McLean Construction

18/07/2025

Even with the best surveys and intentions, there’s always something unexpected.

What looked like minor cracking turned out to require a full structural rebuild. This wall is far beyond patching.

Fortunately, with float factored in and a healthy, appropriate contingency pre-sorted, the project remains on budget and on schedule.

A timely reminder that resilience in delivery comes from good planning, not good luck.

19/06/2025

Piling underway this week on a live estate project in Richmond Park.

As Project Manager, I’m overseeing the coordination of underpinning works and associated sequencing — ensuring safety, precision and minimal disruption to the existing structure.

Working in sensitive settings like this requires planning, team coordination and a clear understanding of structural impact.

Great work from the delivery team on a tightly managed programme.

08/06/2025

Sometimes you need to take the leap — literally.

I wrapped up the week by flying into Geneva and heading to Évian for a weekend of white water rafting and waterfall jumps. It was an incredible reminder of how pushing limits outdoors can sharpen your focus and reset your mindset.

Whether it’s delivering complex heritage projects or navigating risk as a Principal Designer, the same principle applies: prepare properly, trust the process, and go for it.

Looking forward to taking that same energy into next week’s project work.

31/05/2025

We’re pleased to share that John McLean has successfully completed the RIBA Principal Designer course — a crucial step in strengthening how we support estate clients, landowners, and heritage projects across London.

As Principal Designer, John’s role goes beyond compliance. It’s about ensuring health and safety, buildability, and heritage integrity are considered from concept through to completion — bridging design and delivery seamlessly.

We’ll soon be formally adding Principal Designer services to our client offering, making it easier for our partners to access comprehensive project delivery — from planning and design oversight to final handover.

If you’re managing a sensitive site or thinking ahead to your next project, we’re always happy to share insights.

28/05/2025

Fines aren’t the answer.

The government’s latest push to “speed up housebuilding” by fining developers overlooks what’s really slowing the market down:
• Labour shortages
• Rising material costs
• A stagnant sales environment that’s cooled private investment

Penalising delivery won’t incentivise the right kind of growth. What would?
• Targeted stamp duty breaks to stimulate the sales market
• Tax incentives for builders and developers to keep construction viable
• Support for SME contractors who are the backbone of smaller-scale delivery

As someone who’s worked across both public and private developments — including live heritage sites and private coastal schemes — it’s clear to me that we need carrot, not stick.

Would love to hear from others in the sector: what would genuinely unlock stalled delivery?

Housebuilders face fines as government steps up plans to speed up housebuilding - Breaking news for estate agents and the residential property industry. Independent, unbiased, and factual reporting. A forum for discussion and debate of topics of the day. Subscribe for our free daily newsletter.

13/09/2024

A fly through of the New Development. Every time I stand on that balcony the views take my breath away.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-Z3-BnNht-/?igsh=MXJvNTZqZ200eDY3cA==

19/07/2024

Just over two years ago, we discovered a remarkable plot on the South Coast with a stunning view of both the UK Mainland South Coast and the Isle of Wight in Gurnard. Arguable the best plot on the South Coast where the sunset goes down right in front of you. This property offers a unique perspective of the Solent straight from your windows. The house we built on this exceptional plot is now featured in the Guardian. Check it out here:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2024/jul/19/eco-homes-near-the-sea-for-sale-in-great-britain-in-pictures

From a Grand Designs-style property nestled underground to a remote timber-framed home on a hillside

27/06/2024

Pro Tip for Hosts: Enhance Your Guest Experience with Clear Check-In Instructions! 🗝️✨

Ensure your guests have a smooth check-in by providing detailed instructions. Here are some key steps to follow:

Clear Instructions: Share precise directions on how to find the key box. Include landmarks or distinctive features to guide them. You can also use the tool feature of what3words.

Visual Aid: Add pictures of the key box location. Visuals can help guests quickly identify the spot, reducing any confusion.

Illuminate the Area: Consider installing a light source around the key box area. This will help guests check-in in the evening or during dark months.

By taking these steps, you'll enhance the guest experience, making their arrival seamless and stress-free! 🌟🏡📸

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22/05/2024

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22/05/2024

Beach Point is now on the market!

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17/05/2024

One of several bathrooms in the house...

19/03/2024

Site is buzzing with housekeeping cleaning the finished bathrooms, decorator painting last rooms, renderers putting last layer of render on the front facade, garden tiles are being put in place and I am pulling sticky protective tape off the beautiful sliding doors.