We would define Project Monitoring as 'protecting the client's interests by identifying and advising on the risks associated with acquiring an interest in a development that is not under the client's direct control'.

Our surveyors have experience of project monitoring in the residential, commercial, and health care sectors, acting for banks or funding institutions and tenants or purchasers who have entered into a commitment to lease or purchase a property on completion.

The extent of the service provided varies from project to project but will generally include providing advice on the following matters:

• Land and property acquisition matters.
• Statutory consents.
• The competency of the developer, its team and any proposed project management systems.
• Development, finance, consultancy and construction agreements.
• Construction costs and programmes.
• Design and construction quality.

In our experience, the appointment of a project monitor (or client's representative) is of considerable value to directors and managers in companies and organisations who have little or no property or construction expertise. In this case, the project manager acts as an 'interpreter' and a 'mediator' between the developer and client thus ensuring both parties have a better understanding of the other's requirements, objectives, and limitations thus helping to minimise the expectation gap between the parties.

The appointment of Orpwood Associates as project monitor also improves the communication process and results in the completed building being completed to a higher standard and more closely fitting the client's needs.