About DBMAS

The role of the Diocesan Building Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) is to provide guidance and advice to Parishes, Schools and Colleges (Client) on all aspects of capital works projects for new construction, refurbishment and major maintenance where their value is:

  • $50,000 or greater for Parish and Primary School projects.
  • $100,000 or greater for Secondary College projects.

The DBMAS forms part of the advisory groups to the Planning Building and Finance Committee (PBFC).

On average, the DBMAS is involved with over 100 projects annually with a total value in excess of $60M.

The DBMAS also provides Facilities Management services to properties under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

(a) Capital Works Projects

DBMAS offers advice and assistance on:

  • Master planning.
  • Formulating project brief.
  • Engaging a Building Designer (architects, architectural draftspersons, engineers etc).
  • Implementation of the Building Design Services Agreement (BDSA).
  • Briefing the Building Designer.
  • Referral of the project to the PBFC.
  • Review of project development documentation.
  • Project cost control.
  • Methods of project delivery.
  • Tendering requirements.
  • Selection of contractors for tendering.
  • Implementation of the appropriate Building Works Contract.
  • Post tender evaluation and negotiations.
  • Acceptance of tender and contract signing.

Upon commencement of construction, the DBMAS works in conjunction with the Building Designer to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Our services include:

  • Attendance at site meetings (normally held fortnightly).
  • Provision of advice to the Client on any construction or contract matters as they may arise.
  • Ensuring contract requirements are properly implemented.
  • Monitoring quality, workmanship and program.
  • Project cost control.
  • Dispute resolution.
  • Practical completion inspection.
  • Post practical completion issues.
  • Post contract completion issues.

(b) Project Design and Construction Management

For smaller type projects, where the proposed works are of a relatively simple nature, DBMAS may provide design, documentation and construction management services.

(c) Maintenance of Parish and School Buildings

The maintenance of Parish and School buildings is often a matter that is either deferred or forgotten altogether. A manual has been issued to all Parishes and Schools titled “Maintenance of Parish and School buildings”. This manual offers advice on the establishment and implementation of a cyclic maintenance program for all buildings and their associated essential services.

The DBMAS are available to conduct maintenance reports of Parish and School buildings.

These reports identify maintenance and defective items together with appropriate cost estimates. The works are prioritised over a 5 year period, thus allowing the Parish or School to establish an adequate maintenance program and budget accordingly.

The preparation of these reports is available on request to the DBMAS. These are free of charge.

(d) Other Services

The DBMAS offers free advice and/or assistance to Parishes and Schools on any building or maintenance matters or associated issues, regardless of their cost or any on going DBMAS involvement.

(e) Fees

All projects requiring Archbishop approval attract a fee for the involvement of the Committee. The fee is invoiced following signing of the Building Works Contract.

The fee is calculated as follows:

Parish projects - 1% of the cost of the works capped to a maximum of $7500
Primary School projects - 1% of the cost of the works capped to a maximum of $10,000
Secondary Colleges - 1% of the cost of the works capped to a maximum of $20,000