Data centres

Quantity surveying and claims support for data centre construction, fit-out and capacity expansion.

Commercial challenges and how we approach them

Data centres bring together data halls, resilient power supplies and cooling systems, with construction often phased around equipment installation and testing. New-build, fit-out and live-site expansion each have different working constraints. The commercial plan needs to reflect how the facility will become operational, including the interfaces between the building contractor, equipment suppliers and commissioning teams.

Long-lead plant and power availability

The Challenge

A completed data hall cannot be tested without power. Late transformers, switchgear or an energisation date can leave installation teams waiting and commissioning dates out of reach.

Our approach

We check the procurement dates against the construction programme, including who is responsible for making each connection available. If a date slips, the question is what it actually prevented: installation, individual equipment tests or integrated testing. That distinction matters when assessing standby, resequencing and prolongation. We use delivery records, programme updates and resource evidence to substantiate or challenge the costs, rather than treating every late delivery as a delay to completion.

Gaps around client-supplied equipment

The Challenge

Client-supplied equipment still has to be unloaded, stored, connected and tested. Those attendances can fall between the purchase order and the installation contract.

Our approach

We put both orders side by side and identify who has priced each attendance. Gaps and duplicated allowances are resolved before award where possible.

Changing power and cooling requirements

The Challenge

A change in rack density is rarely confined to one item of plant. A move to liquid cooling, for example, can alter pipework, distribution, controls and builders' work after packages have been bought. Some work may already be installed; other items may still be cancellable. A quotation for the replacement equipment alone will miss much of that exposure.

Our approach

We trace the revision through each affected package, checking additional work, credits, cancellation charges and work already carried out. The assessment also distinguishes physical changes from any evidenced disruption to the installation sequence.

Commissioning and phased handover

The Challenge

Completing a data hall's installation does not necessarily make it ready for integrated testing. Shared power and cooling systems can hold up a phase, extending commissioning attendance and creating disagreement over completion and payment.

Our approach

We establish what each payment and completion milestone requires. Is the obligation to finish installation, pass a defined test or make a complete phase available? We then compare the included testing attendance with what happened. Readiness logs and test findings help separate repeat work caused by a defect from extra attendance caused by an unavailable shared system. That gives the parties a clearer basis for deciding what is payable.

Expanding beside live data halls

The Challenge

In a live facility, even a small connection can depend on an agreed isolation or maintenance window. Losing that window may mean returning with the same specialist team weeks later.

Our approach

We record the access restrictions allowed for in the price and assess additional visits or protection against the actual change. The technical team retains responsibility for safe isolation and operational continuity.