With the current financial climate pulling sharply at purse strings, making your budget go further for a cost-effective project is more attractive than ever before.

In this article, Simon Castle, Managing Director at fit-out specialists, Chisholm & Winch, will discuss ways in which main contractors can meet budget requirements without compromising on quality, when it comes to working collaboratively with a specialist fit-out contractor.

Aside from the basics of insurances and liabilities, this piece offers tips and advice on what to look for when choosing a fit-out subcontractor that goes beyond just installation; such as working to rethink material selection, where required, after sight of architectural designs. And how a specialist fit-out contractor can manage the supply chain to find cost effective product alternatives that fit the brief whilst maximising the budget.

The article will look into the importance of streamlined processes, meticulous planning and early engagement methods.  Also, the importance of working with a company that offers end-to-end solutions and includes experts with specialist market knowledge who know their materials and ensure the cost and buildability of products is right (especially in the current climate of long lead times) whilst factoring in whole life costs. Finally, how considering a team that provides accountability and in-house installers to deliver the fit out, means acquiring no extra hidden costs through subcontracting third party installers.