With multiple moving parts and parties working together, being involved with projects right from the start helps to keep contractors and clients on the same page. At O’Brien Contractors, we aim to follow an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) strategy with clients wherever possible, demonstrating our commitment to our projects and strengthening relationships.
As an experienced Principal Contractor, it’s our priority to be fully immersed into all aspects of the project – whether it’s embedding ourselves into the design and planning stages or signing off at practical completion. With a strong reputation spanning over 65 years, our ECI approach has been born out of in-depth knowledge and a passion for our industry, helping us build long lasting client relationships and repeat business.
Cross-collaboration
Getting involved early in the project is a great way of improving cross-communication and reducing the chance of misunderstandings before they happen. By working with other key players, including architects and engineers, we’re able to review designs for any construction concerns or challenges, and provide practical insights into what is feasible – mitigating against costly oversights later down the line. With our on-the-job knowledge of material availability and construction methods, we’re able to contribute to the most practical and cost-effective build possible.
Effective scheduling
With over six decades of experience, we’re acutely aware of project timelines and what can go wrong on site. Using our knowledge of construction methodology, we’re able to support with effective site logistics, all helping to keep the project on track to a realistic schedule, with fewer disruptions. Keeping the project running in line with the schedule helps keep both the client and any subcontractors happy, making for a better working environment for all.
Budget control
Keeping a project running efficiently means costs are kept down and project managers are kept happy. Being involved from the start means we are able to suggest methods and materials that can reduce costs or improve performance without compromising on quality. By providing clients with a detailed project plan at the start of the project, we can increase cost assurance and reduce the likelihood of overspending.
Sustainability and carbon savings
One of the most important features of a successful construction project is waste reduction and carbon savings. With our early involvement, we can foresee where material reductions or repurposing can be made – both helping to keep costs down and mitigating against unnecessary waste. During the planning stages, we can advise strategies for optimising landscapes to bring additional green benefits to site, helping the project reach its environmental targets, and create a site that will be enjoyed by many for years to come.
Success at Shugborough Estate
Starting on site in 2024, we worked competitively to provide the client with a tender-winning value engineering package that encompassed both civil engineering and design and build projects.
When asked to streamline civil engineering costs, we were able to create a submission comprised of alternative materials, methodology and processes that equated to approximately £2 million in savings for the client. Upon pricing the design package, we took the initiative to provide our own value engineering programme, which demonstrated possible savings within the build package: this included new prefabricated walling systems, new roof coverings, different substructures, alternative fixtures and fittings, and mechanical and electrical savings throughout.
All of this provided the client with confidence that we were the right team for the job, with the knowledge to get the project out of the ground on time and on budget. We have since been awarded further works on site – reinforcing the importance of ECI when looking to build strong, valuable relationships with clients.
We’ve seen success through ECI across a number of projects. Check out our work with Chesterfield Canal Trust or Network Rail for more insights into our value engineering and ECI approach in practice.
Want to know more about how our Early Contractor Involvement approach can help streamline your project? Get in touch with us online or via email.