Question 1

What is construction management?

Accepted Answer

Construction management (CM) is a way of delivering building projects where a specialist manages the entire process on behalf of the client. Instead of one main contractor taking control, We are Ease appoints trade contractors directly with the client, with the CM project managers coordinating, overseeing, and advising in the best interests of the client. At We Are Ease, this approach has proved invaluable on projects like Harbour Beach Club in Salcombe, where early involvement allowed us to guide design decisions, plan procurement, and manage multiple trades seamlessly, all while keeping the client’s vision at the heart of the process.

Question 2

How is construction management different from traditional contracting?

Accepted Answer

In traditional contracting, you tender the whole project to a single contractor, who then subcontracts the work. This often adds cost, reduces transparency, and limits flexibility. Under construction management, the client contracts directly with the trades. This means no hidden mark-ups, greater clarity, and the ability to adapt quickly if design or scope changes. For example, during our SeaSpace aparthotel project in Cornwall, this flexibility enabled the design to evolve without expensive contractual disputes or programme delays.

Question 3

When should I appoint a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better. A construction manager adds the most value when they’re brought in before design is complete, helping to shape budgets, highlight risks, and plan procurement strategies that suit the project. On several high-end residential projects across Devon, our early involvement meant potential cost escalations were identified before tender. As a result, clients avoided the all-too-common scenario of projects being shelved as “unviable.”

Question 4

What types of projects benefit from construction management?

Accepted Answer

Construction management works especially well for complex, high-value, or design-led projects. Hospitality, leisure, residential developments, and bespoke commercial buildings all benefit from the transparency and flexibility construction management brings. Indeed, construction management lends itself to any type of construction project. Our portfolio includes everything from luxury homes to mixed-use developments and aparthotels. Each benefited from construction management’s ability to manage multiple specialist contractors while ensuring consistency in quality and delivery.

Question 5

Does construction management save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes often significantly. By eliminating main contractor mark-ups and enabling the direct appointment of trade contractors, construction management creates clearer cost control. At Lee Bay, this structure allowed our client to access competitive trade prices directly, with our team ensuring performance and quality. The result was a project delivered within budget, despite rising construction costs elsewhere in the market.

Question 6

How does construction management reduce project risk?

Accepted Answer

Risk in construction usually comes from cost escalation, programme delays, or contractual disputes. The construction management model reduces these risks through transparency, direct trade contracts, and proactive coordination. We saw this on SeaSpace, where the complexity of delivering aparthotel units alongside commercial space could have led to delays. By managing trade packages in parallel, we kept the programme on track and reduced exposure to claims.

Question 7

Can construction management speed up a project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because trade packages can be procured and started while design is still developing, the project moves forward faster than it would under traditional tendering. On one recent residential project, this meant groundworks could begin months earlier while the final design details for interiors were still being refined. This approach helped the client bring the property to market sooner.

Question 8

What role do clients play in construction management?

Accepted Answer

With construction management, the client retains control but supported by a professional team that makes the process manageable. Clients can appoint trade contractors directly, while we handle the coordination, programme, and day-to-day oversight – or we can handle the whole project on a client’s behalf. For private clients developing their own homes, this balance provides peace of mind. They remain fully informed and involved, without the stress of managing multiple contractors. Ease becomes their advocate, ensuring their interests are always prioritised.

Question 9

Is construction management suitable for small projects?

Accepted Answer

While most effective on larger or more complex schemes, construction management can add real value to smaller projects too especially when high quality, tight budgets, or ambitious programmes are involved. For example, on smaller bespoke residential builds, Ease has helped clients achieve high standards of finish by carefully coordinating specialist trades like stonework, glazing, and interiors. The construction management model ensures even smaller projects benefit from clarity, control, and reduced risk.

Question 10

Why choose We Are Ease for construction management?

Accepted Answer

We Are Ease brings both technical expertise and personal attention to every project. From aparthotels and multi-unit residential schemes to private homes, we’re trusted across the South West to deliver projects smoothly and efficiently. With site teams in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset we’re well placed to help deliver complex construction projects. Our clients value our eye for detail and our ability to unlock complex schemes. Whether it’s reshaping budgets, coordinating specialist contractors, or ensuring quality finishes, we focus on making the construction process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.