Ashdan Group

05/09/2026

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make on any project. Yet one of the biggest mistakes clients and developers make is going straight to tender without first identifying which contractors are actually capable of delivering the work.

A successful tender process begins long before prices are submitted. Taking the time to carry out an 'Expression of Interest' process allows developers to identify builders with the right experience, resources and capability before inviting them to tender. By carrying out basic due diligence, reviewing previous projects, obtaining references and assessing suitability, you can create a shortlist of contractors who are genuinely the right fit for your project.

Not every builder is suitable for every development. A contractor may be experienced, but not the right size or type for the scheme you're delivering. Equally, inviting too many contractors to tender often results in lower engagement and less meaningful submissions. A focused shortlist of three or four suitable builders creates stronger competition and ultimately leads to better procurement decisions.

As Ashdan MD John Johnson explains, investing time in contractor selection before tendering reduces risk, improves the quality of tender returns and gives clients and developers far greater confidence when making their final appointment.

It's a simple process, but one that can significantly improve project performance while helping deliver better outcomes from the very beginning.

Read the full blog and hear Ashdan MD John Johnson explain why you shouldn't go straight to tender, how an Expression of Interest process helps identify the right contractors, and why selecting the right builders from the outset leads to stronger tenders and better project outcomes. https://ashdangroup.com/expertise-resources/choosing-the-right-builder-dont-go-straight-to-tender/

If you need support with contractor selection, tendering, project management or quantity surveying, get in touch today.

🌐 www.ashdangroup.com
📧 [email protected]

03/09/2026

Managing your own construction project could be the most expensive job you take on.

Many property developers believe they can coordinate a project themselves, particularly in the early stages. Whilst that may seem like a way to save money, it can often lead to unnecessary risk, delays, increased costs, and avoidable stress.

Appointing a Project Manager early helps bring the right professionals together, keeps the project moving, and ensures every stage is properly coordinated from concept through to completion.

Check out our latest blog for Ashdan MD John Johnson's view on why appointing a Project Manager early is one of the best investments you can make, and to see how we can help with project management, procurement, and other key aspects of construction and property development.

One of the questions I get asked quite regularly is: “Do I really need a Project Manager?” The answer depends on the size and complexity of the project, and what you are planning to do. However, in my experience, the answer is yes, nine times out of ten. Unless you have extensive construction kn...

02/09/2026

One of the most common mistakes developers make is focusing on the potential of a property before fully understanding what they're actually buying.

Every project is different, but one principle has remained the same throughout my career – the more information you have before you commit, the better your decisions will be.

The right surveys help identify potential issues before they become expensive problems. Whether it's asbestos, the condition of existing mechanical and electrical services, accurate building dimensions or underground utilities, understanding these risks early allows you to plan with confidence and avoid unexpected costs and safety issues during construction.

Projects are delayed and budgets exceeded simply because essential investigations weren't carried out before work began. In many cases, the cost of the surveys would have been insignificant compared to the cost of putting those issues right later.

That's why developers must see surveys as investments rather than an expense. They provide the information the design team needs, help reduce risk and give a much clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges a site presents.

▶️ Watch the full video on our YouTube channel to hear Ashdan MD John Johnson's perspective on the essential surveys every developer should consider before purchasing a site and why carrying out the right investigations at the beginning of a project can help avoid costly surprises later. https://youtu.be/PZfdrYaGsiM?si=_bVydUh9kI2h27y

If you need support with property surveys, development appraisals, quantity surveying or project management, get in touch today.

🌐 www.ashdangroup.com
📧 [email protected]

01/09/2026

What does fund monitoring really mean for investors and developers?

Fund monitoring is one of the most effective ways to safeguard the funding of a project and keep everyone protected. At Ashdan Group, the team provide independent, expert monitoring to make sure developments stay on time, on budget, and are completely transparent from start to finish.

Our role is to oversee how funds are used, protect lenders and investors, and give developers the confidence to focus on delivery.

