WO2012162752A1

WO2012162752A1 - Construction management method

Info

Publication number: WO2012162752A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew LENNOX
Original assignee: Abode Design & Construct Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-06-03
Filing date: 2012-06-03
Publication date: 2012-12-06

Abstract

The present invention provides a computer-implemented method for assisting a user in the execution of a building construction project or part thereof, where one or more processors are programmed to perform the steps comprising: (i) receiving an input relevant to the execution of one or more tasks of the building construction project (ii) retrieving from a database, information relating to the one or more tasks, and (iii) generating an output relating to the one or more of the tasks, wherein the output assists the user in the execution of the building construction project or part thereof.

Description

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT METHOD

H EELD OF THE I NVENT1 ON

Hie present invention relates to computer-based systems used in the building construction industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems useful in the efficient management of a building construction project.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The efficient execution of a building construction project is undoubtedly a complex task, relying to some extent on proper planning, scheduling and timely communication between participants, ^"me process requires the careful co-ordination of suppliers of a broad range of goods and services in such a manner that time, funds and effort are not wasted.

Ideally, a building construction project is executed according to a pre-prepared schedule. A detailed and accurate schedule is necessary to ensure that costs can be met when they become payable, to ensure that materials and services are in place when required, and deadlines for filing official requirements can be met. Furthermore the ability to provide realistic timeframes for tasks undertaken by trades persons results in decreased pressure to have those tasks completed, or "call backs" from having sites not adequately prepared. Accurate scheduling also provides for a set completion date so that tenants may be prearranged resulting in the property generating income at the earliest opportunity.

Qven the complexity of building projects many builders and owner builders are incapable of executing an efficient schedule for the project. Complex building schedules require the builder to be constantly monitoring the progress of the various tasks that comprise the overall project. Proper execution requires a large number of complex communications, payments, and documents to be generated at specific times throughout the construction project.

Another problem rates to budgeting and general business management of a construction project. Many builders are expert at their practical craft, but experience significant problems in executing the business aspects of a construction project. Proper cash flow is essential in the sustainability of a building construction company, and is a parameter that is often difficult for a builder to control.

The prior art provides a number of software packages allowing builders and professional estimators to prepare a schedule for a building construction project however these packages presume a level of knowledge and are of little use to an individual not having a firm understanding of building construction. These packages are also deficient in that current pricing of supplier goods and services is not provided. This leads to inaccuracies in dealing with financial aspects of project, such as the preparation of purchase orders and cash flow analysis.

A further problem in the execution of a building project is that certain materials may not be available at time of ordering, or just as common; the owner changing their mind with specifications or design inclusions. This requires communication between the owner and builder, aswell as proper co-ordination and documentation of the variations agreed to.

Handover of a house is also a very challenging phase of the execution process for both the owner and the builder. Software packages of the prior art fail to provide robust systems capable of improving the handover phase. Similar problems arise with the management of any maintenance or warranty period provided by the builder.

It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome a problem of the prior art and provide a computer-implemented method that provides for the improved execution of a building construction project

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for assisting a user in the execution of a building construction project or part thereof, where one or more processors are programmed to perform the steps comprising: (i) receiving an input relevant to the execution of one or more tasks of the building construction project (ii) retrieving from a database, information relating to the one or more tasks, and (iii) generating an output relating to the one or more of the tasks, wherein the output assists the user in the execution of the building construction project or part thereof. In one embodiment, each task has a set of associated information that assists in execution of that task alone, and/or information that assists in execution of the entire building construction project.

^"me information may relate to a material required for the task, or the services required for the task, or to a communication required for the task, or to a financial transaction required for the task. In one embodiment of the method, the information utilized is overseen by an administrator to ensure that it is substantially useful in improving the efficiency of the building construction project.

The output may be an action required to be performed by the builder or any other person associated with the project, and may be an automatically generated message.

The output may be a calendar or an updated calendar, optionally where the user is able to retrieve information on the building project relating to a certain day by actuating an indicium relating to that day on the calendar.

