Melbourne Street

INCO was appointed to provide architectural and project management services for the conversion of a family terraced home into a 6-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The project was undertaken for an expat client based in Hong Kong, requiring a hands-on approach to ensure seamless delivery while keeping the client fully informed despite the distance.

Following an initial consultation and desktop feasibility study, we provided guidance on likely build costs, Gross Development Value (GDV), and recommended lending options for development. With the client’s approval, we took on the full design process, delivering planning, concept, technical design, and construction stages.

For planning, we successfully secured a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) within six weeks of submission, ensuring the project could move forward smoothly without full planning permission.

INCO was also instructed to handle project management, which included:

• Issuing the scheme for tender and carrying out a full analysis before presenting our recommendations to the client
• Contract administration, ensuring a structured and legally sound agreement with the appointed contractor
• Full project management of the build, providing back-to-back progress updates, programme tracking, and overseeing payments on the client’s behalf

The project was delivered efficiently, with a total timeline of seven months—three months for planning and pre-construction and four months for the build. By managing the entire process from feasibility to completion, INCO ensured a smooth, stress-free experience for our client, delivering a high-quality HMO conversion with a strong return on investment.