If you’d like to chat about how fund monitoring could support your next scheme, or if you are working with a fund monitor and need some advice, we'd be happy to help.

31/08/2026

"A successful development project is rarely about one individual. It's about bringing together the right professionals, each with the expertise to guide your project through every stage of the development process.

Every project is different, which means every professional team will be different too. The level of support required for a £50,000 refurbishment is very different from that of a multi-million-pound residential or commercial development. Appointing the right people, with the right experience, is fundamental to achieving the best outcome.

A strong professional team may include a Project Manager, Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Structural Engineer, M&E Engineer, Solicitor, Mortgage Broker, Accountant and, of course, the right Builder. Each plays a different role, but together they provide the expertise needed to manage risk, solve problems and keep the project moving forward.

One of the most important appointments is the Project Manager. By coordinating the professional team, managing communication, overseeing procurement and monitoring progress, they help ensure every discipline is working towards the same objective from the very beginning."

As Ashdan MD John Johnson explains, successful developments are delivered by experienced professionals working together towards a common goal. Investing in the right professional team at the outset gives your project the best possible chance of being delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality.

It's one of the smartest investments any property developer can make.

Read the full blog to hear Ashdan MD John Johnson explain why assembling the right professional team is essential for successful property development, how each professional contributes to the project, and why appointing the right people early can significantly reduce risk and improve project outcomes.
https://ashdangroup.com/expertise-resources/property-developers-have-you-got-the-right-professional-team/

If you need support with project management, quantity surveying, development appraisals or assembling the right professional team for your next development, get in touch today.

www.ashdangroup.com
[email protected]

28/08/2026

A successful property development is never a one-person job.

Many developers focus on finding the right site or securing funding, but one of the biggest factors in a project's success is having the right professionals around you.

From your Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor to your Architect, Engineer and Builder, every member of your professional team has a vital role to play. The right team can reduce risk, protect your budget, minimise stress and help deliver a successful project from start to finish.

Check out our latest blog for Ashdan MD John Johnson's view on why every property developer needs the right professional team, and to see how we can help with project management, quantity surveying, and other key aspects of construction and property development.

If you’ve attended property development courses, you’ve probably heard the term “Power Team.” It’s a phrase that’s become very common in the property industry. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of it. For me, the term belongs in the world of superheroes rather than construction. What y...

27/08/2026

Woods Farm, Kent

Join us for a walkthrough of the Woods Farm project in Kent - a development involving the refurbishment of existing barns under Class Q permitted development rights.

The scheme will deliver eight new residential dwellings on a former poultry farm, together with external works, drainage and landscaping.

With a clear strategy, strong collaboration and effective coordination between the project team helping to keep the development on programme and progressing smoothly.

It’s always rewarding to see a project taking shape on site and watching a collaborative approach translate into successful delivery.

🌐 www.ashdangroup.com
📧 [email protected]

26/08/2026

One of the biggest mistakes a property developer can make is buying before carrying out the right surveys.

It can be tempting to save money by limiting investigations before purchasing a property or site, but that decision can lead to significant costs later.

The right surveys provide the information you need to make informed decisions, identify hidden risks and accurately budget before committing to your investment.

Depending on the type of development, this could include asbestos surveys, dimensional surveys, M&E services assessments, condition surveys or topographical surveys for new-build projects.

Each survey plays a different role, but together they help you understand exactly what you're buying, reduce project risk and avoid costly surprises during construction.

At Ashdan, we believe good preparation is one of the smartest investments any property developer can make. Spending a little before purchase can save a great deal of time, money and stress later.

📖 Read the full blog to discover which surveys are right for your project and why they should always come before estimating construction costs or committing to a purchase. https://ashdangroup.com/expertise-resources/property-surveys-the-checks-every-developer-should-make-before-buying/

If you need support with property surveys, development appraisals, quantity surveying or project management, our team is here to help.

www.ashdangroup.com
[email protected]