In one embodiment the method is implemented aaoss the Internet, and comprises providing an information page accessible by an owner and a builder, the interface allowing for the uploading and downloading of information to and from the database thereby facilitating communication between the owner and builder. In one embodiment, the information relates to variations, time extensions, hand over items, or maintenance period items.

In afurther aspect the present invention provides a computer software capable of executing a computer-implemented method as described herein

In yet another aspect the present inverntion provides a computer database containing information relevant to the execution of one or more tasks in a building project. BR EEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Rg 1 shows a diagram of the information flow between the various components of a preferred form of the invention, and in particular the information website page as a means for conveying information between the owner and builder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

After considering this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims. Unless the contrary intention is expressed, the features presented as preferred or alternative forms of the invention can be present in any of the inventions disclosed as alone or in any combination with each other.

The present invention is predicated at least in part on Applicant's finding that builders (including owner builders) who would otherwise not have the ability to effidently execute a building construction project are enabled to do so when provided with a computer-based method including a database having information relating to the tasks comprising the project, and the ability to generate an output relating to the efficient management of the taska Accordingly, in afirst aspect the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for assisting a user in the execution of a building construction project or part thereof, where one or more processors are programmed to perform the steps comprising:

(i) receiving an input relevant to the execution one or more tasks of the building construction project

(ii) retrieving from adatabase, information relating to the one or more tasks, and

(iii) generating an output relating to the one or more of the tasks wherein the output assists the user in the execution of the building construction project or part thereof.

While many building professionals have an overall working knowledge of the steps and requirements of construction, they are simply unable (at least without significant assistance) to properly keep track of all actions required to execute the many tasks comprising a project such that each action is timely executed in an efficient manner. Furthermore, even where a builder is able to keep track of all required actions, the work load in executing each and every action can be excessive especially where multiple actions are required to be executed on the same day.

It will be understood that the information present in the database will be of at least some assistance to the user, who is preferably a small commercial building entity (such as a sole builder) or a novice in building construction (such as an owner or owner-builder).

In the context of the present invention the term " building construction project" is intended to include any project directed the construction of a building, including a residential dwelling, extension or renovation, a complex of residential dwellings, a commercial building such as a retail store, an office or a warehouse. The term is not intended to be limited to a complete construction project (such as the construction of a dwelling from the foundations through to completion) but may refer to constructing a dwelling only to the "lock-up" stage. The term may also include a complete or partial renovation to an existing building.

The methods described herein at least partially overcome a problem of the prior art by providing computer based methods that facilitate the execution of a building construction project. The present methods approach management of a building project as a series of tasks, with the each task having associated information. Depending on the tasks comprising the project, the database is called on to provide certain information associated with the tasks, with the method utilizing the provided information to generate an output useful in assisting the execution of the building construction project. The output may detail the actions required on the part of the builder (or other person associated with the project), or in some embodimentsthe present methods may automatically execute those actions. In the context of the present methods, the tasks from which the overall building project is comprised may be selected from those typically necessary to complete a building construction project. Exemplary (but non-limiting) tasks include: installation of temporary utilities, site preparation, installing of footings, laying of foundation, installation of waterproofing and foundation drain, installation sewer and water supply, backfill, installation of slab plumbing, pouring of slab floor, framing, installation of windows, installation of exterior doors, installation of exterior siding and trim, installation of garage door, installation of exterior locks, back-out framing, construction of stairs, construction of heating cooling and ventilation ducts, rough plumbing , roofing, rough electrical, installation of electrical and gas meters, fitting of guttering and downpipes, exterior painting, insulation, plastering, installation of cabinets, installation of interior doors and trim, paint and wallpaper, installation of hardwood flooring, fitting of counter tops, tiling, preliminary sanding and finishing of floors, installation of appliances and other equipment, finish electrical, finish plumbing, finish heating cooling and ventilation, installation of shower doors and mirrors, laying of carpet, fitting of door and window hardware, clean up, final paint, final floor finish, construction of outside retaining walls, paths and drive way, and finishing landscaping. As will be appreciated, the present invention is not limited in any way by the aforementioned list of tasks. Tine skilled person is enabled to conceive and implement other building-related tasks in accordance with the present methods. As will be apparent, some tasks will be comprised of sub-tasks, sub-sub-tasks and so on. For the purposes of the present invention the distinction between tasks, sub-tasks, sub-sub- tasks and so on is irrelevant and it will be convenient to use the term "tasks" to encompass all. Each task has a set of associated information that assists in execution of that task alone, and/or information that assists in execution of the entire building construction project. In the broadest form of the computer-implemented methods, the database may contain any type of information (qualitative or quantitative) that (either alone after processing) assists in execution of the building project. The assistance in the execution provided by the present methods may take the form of an improvement in: general efficiency of the project, scheduling, cash flow, profitability, cost control, quality of construction, relationships with providers of goods or services, relationships with clients, document generation, document flow, project duration, or time and effort required of the builder in executing the project. ^"me information utilized in the present methods may relate to: the materials required for a task such as kind (e.g. paint, timber, tiles, carpet), amount, cost, supplier, or delivery lead time, ^"me information may relate to services required for a task such as kind (e.g. electrician, labourer, engineer), number of personnel required, number of hours required for each personnel, cost, and supplier.

