being spoken about.

The $64 million question—literally—now with everyone I talk to in the industry is how to move forward from their current position, given they are probably having budget issues.

There’s a lot of frustration and chaos in the property development industry now. So many moving parts that are affecting how builders, buyers, stakeholders, developers are acting and reacting.

During my career, one thing I’ve discovered is that the toughest time for any client on their project is that period in the project timeline before committing to builder and the funder.

You’re a project manager. Imagine for a minute that you’re in a meeting with your project team, resolving a complicated design issue at the boardroom table.

Construction contract negotiations have always played an important role in the property development process and are significant in resolving the divergent interests of stakeholders.

Before lodging your development approval, it’s imperative that you sit down with a sales and marketing professional to discuss the project.

A building certifier gets involved during the design of the project and will provide two key deliverables:

The primary consultant required for the Development Approval process will be your town planner who will act on your behalf to prepare/submit your development application, coordinate other town planning reports that may be required, liaise with the local council and work to obtain your development approval.

The best advice about funding? Get advice early in the project lifecycle.

To be truly successful in any industry, you have to ask yourself why you are doing it.

When I first got into the industry I was younger and bullish. I’d be, ‘I know what the right way is’. But I learned the importance of being able to go home and put your head on the pillow with a clear conscience.

I had a harsh and life changing realisation in 2021 having 100 projects being managed across varying project stages. To the outside world I was successful, going places, at the top of my game.

Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor Matt Grbcic explains some of the key signs you need to look out for when your builder is in financial trouble.

Being in a position to carry out a very thorough and efficient due diligence study on a site is critical. Many of our clients constantly search for their next project and typically come across development sites they need to review very quickly.

Just as I finished my degree in 2008/2009, the GFC hit. Exposed to builders and developers going under, I gained valuable insights into what happens when things go wrong.