55: Save Thousands on Your Build With We Are Ease: The Construction Management Advantage

55: Save Thousands on Your Build With We Are Ease: The Construction Management Advantage

Construction Management is not for the faint hearted or the amateur developer. Most developers should use a main contractor for their developments — but there is an alternative route for those who want greater control over costs. Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd are joined by Andrew Doidge of We Are Ease, one of the Southwest's leading construction management consultancies, to break down how this procurement model actually works. The conversation covers the contractual differences from traditional builds, the value of early contractor and supply chain involvement, and how rapid mobilisation can rescue stalled or bank-repossessed sites. You'll learn why pre-construction cost gateways matter, how to avoid being "dazzled" by a design you can't afford, when construction management makes financial sense, and the real-world value engineering decisions that protect your margins. Andrew also shares hard-won lessons from 15 years of high-end residential and hospitality projects. If you're serious about maximising value on your next development, this one's essential listening. KEY TAKEAWAYS Get cost advice at RIBA Stage 3, not Stage 4. Confirm your design is affordable before committing to expensive technical design packs — too many developers discover they're a million over budget only after the detailed drawings are done. Bring contractors and supply chain in early ("early contractor involvement") to test buildability, not just whether a design works on paper. Planning drawings don't guarantee something can actually be built. Understand the contractual difference: under construction management, the client enters into direct contracts with each trade package, with the consultancy acting as principal contractor — meaning specification savings benefit you, not the main contractor. Skip the protracted tender process to save 6–12 months and avoid material inflation eating your viability. Negotiate by setting a QS-costed budget and asking contractors to build to it, rather than comparing seven competing prices. QUOTES "Design is everything. Design is everything. Design is everything. And I mean that sincerely." "Nothing worse than going for the cheapest price, and it all goes tits up — everybody's out of pocket, and then they blame the builder." "It's not always about whether design works. It's about: can you build it?" "We very often get that Friday afternoon phone call to say, 'Can you start Monday?'" "People who don't know, don't know — and this is where, if you've got people with experience, you can at least get answers from people who've done it before." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq [https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq] HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. FOR REFERENCE * Website: https://www.weareease.com [https://www.weareease.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-ease-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-ease/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareease/ [https://www.instagram.com/weareease/] OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ [https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/]  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/]  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 [https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/]  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/ [https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/]  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/ [https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/]  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive [https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive]

54: How to Get Started in Property Development: No Money, No Experience, No Problem

Property development shouldn’t feel like a closed shop reserved for the elite, but the reality is that most people who want to jump in never actually take that first step. This conversation strips back the jargon to look at what it really takes to move from being a tradesperson or professional into delivering multi-unit projects. It’s not just about having a massive pot of cash; it’s about the mindset to treat development as a serious business rather than a side hustle. The discussion dives into the massive shift in the UK market, where small developers have seen their share of new builds plummet, and why that’s exactly why new, agile developers are needed today. From spotting hidden drainage risks to managing the voices of well-meaning family members who want to keep you in your comfort zone, this is a practical roadmap for anyone ready to stop watching from the sidelines and start building a track record. 5 Key Takeaways Treat property development as a full-time business rather than a hobby or side hustle to ensure you manage risk and finance properly. Aim for a "sweet spot" of 3 to 10 units for your first project to benefit from economies of scale without becoming overwhelmed by complexity. Leverage your existing background—whether in trades, accounting, or sales—to fill specific roles within your development team. Don't let analysis paralysis or the fear of being an "imposter" stop you from making offers, as the offer is simply the start of the negotiation. Education and mentorship are vital to avoid costly "hidden" mistakes like miscalculating drainage distances or planning constraints. 5 Key Quotes "If you treat it as a side hustle or hobby, it'll always stay as a hobby." "The number of people interested in property development who never start is actually between 70 to 80%." "Fake it to yourself before you make it for yourself... giving yourself confidence." "The biggest I'm not going to say naysayers but the people who will talk you out of this... they're going to be the closest people to you." "Every master was a once disaster at one stage... the difference is they took the first step." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq [https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq] HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/ [https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/]  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/]  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 [https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/]  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/ [https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/]  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/ [https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/]  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive [https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive]

