Frequently Asked Questions

What causes fit-out projects to go over budget?

Fit-out projects usually go over budget due to unclear scope, provisional sums, and coordination gaps between trades.

These issues are typically present before the contract is signed, not during construction.

Projects affected by these conditions often move from WATCHING to EXPOSED without early intervention.

The OMMC Fit-Out Risk Check helps identify this before committing.

What is a provisional sum in a fit-out quote?

A provisional sum is an allowance for work that has not been fully defined or designed.

It introduces uncertainty into the contract, as the final cost is unknown at the time of signing.

High levels of provisional sums are a common indicator of increased cost risk and can place a project in a WATCHING or EXPOSED position.

When do fit-out costs become fixed?

Most fit-out costs are effectively fixed at the point of contract signing.

After this stage, the ability to reduce cost is limited, and changes usually result in variations.

This is why pre-contract review is critical.

How do you identify hidden costs in a contractor proposal?

Hidden costs are typically found in unclear scope, duplicated allowances, provisional sums, and missing coordination between trades.

These risks are often not visible without detailed commercial review.

The OMMC Fit-Out Risk Check highlights where these issues are likely to exist.

Can you reduce costs after a contract is signed?

It is possible, but significantly more difficult.

After signing, most costs are contractually committed, and changes often trigger variations.

Projects in an EXPOSED or CRITICAL position at this stage have limited options to reduce cost.

What does a pre-contract fit-out advisor do?

A pre-contract fit-out advisor reviews contractor proposals before signing to identify cost risk, scope gaps, and commercial inefficiencies.

The role is to ensure the project is commercially sound before commitment.

Do you replace our contractor or project team?

No.

OMMC does not replace your contractor, architect, or consultants.

OMMC works alongside your existing team to provide independent commercial oversight, ensuring decisions are aligned with your budget and business priorities.

This is a client-side role, offering an independent view in a process that is typically led by the contractor.

Will involving OMMC create conflict with our contractor?

No, in most cases it improves clarity.

OMMC does not challenge individuals. It challenges assumptions, scope, and cost risk.

Experienced contractors are used to commercial scrutiny, and clear scope benefits both sides.

The approach is structured and collaborative, not confrontational.

When is the best time to involve OMMC?

The most effective time is before signing a contract or approving a budget.

This is when cost risk can still be identified and controlled.

OMMC is also engaged mid-project when costs are rising, variations are increasing, or control is being lost.

If you are unsure where your project currently sits, the OMMC Fit-Out Risk Check provides a clear starting point by assessing your commercial position before commitment.

What kind of savings do you typically identify?

Every project is different, but OMMC typically identifies savings through:

• removing unnecessary or duplicated scope
• challenging inflated costs and allowances
• reducing reliance on provisional sums
• improving procurement and delivery structure

On recent projects, identified savings have ranged from £50,000 to £300,000+ on single fit-outs.

OMMC does not promise savings. The focus is commercial clarity. Savings are usually a by-product of that process.

How independent are you?

Completely independent.

OMMC does not earn margin from contractors, trades, or suppliers.

OMMC is paid directly by the client to provide independent commercial advice.

This ensures all recommendations are aligned with the client's interests, not project spend.

What happens if you review our project and find nothing major?

That outcome is still valuable.

It confirms that your project is commercially sound and that major risks have already been addressed.

In many cases, this reflects a CONTROLLED or WATCHING position rather than EXPOSED or CRITICAL.

The objective is clarity before commitment, not just cost reduction.

Do you work across the UK?

Yes.

OMMC supports projects across the UK.

Most audits are delivered remotely using project documentation, with site visits included where required.

How quickly can you start?

Audit work can typically begin within 48 hours of receiving project information.

Advisory engagements usually start within 1–2 weeks, depending on scope and availability.

Will our information remain confidential?

Yes.

All project information is treated as strictly confidential.

NDAs can be provided where required.

Is OMMC suitable for smaller projects?

OMMC is most effective on projects where commercial risk is significant, typically £250,000+.

Smaller projects may still benefit where complexity or risk justifies independent review.

What usually happens after an audit?

Clients typically choose one of three options:

• proceed with improved commercial clarity
• engage OMMC for ongoing advisory
• adjust procurement or delivery strategy

There is no obligation to continue.

The purpose of the audit is to provide clear, independent insight.