^"me information utilized in the present methods may relate to the communications required for a task such as kind (e.g. email, SMStext message, telephone call, or personal visit to the building site), timing (e.g. 3 days before commencement of a task, or 1 day after a task is scheduled for completion), and content (e.g. reminder for a service provider to commence a task, request for estimated time of delivery of goods, inform building inspector that site is ready for inspection).

The information utilized in the present methods may relate to the financial transactions associated with a task such as kind (electronic funds payment, preparation of cheque, cash payment, receipt of deposit), amount (in dollars or other currency), payer (e.g. business cheque account), payee (e.g. provider of goods or services), and conditions (e.g. due date for payment, preferred payment method, penaltiesfor late payment).

In addition to the aforementioned information, in some embodiments of the methods the information is selected from one or more of: construction materials pricing (such as building hardware, concrete, and landscaping supplies), construction labour pricing, professional services pricing, trade services pricing, office services pricing, utility connection pricing, official fees, official requirements for construction, equipment hire (such as temporary fencing and scaffolding), the identity of a builder, the identity of a construction material supplier (such as a roofing material supply company), the identity of a construction labour supplier (such as a labour supply company or an individual labourer), the identity of a professional services supplier (such as a lawyer, conveyancer, town planner, architect, or draftsperson), the identity of a trade services supplier (such as a carpenter, painter, or electrician) , the identity of an office services supplier (such as a document printing service or a courier service), the identity of a utility connection supplier (such as an a water, electricity or gas supply company), either alone or in any combination. Gven the benefit of the present invention and the foregoing exemplary lists, the skilled artisan will be capable of indentifying other suitable categories of information useful in the context of the present invention. In one form of the method, the information utilized is overseen by an administrator to ensure that it is substantially useful in improving the efficiency of the building construction project. In some embodiments, the administrator ensures that the information is substantially current, applicable to the building construction project, or relevant to the jurisdiction in which the building isto be erected.

It will be understood that some information in the database need not be under the control of an administrator. For example, where the information is relatively simple (such as the price of a construction material) a non-administrator may be permitted to directly upload information to the database directly. For example, a supplier of floor covering may be permitted to routinely upload a price list covering every type of carpet and underlay. In any event, the administrator will normally have the ultimate control of the database contents and may override any direct input if deemed inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate.

As used herein, the term "computer-implemented" is intended to mean that the method is operable at least in part or even entirely on any processor-equipped device such as a personal computer, laptop, netbook, tablet, PDA, smart phone and other similar contrivances. The method may be implemented on a single computer or across multiple computers connected to a LAN, WAN or the Internet. The method may be implemented in the form of standalone software adapted to be installed on a single computer. In that scenario, the database is typically retained on the single computer with the database being updated via internet download or by any other method such as optical, magnetic or flash storage media being connected to the computer.

