What is a Building Consultant and Why You Should Hire One Early in Your Project
- OMNIA Building Consultants
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
When planning a commercial construction or refurbishment project, one of the most overlooked but valuable team members you can bring on board is a building consultant.
Whether you're a developer, landlord, tenant, or property investor, a building consultant offers independent expertise that can help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline approvals, and achieve better long-term value from your property.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a building consultant does, why they’re essential to a successful project, and why it’s critical to involve them from the very beginning.
What is a Building Consultant?
A building consultant is a professional who provides independent advice and technical guidance across all stages of a building’s lifecycle - planning, design, construction, maintenance, and refurbishment.
Unlike contractors or architects who focus on delivering specific components of a project, a building consultant looks at the whole picture and acts in the best interests of the client.
Typical services include:
Feasibility studies and site assessments
Building condition and structural surveys
Refurbishment and retrofit strategies
Planning and Building Regulation advice
Tendering and contractor selection
Project management and contract administration
Compliance with CDM Regulations and health & safety standards
Dilapidation advice and lease-end negotiations
Think of a building consultant as your strategic advisor - part problem solver, part risk manager, and part technical expert.
Why Hire a Building Consultant Early?
Many property owners wait too long to bring in professional support, often engaging a consultant only after encountering issues. But involving a building consultant from the very start of your project offers major advantages:
Identify Risks Before They Cost You
Early-stage feasibility assessments help uncover:
Structural issues
Planning constraints
Hidden defects
Environmental risks
Budget underestimations
A consultant can save you thousands in unexpected costs by flagging issues before design or construction begins.
Help Navigate Planning & Compliance
From Building Regulations to CDM (Construction Design & Management) 2015 Regulations, construction is heavily regulated, and non-compliance can lead to costly delays or fines.
A building consultant ensures:
Your plans are compliant
You meet your legal duties as a client
Risks are managed and documented properly
Better Scope, Better Contractors, Better Prices
A building consultant can help you:
Define a clear scope of work
Prepare accurate tender documentation
Compare contractors objectively
Avoid overpricing or scope creep
This means better value and fewer surprises once the project begins.
Maximise ROI with Long-Term Thinking
You’re not just building for now, you’re building for the next 10, 20, or 30 years. A building consultant helps you make decisions that support:
Energy efficiency and sustainability goals
Lifecycle cost savings
Tenant retention and comfort
Asset value growth
Reduce Delays and Improve Coordination
Because they often serve as project managers or contract administrators, building consultants:
Keep your project on schedule
Coordinate between design and construction teams
Handle change management efficiently
When there’s a consultant overseeing the full process, the chances of delays, miscommunication, and costly errors drop dramatically.
When Should You Bring in a Building Consultant?
As early as possible.
Ideally, before:
Purchasing a site or building
Starting architectural design
Applying for planning permission
Commissioning surveys or consultants independently
Tip: An initial consultation or feasibility study is often a small investment that delivers huge value later on.
What to Look for in a Building Consultant
When hiring a building consultant, ensure they are:
Qualified (e.g., MRICS, MCIOB, or relevant chartership)
Experienced in your building type (e.g., office, industrial, education, retail)
Independent (i.e., not tied to a contractor or product provider)
Transparent with costs and reporting
Proactive in identifying opportunities and risks
Conclusion
Whether you're planning a new build, refurbishment, or ongoing building maintenance strategy, a building consultant is an invaluable ally. Their insight, technical knowledge, and strategic thinking can save you time, money, and stress, especially if you bring them on board from day one.
Need Advice for an Upcoming Project?
Get in touch today for an initial consultation or building health check. Let’s make sure your project starts strong, runs smoothly, and delivers lasting value.
Building Consultant FAQs
What does a building consultant do?
A building consultant provides technical and strategic advice on all aspects of building projects, from surveys and compliance to project management and risk mitigation.
When should I hire a building consultant?
Ideally at the very start of your project - before design, planning, or contractor selection.
Do I need a building consultant if I already have an architect?
Yes. While architects focus on design, building consultants focus on technical, regulatory, and strategic project oversight.
