Have you ever been told 'you get what you pay for'? Or perhaps, 'buy cheap, buy twice'? These good old-fashioned expressions might lead you to think of flat-pack furniture, or perhaps ‘Rola Cola’. But it is no different when buying professional services for a development project. You might argue it's even more relevant because a construction project is much more expensive than an IKEA wardrobe.
The more experienced developers know it is not all about price when it comes to buying professional services. In this short article, we introduce the key members of a construction design team, how developers can benefit from their collective expertise, why the right design team can help with funding, how to budget for professional fees and what to look for when appointing consultants.
Who do you need to hire for your project?
The right professional team, often referred to as the design team, is critical for any development project. But not all teams are created equal. You want to make sure you work with the best your money can afford. Experience pays dividends and having the right people in the right place at the right time will reduce your risks and will likely improve your ROI.
There are many different jobs to be completed in a development project. Some of the essential members of a construction design team are:
- Architect
- Structural engineer
- Mechanical and Electrical Engineer (also known as M&E, or building services)
- Quantity surveyor
- Project manager
- Planning consultant
- CDM consultant (or Construction Design and Management)
- Interior, landscape and lighting designers
- Approved building inspector
This is not an exhaustive list as building projects are complicated. You may find yourself hiring a raft of other consultants throughout every stage of your project, from planning to practical completion and beyond.