Preferably the method is embodied without the need to install dedicated software or database information on the user's computer. For example, the entire method may be embodied in aserver remote form the user's computer, with data transmission between the computer and server being via the Internet, by way of a browser platform such as Microsoft Internet Explorer™ Google Chrome™ Mozilla Rrefox™ or Apple Safari™ Indeed, an Internet -based implementation is preferred since the database information is kept up-to- date on a single server such that any modifications are immediately accessible to all users. The database may be any type of database that is capable of being read from, and optionally written to. Typical options include the flat-file style of database useful for smaller amounts of data that need to be human readable or edited by hand. Freferably a Database Management layer is added to this type of database allowing script programmers to store information as a pair of strings whereby a key is used to find the associated value. More complex data structures will be better managed using relational databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQLServer and Oracle, given their more logical structure in the way data is stored. Tables can be used to represent real world objects, with each field acting as an attribute. For example, a table called "floor tiles" could have the columns "size", "colour" and "finish" , which describe the details of each type of floor tile stored in a database of building materials.

The present computer-implemented methods require the generation of an output, which may be presented in any comprehensible form including by way of display on a computer monitor or by printed means. The output may be data or information, and is preferably obtained or derived from the information stored in the database. Where the output is obtained from the information on the database, the information is output in substantially the same form as it exists in the database. Where the output is derived from the information on the database, the information is transformed or processed in some way to provide the output.

The output may be any datum, information, signal, graphic, sound, sign, word, instruction (including computer readable instruction), or number that is capable of communicating or assisting communicating a message capable of assisting a user in the execution of a building construction project. The output may be an automatic or semi automatic communication (preferably to a service provider or a supplier of the building project) by email or by SMStext message containing a predetermined text. Tine communication may be a reminder to start a task the following day, or a reminder that a task must be completed by a certain time. The output may be a purchase order or quote request, optionally specifying certain minimum standards for the goods or services ordered, ^"me order may be automatically dispatched by the computer-implemented method by email to the supplier.

The output may be a cheque, an instruction to a financial institution to make an electronic payment, an invoice to an owner directed to a deposit or a progress payment. The output may be a report, a graph, a table or other means for presenting varied and/or complex information in a more easily comprehensible form.

The output may be an alert box presented on the computer monitor to the user. The communication may be a direction to the user to pay an invoice, or to check the account for a deposit paid by the client, for example. The alert box may provide critical information such as low cash reserves, or the potential to fall short of funds in the next month based on the expected spend.

The computer-implemented method requires the receipt of an input relevant to the execution of one or more tasks of the building construction project. For example, the task may be " paint and wallpaper for master bedroom" in which case relevant input that could be received by the computer-implemented method includes: dimensions of room, type of paints required, number of coats required, length of skirting to be painted etc. Having access to that information, the method may access database information to provide appropriate output such as, purchase order generation.

The input required by the computer-implemented method may be provided manually, obtained by visual inspection of plans and specifications previously prepared for the project. However more typically the input is imported from a separate computer program or database that contains the relevant information in a computer-readable form. In that case, the user input required by the present computer-implemented methods is typically prompted by a series of questions or options raised by the computer. In response, the appropriate input is provided by the user by selecting various menu items, and submenu items, navigating pre-populated drop down menus, clicking actionable buttons, typing information into form fields and so on. Cne method suitable for obtaining the required information from a user is disclosed in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 201 1901536, filed 27 April 201 1. The specification of the aforementioned application discloses methods comprising guiding the user through a series of questions and/or steps, the questions and/or steps designed to elicit information useful in providing pricing, scheduling or management information. This embodiment of the method ensures that the user considers many, most or substantially all factors that will affect the pricing, scheduling or management of the building construction project at hand.