53: How to Save Thousands on Property Developments: Through Value Engineering

Stop letting over-engineered building specs swallow your hard-earned profit margins. Navigating the balance between what an architect dreams up and what actually makes financial sense on the ground is a constant battle for property developers. Managing a development budget isn't just about finding the absolute cheapest materials; it is about strategic value engineering. Cost engineering simply manages expenses, but value engineering finds the sweet spot between time, financial outlay, and quality without compromising the final product. Dive into the practical realities of managing construction budgets, from pushing back on high-end insulation requirements to rethinking exterior details that do not add to the end valuation. Learn how to have those tough, early conversations with structural engineers and main contractors to protect the bottom line. It is entirely possible to deliver a top-tier finish while aggressively defending the project's profitability, provided the right questions are asked before the first brick is laid. Key Takeaways Never blindly accept initial building specifications without questioning if alternative, more cost-effective materials can achieve the exact same standard. Cost engineering focuses purely on managing expenses, whereas value engineering optimises the balance of time, financial outlay, and overall build quality. Have robust conversations with structural engineers and design consultants before full construction drawings are issued to avoid expensive mid-project revisions. Always evaluate if high-end finishes or complex architectural details will genuinely increase the final valuation of the property. Establish open communication with the main contractor early on to identify practical supply chain alternatives that protect the profit margin. Quotes "The key is not to cut corners. Cost engineering is talking about the actual cost of things and managing the costs, buying right." "Value engineering is when we're not just talking about cost, we're talking about time. If it saves us time, it's going to save us a lot of money down the line." "You can't just go around swapping things out. It has to be documented. Building control needs to know about it and warranty providers need it as well." "Don't give the architects a blank canvas to go off and do whatever they want. It has just blown build budgets completely." "As a developer, being the client, you might look at working to control those costs, so you know exactly what the contractor's plus is." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq [https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq] HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ [https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/]  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/]  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 [https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/]  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/ [https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/]  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/ [https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/]  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive [https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive]

52: How to Negotiate Property Deals: Negotiation Secrets Every Developer Must Know

Negotiation isn't just about the number on the page; it’s about making sure the deal actually stacks before you even pick up the phone. Too many developers are flushing hundreds of thousands down the drain by overpaying at the front end because they haven't done the legwork. We’re stripping back the "Art of Negotiation" to show you how professional due diligence becomes your ultimate leverage when talking to vendors. From identifying bat emergence windows to navigating the minefield of CIL and Section 106, we explain why your offer needs to solve the seller's problems, not just meet their price. Whether you are hounding an agent for a year or presenting a professional pitch deck to a hotel owner, everything in this industry is up for grabs if you know how to structure it. It’s time to stop winging it and start building a credible, systematic approach to every offer you make. KEY TAKEAWAYS Due diligence is the foundation of any negotiation, providing the "ammunition" needed to justify your offer price based on site constraints and risks. Everything in property is negotiable, including professional fees, build contracts, completion timelines, and even rental terms. A professional offer pack or "pitch deck" builds massive credibility with agents and vendors, proving you are a serious developer who can actually deliver. The goal is to negotiate against the deal’s risks rather than the person selling it, finding a sweet spot that works for both parties’ bottom lines. Emotional detachment is vital; you must be willing to walk away from a deal if the margins don't work, trusting your gut when a project feels off. QUOTES "There's a right way of doing it... our way of doing it. We find it successful and it works." "Everything is negotiable. Everything." "You're not negotiating against the seller. All you're doing is negotiating against the risk." "A good deal is a bad deal for both... you'll never have a deal that is perfect for you." "If it doesn't feel right, it's not right. You've got to trust your gut." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq] HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/]  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/]  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73]  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/]  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/]  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/]  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  ⁠⁠⁠https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive]

51: Company Structures for Property Developers: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

One of the most common questions from anyone getting into property development — and one of the most misunderstood. Jonathan and Kieron break down the company structures every developer needs to understand before they buy a single brick. From the risks of lumping everything into one trading company, through to SPVs, holding companies and joint venture structures, this episode covers the landscape clearly and without the jargon. There's also a really honest look at tax considerations, pension strategies, and why lenders actually prefer a clean, history-free SPV over a company with a track record. Spoiler: property finance works differently to almost every other industry. A timely reminder that structure isn't just admin — it's how you protect everything you build. Not tax or legal advice — just two developers who've been through it, sharing what they know. 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Buying all your properties within one trading company is the riskiest approach — if one development runs into trouble, it can bring down everything else sitting alongside it. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — a separate limited company for each project — keeps developments clean, protected, and far more attractive to lenders and finance institutions. A holding company structure above your SPVs gives you greater control over profit extraction, tax planning, and scalability as your pipeline grows. Lenders don't want history in the development company — they want a clean SPV with no baggage. This is the opposite of how most trading businesses work, and it catches a lot of developers out. Structure should be planned from the very beginning, not retrofitted once you're already in. Getting advice from a tax professional early pays dividends — sometimes literally. QUOTES "Good structure is all about protecting profits and mitigating risk — it's not one size fits all." "If something had to go wrong with your one development, it could affect all the others — that's why we'd never advocate that approach." "They don't want the history in the company — they don't want the baggage. They want it as clean as possible." "It's not about not wanting to pay taxes. It's about not paying too much tax." "Start with the end in mind. Think about your company structure right at the very beginning — even if you're just doing land sourcing." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq] HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/]  ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/]  ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/]  ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73]  ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/]  ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/]  ⁠⁠https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/⁠⁠ [https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/]  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  ⁠⁠https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive⁠⁠ [https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive]