In commercial construction, the adage “do it once, do it right” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a financially sound strategy. Cutting corners to save a few thousand pounds upfront often leads to exponentially higher costs down the line, a reality many developers learn the hard way.
Simon Knighton, Managing Director of Chesterfield based Goodward Construction, has seen it all. “I’ve watched companies spend a lot more than their original quote because they opted for the cheapest bid,” he says. “When work is rushed or poorly executed, it doesn’t last. It usually leads to Leaky roofs, unstable flooring, electrical faults which usually show up just outside the warranty period. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re costly liabilities for the client.”
Simon recalls a project where the client chose a contractor based solely on price for installing channels drains into a large production area concrete floor. Within two years, the channels required digging out and new ones installing due to skimping on the materials and not taking the time to source the right materials. “The initial job looked fine,” he explains, “but the materials were substandard and the installation was sloppy. The client ended up paying double what they would have if they’d invested in a quality installation would have only cost a few percent more at the start.”
Commercial construction is not just about erecting a building; it’s about creating a functional, durable asset. Poor workmanship leads to downtime, tenant dissatisfaction, and reputational damage. “In commercial property, time is money,” Simon Knighton emphasises. “Every day a building is unusable due to redoing sloppy work is lost production and revenue.”
Moreover, regulations and compliance standards are increasingly stringent. Cutting corners risks failing inspections, incurring fines, or even legal action. Investing in skilled trades, quality materials, and proper project management from the outset ensures compliance, longevity, and peace of mind.
“Doing it right the first time isn’t expensive, it’s economical common sense,” Simon concludes. “It protects your investment, your timeline, and your reputation. In my three decades, I’ve never seen a client regret choosing quality. But I’ve seen plenty regret choosing cheap.”
For commercial developers, the message is clear: short-term savings are a false economy. True value lies in getting it right first time with a quality contractor.
