Construction Methodology – Let’s get it right from the start

There’s a simple truth in construction: start off on the wrong foot, and you risk making problems for yourself further down the line. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, as the adage goes. That’s even more relevant in today’s construction market where we’ve been steadily moving further away from traditional methods towards other options like offsite and modular. As we’ve argued elsewhere, for offsite to be a success, we need to think differently about how we plan projects and must get specialist contractors at the table when the nuts and bolts of the design are nailed down.

Whatever the method of construction, getting the planning spot on is paramount to a successful project. That means rigorous early-stage coordination where all the relevant parties are at the table to catch problems before they occur and ensure the timely, hiccup-free delivery of each of the build elements. This is the golden ticket to a smooth construction ride.

Let’s examine the negative effects of improper planning in more detail and what benefits a carefully thought-out planning process brings to the table.

The costly domino effect.

If you miss the boat to plan effectively with a new project, it won’t be long until you feel the consequences. Buildability issues are just for starters – you’re left with a puzzle with all the wrong pieces. It's not just about fitting panels; it's about ensuring everything lines up – from plumbing to electrics to the final lick of paint. Get this wrong, and you're in for delays, cost overruns, and the kind of stress that has you drawing in a new hairline.

Cost overruns can be a real nightmare. Every unexpected turn can crank up your budget. It’s like you’re digging a hole only to find another bill instead of gold. And when your timeline stretches out, it's not just the schedule that suffers; it's your reputation.

Time saved at planning means time added on later.

When your project hits a snag, it’s not just about twiddling your thumbs waiting for a fix. Those delays stack up, affecting everything from workforce morale to client trust. And in this industry, trust is your bread and butter. Lose it, and it’s a long climb back.

While there is often a desire from all parties to get started on a project as soon as possible, skimping on the design and planning process is a completely false economy. You spend less time now, only to pay it back in spades months later when the shaky foundations of your approach make themselves known.

Precision Planning, Pristine Execution

Now let’s look at the alternative approach. When you loop your specialist contractors in from the off and give the planning stage the thought and consideration it deserves, you’ll save time, money and resources further down the line. Build methods like offsite have certain requirements that traditional methods don’t and to really extract maximum value from the method, we need to bring in the experts at the earliest opportunity to set the stage for successful delivery.

With our expertise on board, we ensure that every piece of the puzzle is precision-cut and ready to slot into place – that's the beauty of offsite construction.

Getting the most from offsite

Offsite construction gets a lot of attention these days and for good reason. There are numerous benefits it has over traditional methods and with the skills shortage as it is, it has to form a big part of the future of the built environment. However, it’s sometimes criticised for issues at the fitting stage where planning has been inefficient.

When offsite is backed up by thorough planning, it really sings. With panels and parts made to measure in a controlled environment, we cut out the unpredictability of traditional building sites. Fewer weather delays, less material waste – it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

This method and others like it will be key to the industry revving up and delivering on the promise of more sustainable, better quality and affordable homes at scale.

The realisation of these benefits is only possible with an industry sea change to construction methodology and design planning. A change where it becomes the norm for specialist contractors like Mansell to be brought in from the design stage onwards, their expertise embraced and genuinely listened too.

Building Smarter, Not Harder

We’re not just passionate about construction; we’re passionate about doing it right. It's about building buildings that last, changing the way we deal with carbon, and creating social value that resonates. These aren't just buzzwords; they're woven into the fabric of our business.

In the end, it’s about working smarter, not harder. With solid early planning, including the right people from the start, and embracing innovative methods like offsite construction, we don’t just build – we build smarter.