What Is a Construction Consultant?

Professionals like engineers, architects, and building contractors spring to mind when one thinks of those contributing to completing a construction project. But turning a construction site into a finished building requires much more.

Construction consultants are instrumental in uniting the team and seeing a construction project through from concept to practical completion and handover.

Although somewhat descriptive, the role’s title doesn’t fully describe the various responsibilities that these professionals undertake to support and guide clients throughout the entire construction process.

So, what does a construction consultant do? Let’s explore the specifics to give you a better understanding of what you can expect when you engage a construction consultant and the areas Mitchell McDermott offers services in.

What exactly is a construction consultant? Let us help you successfully deliver your project. Contact Mitchell McDermott, a leading construction consultancy, to bring your building plans forward.       

The Role of a Consultant in Construction

A successful construction project outcome depends heavily on the efforts of experienced construction consultants. They offer informed advice and support at every turn.

Drawing on a wealth of industry experience, these experts are invaluable for clients who need to balance achieving the best quality, efficient costings, and timely execution for their projects in a safe environment.  

At Mitchell McDermott, we offer consultancy services in quantity surveying, project management, and funder advisory. In addition to these core services, we also offer specialist services such as dispute resolution or technical due diligence support.  

Although construction consultants are usually employed by clients at the beginning of a project, they can offer new insights right through the process and sometimes are engaged by clients at a later stage. Here’s how construction consultants make the winning difference.  

Decision-Making and
Advising on Best Practices

A construction consultant assists in framing a new project during its vital decision-making processes. They offer this insight from the vantage of a detailed understanding of market trends, construction techniques and legal requirements. This enables businesses to make the appropriate decisions that will bring their projects to successful completion.

Accountability and Project Management   

A construction consultant helps control the project, overseeing the entire lifecycle.

This involves managing project teams to ensure on-schedule completion. Consultants help reduce risks; our project management services can help clients avoid common errors that could lead to unnecessary costs or delays.

Cost-Effectiveness

One of the benefits of considering hiring a construction consultant is their adeptness in controlling costs. They pay meticulous attention to budgets and tracking spend, to prevent overages. This prudent approach helps a great deal in the project’s overall success. Early identification of potential issues means that the client’s budget and timelines are respected.

What does a consultant do? At Mitchell McDermott, we guide you through the construction process.
Get in touch to see how we can help you. 

Advantages of Using Consultants

When a company hires independent consultants, they immediately improve the efficiency of their projects. Here’s how these professionals can help a business with all the aspects of their construction process.

Understanding and Experience

The construction experience of consultants, such as our project managers, quantity surveyors or funder advisory team, is invaluable to a company undertaking a building project. Their knowledge in this field allows them to anticipate potential issues and take steps to avoid them. With the help of this information, the project can remain on track and avoid expensive pitfalls.

Lasting Worth

The advice of construction consultants is aimed at the long-term benefits. They provide advice that will benefit the project long after it is completed and the building is being fully utilised.

Improved Results for the Project

The extensive experience that consultants provide results in better construction, more productivity, and improved project performance all around. Buildings, as a result, are not just finished but also stand the test of time.   

Mitchell McDermott: Tempering Your Construction Challenges   

As a dedicated team of independent construction consultants in Ireland with decades of experience in the construction industry, Mitchell McDermott has the know-how to expertly guide you through the construction process. From the planning phase to the construction site, we are there to assist clients with all the details of their construction projects. 

We pride ourselves in straight-talking and ensuring the quality of your project at all times. Long-term value and delivering excellence is always our end goal.        

What Is Construction
Consulting to Us in Practice?  

At Mitchell McDermott, we embrace an open-door policy, encouraging questions and collaboratively building solutions. 

Guided by integrity and honesty, we ensure ethical practices in every aspect of our work. Relentlessly pursuing innovation, we continuously strive to find better ways of doing things to benefit both our people and our clients.   

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of a construction consultant in the highly competitive marketplace of development, no matter the sector. Any construction project can benefit greatly from having someone in charge of overall project management, keeping expenses under control, and making strategic recommendations.

Businesses can enjoy the full assurance that their projects are carried out properly, on schedule, and within budget with the help of a construction consultant.   

FAQs About Construction Consultancy

These are the responses to frequently asked questions that will enable you to understand the actual worth and influence of construction consultants on your business and building project and the different types of consultants.

What types of construction consultants are there?

There are construction consultants from various disciplines, including: 

  • Project Managers: Specialists in overseeing and coordinating all project activities.

  • Quantity Surveyors: Experts in cost estimation and financial management.

  • Engineers: Professionals providing technical and engineering services.

  • Architects: Experts in design and spatial planning. 

  • Health and Safety Consultants: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.

What are they tasked with achieving?

In construction projects, a construction consultant has different duties and responsibilities. Depending on their discipline, these can include: 

Project Management: Our project management team manages an entire project, starting from inception to completion, so as to meet each deadline.

Costing: Our cost management team take care of the commercial aspects of a project, such as accurately estimating the costs.

Engineering: Engineering consultancy firms offer technical assistance. This is not a service we provide.

Construction Management: Contractor construction managers deal with suppliers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders in order to schedule work correctly. This is not a service we provide.

How do consultants enhance value during the design and construction process?

Employing professional consultants such as project managers and quantity surveyors contributes significantly towards bringing higher value to projects. The specific expertise and the professional services they provide enable them to effectively manage complex matters.

They also help manage costs by ensuring that solutions are catered for within projected budgets. They play an essential role in risk mitigation at every phase of the project by anticipating potential pitfalls and developing methods to reduce or prevent them.

What is a building consultancy’s part in project management?

A construction consultant is responsible for creating thorough project schedules and programmes. They act as a lynchpin in the project by ensuring effective interaction and cooperation between all the stakeholders, including the client, design team consultants, and building works contractors.        

By doing strategic programme assessments, project managers keep track of project milestones. The data obtained through the checks can be used to make adjustments as needed. By resolving issues that may pose serious challenges and delays during the process, we can change the trajectory of a project significantly and ensure milestone dates are met.

How do construction consultants help in developing a construction project?

Even before any contracts have been signed, a construction consultancy can help a project move forward by doing thorough research to determine the viability of the proposal.

In the initial stages of the project, consultants have the skills to help the team develop a robust design, supporting the design development by collaborating with engineers and architects. 

Consultants advise on selecting contractors and design team consultants. During construction, they evaluate the progress to ensure adherence to timelines and standards.

How does a construction consultant interact with other specialists and contractors?

In their interactions with contractors and other professionals, a construction consultant ensures that everyone is communicating clearly and effectively. They coordinate the work of several professionals to meet project goals.

Consultants address and resolve any conflicts or problems that may arise while the project is underway. As project managers, they encourage teamwork and collaboration to improve project success and performance.

Why do construction projects require the professional counsel of construction consultants?

Construction consultants deliver expert advice that is essential for adhering to all relevant national rules, regulations, and standards. Early in the construction project, they can recognise and mitigate any possible risks.  

Construction projects rely on consultants’ cost management services to reduce wasteful spending. They can help deliver superior construction results that either meet or exceed the client’s requirements.

Are construction consultants able to assist with projects irrespective of size?

Yes, construction consultants may assist with projects of any size. Regardless of the size of the project, their experience is crucial as they are able to adapt their services to fit their specifications. In Mitchell McDermott we work only on larger-scale ventures.   

What is a construction consultant’s value to your project?
Contact Mitchell McDermott to learn more about our comprehensive services.

Mitchell McDermott