With YIT’s Generator concept renovation becomes even more flexible

The property requires renovation, but how should it be carried out — and with whom? YIT’s new Generator service model concept offers a flexible way to find the best solution for developing the property. 

For one reason or another, a property doesn’t always reach its full potential: it may stand vacant, be under utilised, or no longer serve its intended purpose. Especially in the case of an old heritage building, weighing different solution options can feel overwhelming. What is allowed within zoning restrictions, and where can you find a reliable and capable partner to renew the building? 

In situations like this, many property owners are familiar with turning to a building consultant whose task is to find solutions for the property while supporting the owner. YIT’s Generator concept offers an alternative path to identifying the right solution for the property’s needs. The concept is based on a service model that allows the client to evaluate different options for solving the challenge directly with the builder – without yet committing to YIT as the project’s executor. 

One key advantage of the concept is that YIT’s broad expertise — from project development to building services engineering and construction — is involved from the very beginning. As a result, the cost estimates for the proposed solutions are more accurate. 

“We start by assessing the client’s needs and what kind of documentation they require to support their decision‑making. We outline a couple of different solution scenarios and evaluate what they would mean in terms of cost and schedule,” says Attina Salmenoja, Unit director, Project Development and Construction Management. 

Through the Generator concept, the property owner gains access to YIT’s full expertise from project development to technical building systems and construction right from the early stages of the project. 

“And if the property happens to be so unique that we don’t have the required expertise in‑house, our own network — designers, subcontractors, and consultants — is also available to support the client,” Salmenoja promises. 

”Through the Generator, the client gains

access to all of YIT’s expertise under one roof.” 

Attina Salmenoja, Unit director, Project Development and Construction Management 

When exploring different solution options, the client is not yet committed to YIT and may withdraw from the project or choose to execute it with another partner if they wish. However, if we decide to continue together, one of the proposed alternatives is selected for deeper examination as we move toward implementation. 

“When we are involved in the project design from the very beginning, we are committed to the project and to the budget and schedule estimates we provide. We are strongly motivated to find the most feasible solutions for our client.” 

If the project proceeds to execution, YIT’s services do not end with the completion of the renovation contract. YIT’s professionals can, when needed, also assist with tenant acquisition and take responsibility for the property’s operation and maintenance services.

Expert in renovating historic properties 

Renovating historic properties can feel particularly challenging for their owners, which makes exploring options through the Generator concept especially valuable. YIT’s broad expertise truly comes into its own in these demanding renovation projects, where the building’s history, its current users, and zoning regulations all shape the approach to construction. 

“Each historic property is unique and has its own characteristics, and in many cases they are also protected. That’s why we work closely with Building Control and the National Board of Antiquities,” says Jani Dementjeff, Vice President of YIT’s Renovation Construction unit. 

Restoration is always carried out with respect to the building’s architecture and its original era, using authentic methods and colour schemes. The interior, however, is renewed to meet today’s standards in building services and quality. 

With the renovation, the building’s energy efficiency improves, ensuring a longer service life and increasing its value. 

”We restore old buildings to their former glory.” 

Jani Dementjeff, Vice President of Renovation Construction 

“Many people think of YIT primarily as a new‑build constructor and are not aware that we also offer renovation services tailored to the client’s needs and wishes. We handle all types of renovation contracts, from large-scale property development projects to the refurbishment of individual commercial buildings,” Dementjeff summarises. 

In YIT’s renovation projects, we also take into account a challenge familiar to many property owners: even though the building needs refurbishment, a full shutdown is often not an option — to avoid disrupting cash flow or hindering the operations of companies working in the premises. 

“We are able to provide cost and schedule estimates for renovation under different scenarios, depending on how the building remains in use during the project. It is then up to the client to decide which option is the most profitable for them.” 

The Generator concept offers easy project development with a one‑stop‑shop approach 

Costs and the ability to save on them are matters that interest every developer. This is exactly where the Generator concept supports the client. 

“Every now and then we encounter the unfortunate situation where, by the time the project documents reach our desk, major decisions such as the structural frame, massing and layout solutions have already been locked in. This means we can no longer influence the project in a way that would allow the client to achieve clear cost savings,” Salmenoja explains. 

The Generator concept also ensures transparency and openness regarding costs. The Realizer simulation tool uses realised data from YIT’s projects, enabling cost and schedule estimates to be calculated realistically and helping avoid unpleasant surprises later. 

When choosing a builder, however, it is not advisable to look only at the price tag. Reliability and responsibility also carry significant weight. 

Cost savings are not the only benefit of the concept. 

”Through the Generator, we know the project inside out, which allows us to take full responsibility for it. When responsibility is not divided between different parties, the challenges of discontinuity points are avoided.” 

Because YIT has strong experience in project management, the client does not need to hold the construction threads in their own hands. In addition, a streamlined process and working on matters face‑to‑face speed upthe project’s throughput time – which again results in cost savings. 

”Generator is a one‑stop approach that speeds up, simplifies and clarifies the project from the client’s perspective,” Salmenoja summarises. 

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