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:
In a recent 15,000 sq ft project, our review reduced projected costs from £1,000,000+ to around £700,000 — without compromising quality.
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 20-40% 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
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.