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New Housing Projects in the Netherlands
by M.Chaves
New Housing Projects in the Netherlands: The Key Role of Project Management
A GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Netherlands is a country of highly specialised professionals.
In terms of Interior Design and renovations, the plasterer -for example- is never the one who will paint your wall. The plumber is rarely the one who will help you place a lamp in the bathroom they just renovated… So, new building projects are a nightmare for inexperienced home buyers. Even when they offer an “all-inclusive” service, customers must deal directly with kitchen builders, bathroom suppliers, flooring contractors, etc. Only in limited and highly exclusive properties can you expect a more centralised approach. Sometimes, you could even buy a one million euro penthouse and you are still responsible for supplier management.
The Netherlands is currently facing a serious housing shortage. Ruling parties and opposition agree that there is a need to build one million new properties over the next years. This creates a significant business opportunity for project management professionals who are ready to help these first-time buyers navigate the complex process of dealing with suppliers.
There is much to be done
Firstly, you as a customer could benefit from an “Integral Project Management solution”. It will help you overcome a steep learning curve of dealing with construction and design suppliers. You can avoid unnecessary waste of time, errors resulting from misalignment, misunderstanding and incomplete work. Also, I -as the project manager- can be held responsible for any situations that need solving. Particularly, expats who are unfamiliar with many processes in the country could benefit from this service.
Secondly, the suppliers will also benefit from speaking the “same language” with someone who understand the entire construction and design process.You can overcome frustration from customers who do not understand the way of working. This can lead to overall time optimisation.
The mentors
The approach to interior architecture and design in other countries, such as the United States of America, resembles this identified opportunity. Currently, in the Netherlands you can find interior design firms that specialise on specific elements of the profession such as upholstery, luxury wallpaper, etc. But rarely a firm that combines their expertise with the overall process of new-built projects.
An example of a firm that combines the various aspects of building solutions is Studio McGee located in northern Utah; https://studio-mcgee.com . Their services include architectural review, exterior and interior design, furniture selection, styling and project management. Imagine matching these skills with projects from construction developers; the solution would feel like a “walk in the clouds” for the end customer.
The right moment
Besides the need for new property development explained previously, COVID19 is also having an impact on people’s views regarding their living spaces. More and more people are leaving the cities looking for more space, peace and quiet surroundings. This will boost the number of new built projects and the amount of interior project management work associated. In addition, regulations around topics like sustainability and energy consumption are constantly evolving. You as a new home owner are rarely conscious enough about these to make project management decisions that are not going to require further renovations or investments in the mid-term. Integral project management services for new buildings can help customer bridge these knowledge gaps.
Final thoughts
As a trained interior designer with experience in new building projects and an expat, I can easily relate with the pain points of new buyers. My ability to develop empathy and my attention to details will help customers navigate this complex process. I believe it is key to understand what the customer desires and translate this into the language of the contractors.
Is there anything that tickles your fancy? Would you like to have a virtual coffee about this topic? It will be a pleasure to connect with you.
Mauricio C.