According to this guiding step, basic questions are typically first presented to the user. A relevant basic question may be the location of the proposed project, since this will dictate the municipality, council or shire regulatory regime under which the project must proceed. This will in turn affect which information is retrieved from the database, and in particular information relating to specific pricing and options in individual zones. The location of the development will also define the pool from which suppliers and service providers may be drawn, the relevant utility companies to contact for build-over permits, et cetera. Other basic information elicited from the user according to the guiding step may include whether the development is a single dwelling or multi-unit development (including the number of units if the latter). The user can elect to enter information required to generate costing, schedule or management information relating to the construction of the building per se. Qven the significant variation in costs associated with construction, the user, may be prompted to initially select the quality of development under consideration on a scale of "good" , " better" and " best". This will have the effect of removing or pre-selecting a significant number of options available to the user at later steps in the method. For example, where a development of only basic quality is being planned (such as a multi-unit development for student accommodation) only options for basic quality fittings, floor coverings, appliances and the like would be presented by the method.

Conveniently, and to assist selection of options the method may present the various options in discrete grouping under headings such as "site improvements" (including items such as fencing, landscaping and drive way), "structure" (including items such as sewer, meter box, frame, foundation and termite protection) , "facade" (including items such as windows, exterior doors "general" and " room". As described for other selection methods user input in one category may alter the selections available in another category or pre-populate a data input field. As one example, where the user inputs measurements for a room, the data input field defining the area of a floor covering is calculated and the correct area (in m², and with a wastage allowance included) is inserted into the field.

In certain embodiments of the method the questions and/or steps presented to the user are dependent on the user's answers to previous questions or on the previous steps through which the method has proceeded. As another example, where user input signifies the project is to be constructed in a council area having stringent noise regulations, a step directing the user to select wall sound insulation will be included in the method.

In certain embodiments the selections available to the user at a certain question and/or step are dependent on the user's answers to previous questions or on the previous steps through which the method has proceeded. As another example , where user input signifies that a dwelling has a second floor, lower density underlay would not be an option presented in order to minimise noise transmission to the ground floor.

In certain embodiments the selections available to the user at a certain question and/or step are dependent on the user's selections in other parts of the method. For example, where the user selects a sliding door, the available options for selection of door handles is automatically modified to remove the option of a door knob.

In certain forms of the invention the tasks of the building construction project are linked by dependency. For instance, one task cannot commence until an earlier task has been completed. As a simple practical example, the task of framing cannot commence until the foundations have been laid. According to the present methods, where tasks are linked by dependency, a change in the duration of one task may result in an automatic change to the commencement date of a dependent task.

Tasks may be linked such that any variations entered in one task result in an automatic change to another task. For example, where the task is "window installation" and owner decides to alter the style of window from a simple window to a bay-style window, the task duration is automatically increased to account of the further work required. Furthermore, information associated with that task such as window supplier and trades person responsible for installation may be altered. This could result in the automatic dispatch of an email to the existing supplier to alter the window order (if already lodged), or an SMStext message to the builder to check with the new window installer as to availability. It will be appreciated that a single alteration to the specification of a building can result in the necessity to alter the information associated with the relevant task, this in turn altering the output of the computer-implemented method, dearly, the present invention provides a clear advantage in the respect by ensuring that any necessary changes to the task in question also flow to other linked tasks. In the absence of the present methods, the builder is required to expend considerable time, effort and ingenuity in consider the effect of any alterations on the entire project, and alter the manner in which other tasks are executed in the course of the project. In one embodiment of the invention, the output of the method is a calendar or an updated calendar, optionally presented on a computer monitor. The calendar may show chronologically the various tasks, and also the associated information and actions required to execute that task. For example, the calendar date " 18 January 2012" may show that the task "foundation slab pouring" commences. The builder can "click" on that date to show associated information for that task including: other tasks linked by dependency (e.g. site preparation), the relevant contractor, the volume of concrete required, the cost of the task, the terms of payment, the expected completion date of the task et cetera.

It will be appreciated the calendar function is a powerful tool for a builder, owner or supplier to check the specific activities that should be occurring on a building site on a certain day, as well as the required contractor, equipment and supplies. The calendar may be present in any conventional format, such as one week or one month over the computer screen.

The calendar function is useful with regard to time extensions which are often encountered due to supply problems, weather, or where the owner has requested certain variations ot the original design. Time extensions are logged and calculated automatically via the online system to ensure that there are no misinterpretations or disputes. The calendar system holds pre-determined periods for the completion of a task, with such periods being automatically or manually variable to provide a clear completion date, as governed by any building contract. Optionally, RSSfeeds can provide weather information to predict delays or to document days of adverse weather conditions over the course of the building construction project.

