Lessons from our site teams…
Architects and Developers rarely lose a project because of poor design
Projects are lost because of problems with costs or planning. Over the last few years, we’ve stepped into quite a few projects where the numbers looked stable and achievable on paper, but quietly (or spectacularly!) unravelled once the project started.
So what lessons can we share from our on-site experiences?
Lesson 1 : The illusion of a fixed price
When key elements are underdeveloped, that ‘fixed price’ is based on a set of assumptions. When these surface as variations from a contract, prices start to escalate, delays creep in and a project starts heading South. At some point, the unscheduled costs will mean that a project is unviable.
Lesson 2 : The impact of incomplete information
Sometimes projects get underway before all the surveys or interfaces have been fully understood. If, for example, the drainage strategy isn’t tested or properly implemented, this can became a massive problem impacting on the success of a project. Incomplete information about any part of a project often translate into disruptive factors, which lead to rising costs and delays.
Lesson 3 : Procurement and supply chains
Procurement decisions aligned with design maturity, supported by an excellent supply chain and network of contractors, make an incredible difference to the overall outcomes.
Being agile and flexible means that problems are resolved more quickly and with better results – and that’s often more cost-effective than agreeing prices well in advance before risks are fully understood.
We’ve written a detailed article on costs traps and how construction management can help developers and architects. You can read that here.
Project Update: Work continues on one of our most visible projects overlooking Woolacombe beach. The Beachcomber development will be a standout asset for the area, enhancing the experience for visitors and locals, As always, we’ve faced logistical and physical challenges (and the weather hasn’t helped) but our on-site team and project managers are doing an incredible job.
To talk to us about a project you might need our help with, please complete our short Project Assessment Form.
About We Are Ease
We Are Ease is a trusted construction management consultancy based in the South West of England, serving clients across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset. Specialising in complex and design-led residential and commercial projects, We Are Ease offers tailored services including Construction Management, Development Management, Client Project Management, and a unique “Project Doctor” service to resolve challenges in ongoing builds. Their collaborative approach involves clients early in the design and procurement stages, ensuring greater control, transparency, and cost certainty throughout the construction process.
By acting as a hands-on coordinator and oversight partner, We Are Ease enables clients to appoint trade contractors directly while managing costs, risks, quality, safety, and scheduling. They also take on the role of Principal Contractor to fulfil health, safety, and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) obligations, emphasising value engineering and avoiding hidden mark-ups.
Some notable projects managed by We Are Ease include bespoke luxury homes, hospitality developments, and mixed-use schemes across the South West, reflecting their expertise in delivering high-quality, complex builds on time and within budget. Their commitment to client satisfaction and project success has made them a preferred partner for property owners, developers, and investors seeking expert construction management in the region.
Contact We are Ease
We are Ease are based in Devon and work primarily within the South West. Contact us to discuss your build project at
Address: We Are Ease Ltd., The Pavilion, Moorhaven, Bittaford, Devon. PL21 0TZ
Telephone: 01752 895 487
Email: info@weareease.com
