Most office refurbishments don't fail because of bad contractors.
They fail because of bad information.
Typical Causes of Overspend
- Poor initial scope definition — Unclear requirements lead to expensive changes
- Design-led decisions without commercial logic — Beautiful but unaffordable
- Contractor-led procurement — No independent cost challenge
- No independent cost challenge — Accepting quotes at face value
- Emotional decisions under time pressure — "Just get it done"
Real Example:
OMMC helped Entrepreneurs Circle save more than £250,000 on its 16,000 sq ft commercial fit-out. Initial proposals exceeded £1 million; independent commercial challenge and scope review identified more than £300,000 in savings against the original proposal. Part of those savings was reinvested into additional facilities, resulting in a broader final scope. Nigel Botterill confirmed Craig saved the business £250,000.
The Pattern
Budget overruns don't happen suddenly. They follow a predictable pattern:
Stage 1: Vague Brief
Requirements aren't clearly defined. Design team fills gaps with assumptions.
Stage 2: Over-Specification
Design exceeds actual needs. No commercial challenge applied.
Stage 3: Inflated Pricing
Contractor quotes include margin stacking and risk allowances.
Stage 4: Variations
Scope gaps become expensive changes during construction.
Result: Budget Overrun
Project costs significantly more than expected.
How to Stop It
Get independent oversight before you commit.
An independent review will:
- Challenge scope and specification
- Identify cost inflation before contract signature
- Provide commercial clarity on what you actually need
- Give you negotiating leverage
- Protect you from variations
Most budget overruns are avoidable if cost is reviewed before commitment. An independent cost review identifies where the budget is already misaligned — before work starts. For a deeper look at what drives refurbishment cost, see commercial building refurbishment cost review.
Request a Project Risk Review
Stop overspend before it starts.
Related Insights
Before You Sign a Contractor Quote
Common hidden issues and what to check first.
Commercial Fit-Out Costs in the UK
What you should really pay and why costs vary so much.