The output of the computer-implemented methods may be a log of completed or uncompleted tasks, and will typically be ordered chronologically

In one embodiment, the method includes the provision of a lead time calculator. Lead time can be set by the builder at the start of construction. Lead time may be based on combination of predicted days it will take to complete each stage (and subsequently the entire project) based on expected work days, rain days, holidays, and rostered days off. This information may then be incorporated into any building contract as well as dynamic Gantt Charts showing progress and expected completion date. It will be understood that the quality of the output generated by the present methods (such as communications and purchase orders) are directly related to the quality of the information maintained in the database. Advantageously, the administrator of the database is a person having at least some knowledge in the execution of a building construction project. The administrator is generally capable of assessing the accuracy or relevance of the information in the database against a background of changing prices, labour requirements, building codes and the like. The administrator may be a qualified builder, a builder's consultant, a building materials supplier, a labour supplier, a building estimator, a trades person or any other person having sound practical experience and knowledge of building. Gven the broad range of skills required in building construction, a team of administrators may be responsible for maintaining the database information. The following is provided as a simple example of the operation of the present computer- implemented methods, based on the task of installing bathroom plumbing fixtures

^"me associated information that is retrieved from the databases includes:

Kind of materials: shower head, shower screen, taps, hand basin, toilet.

Supplier: X Z plumbing supplies

Lead time for supply: 5 days

Supplier terms: $x per point or task to be completed and $y per option or extra.

Stervice Providers: plumber for 4.5 hours @ $100.00 per hour

Tradesterms full payment within 14 days completion.

The output generated by the computer assisted method includes:

Documentation: purchase order automatically generated and forwarded to

XYZ Plumbing Supplies at least 5 days before commencement of task

Communication: SMStext reminder sent to plumber one day before

commencement of task.

Financial: acknowledgement of amount payable by builder.

Communication: email reminder to builder at task end date to attend site to checkthat plumbing fixtures have been delivered and installed.

Financial: acknowledgement of amount payable by builder,

Communication: automatic email generated and sent to client informing that fitting of bathroom fixtures is complete.

In some embodiments, the computer-implemented methods of the present invention include provision of an information page, preferably an information website page potentially accessible by secure log-in by the builder, owner, service suppliers and goods suppliers. The information page is designed to provide a central point of information relating to the various tasks comprising the project, and may indude any of the outputs described herein including, for example, a Gantt chart, a list of upcoming tasks, a list of completed tasks, a financial report, or a calendar. Hie information provided by way of the information page is obtained from the information contained in the database and/or an output generated by the present methods. Reference is made to Rg 1 herein as an exemplary embodiment of the invention having a website information page. The Gantt chart feature is proposed to provide significant advantage to the builder and client since this will provide an indication of overall progress of the project and to set expectations for the future. In one embodiment of the methods, the Gantt chart is a dynamic Gantt chart where a progress bar appears on each task. Where the information page shows task lists, any tasksthat are late, extended or otherwise in need of attention by the builder or any other responsible person may be highlighted.

The information page may provide financial information of assistance to the user in managing project finances. For example, the report may indicate when progress payments are due from the owner. The report may show the funds spent to date, segmented according to any convenient class, such as labour, materials,

The report may detail paymentsdue in an upcoming period, such as the next week, the next month, the month of January, Q2 of 2012, or the period before the next progress payment is due to be paid by the owner. The financial report may show funds still required to be spent to complete the project, funds remaining in the project account, the level of any overdraft, et cetera. Information such as this can assist greatly in managing cash flow over the duration of a project.

Further information such as listing of any tasksthat are over budget or under budget, or any particular suppliersthat are often over budget or under budget.

The information website may also be a portal whereby important documents relating to the building construction project can be uploaded and saved. For example, the installer of an air conditioning unit may upload a copy of the user and service manual for the unit. Cther documents include legal documents such as certificate of occupancy.

The information website, may be a portal whereby aedit applications to a supplier can be downloaded, and the completed application uploaded and accessible by the supplier. Relds in the application can be pre-populated with details of the trades person, details of the project et cetera.

The present methods are particularly amenable to the efficient handling of variations that occur during the execution of a building construction project. As mentioned in the E3ackground section herein, owners and builders may wish or need to alter various items during the construction phase. For example, the owner may decide to alter the door furniture for aesthetic reasons or the builder may be compelled to use an alternative model of toilet due to supply problems.

^"mis method allows the user to make variations via the online system (optionally with certain restrictions set by the owner or builder) so that alternative inclusions can be selected along with varied costs. Generally, the methods provide that variations may be made only available up until the point where the inclusion has been ordered by the builder.

Variations can be entered via the information website page in real time, with automatic adjustments made to prices, specification lists and other documentation so affected. The newly approved variation's price is automatically updated into the system and the future purchase order is also automatically updated with no additional work required by the builder.

In certain embodiments, the present methods facilitate the hand over process optionally via the information website page, being accessible to both the builder and the owner. The hand over process involves the owner physically inspecting the house at a time near completion and detailing items that require rectification on the part of the builder. These items are noted (optionally with a photo) and relevant information entered into the system database to create a definitive list of items to which the builder must attend. The creation of a single definitive list is preferable to the multiple informal requestsfor rectification often made to a builder. Some embodiments of the method provide for advantage in the management of the maintenance period, ^"finis period is intended to detect defects or faults that may not have been detected during the hand over period, but must nevertheless be addressed under industry standards. Traditionally, the builder is directly notified of the fault or defect at a time when he has moved on to the next project and may have a lessened interest in rectification. Furthermore, it is often the case that the builder must relay the defect to the subcontractor (typically a tradesperson) responsible for rectifying the defect or fault. The present methods provide a means to upload maintenance period information to the system database (optionally via the information website page) detailing the fault or defect. The methods may forward the information automatically to the subcontractor (who may well not be known to the owner) as well as the builder to request rectification. This reduces the need for the builder to be a middle person and allows direct access for the owner to the party who is responsible for the rectification. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components and steps of the method have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions isfor ease of description.

The various embodiments disdosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (A9Q, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, microcont roller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more miaoprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. ^"me steps of any method or algorithm described herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EEPROM memory, EEPFDM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-RDM, or any other form of storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an A9G

Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits ("ASCs"), or field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"). Implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It isfurther understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention isaccordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for assisting a user in the execution of a building construction project or part thereof, where one or more processors are programmed to perform the steps comprising:

(i) receiving an input relevant to the execution of one or more tasks of the building construction project

(ii) retrieving from a database, information relating to the one or more tasks, and

(iii) generating an output relating to the one or more of the tasks,

wherein the output assiststhe user in the execution of the building construction project or part thereof.

2. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1 wherein each task has a set of associated information that assists in execution of that task alone, and/or information that assists in execution of the entire building construction project.

3. A computer-implemented method according to claim 2 wherein the information relates to a material required for the task, or the services required for the task.

4. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the information relatesto a communication required for the task.

5. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the information relatesto a finandal transaction required for the task.

6. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the information utilized is overseen by an administrator to ensure that it is substantially useful in improving the efficiency of the building construction project.

7. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the output is an action required to be performed by the builder or any other person associated with the project.

8. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the output is an automatically generated message.

9. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the output is a calendar or an updated calendar.

10. A computer-implemented method according to claim 9 wherein the user is able to retrieve information on the building project relating to a certain day by actuating an indicium relating to that day on the calendar.

11. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to lO wherein the method is implemented acrossthe Internet, the method comprising providing an information page accessible by an owner and a builder, the interface allowing for the uploading and downloading of information to and from the database thereby facilitating communication between the owner and builder.

12. A computer implemented method according to claim 11 wherein the information relatesto variations, time extensions, hand over items, or maintenance period items.

13. A computer software capable of executing a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer database containing information relevant to the execution of one or more tasks in a building project.