FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we are asked most.
If something here does not cover your situation, ask us directly — we would rather give you a clear answer than a brochure.
Independent
Consultancy on your side — not a builder
Over 35 years combined experience
Across James and Caroline’s careers
Both sides
Client-side and contractor-side support
Aldershot based
Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire
Free consultation
A 30-minute conversation to start
About CJ Projects
What does CJ Projects Consultancy actually do?
We are an independent construction consultancy. We plan and price work, run procurement and tendering, manage projects while they are on site, and see them through snagging, handover and aftercare. We are not the building contractor, so our advice sits on your side of the table.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based in Aldershot and work regularly in Farnham, Farnborough, Fleet, Camberley and Guildford, and more widely across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Nearby areas are considered — please ask.
Do you replace an architect, engineer or surveyor?
No. We work alongside your design team and specialists, coordinating scope, cost, procurement, programme and decisions around their work. Where a project needs a service we do not provide, we say so.
Getting started
When is the best time to bring you in?
As early as possible is usually the most useful, because scope and budget decisions are still open. That said, we regularly join projects at tender stage or once work has started, beginning with a review of what has already been agreed and committed.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?
A straight conversation about your project: what you are planning, where you are up to and what would genuinely help next. It is a request to arrange a call rather than a confirmed booking — we reply to agree a time. There is no obligation.
How do fees work?
Every appointment is agreed in writing before work starts, based on the outputs you need and the size and complexity of the project. Support can be a single defined task or ongoing input. The only fixed published price is the £149 launch offer for the Builder Quote Check.
Quotes, procurement and cost
Can you review builder quotes I have already received?
Yes. The Builder Quote Check compares two or three quotations like for like: price differences, omissions, exclusions, allowances and provisional sums, VAT presentation, programme, payment terms and commercial risks, plus the questions to ask before you appoint anyone. Caroline leads the review.
What does procurement and tendering involve?
A procurement plan, tender packages built from a written scope, a shortlist of suitable contractors or suppliers, managed tender queries, a fair comparison of returns, clarifications, negotiation and support through appointment.
How do you keep costs under control?
We start from a realistic budget with sensible allowances and contingency, then keep cost visible as decisions are made: forecasts, change control, valuation support and concise reporting so surprises are caught early rather than at the end.
During and after the works
What does project management look like day to day?
Proportionate to the job: a programme and sequence everyone can follow, meetings with decisions and actions recorded, cost and change control, technical coordination and regular written reporting.
Do you inspect the site every day?
No. Inspections are planned and periodic, at agreed stages and within the appointed scope, with written observations. That is not continuous supervision and does not guarantee defect-free work.
Do you produce snagging lists?
Yes. A photographic schedule of visible items with responsibility and closure status, followed through before final payment, alongside certificates, warranties and handover information within the agreed scope.
For contractors
What support do you offer builders and specialist contractors?
Tender preparation and submissions, scopes and work packages, estimating and tender analysis, programmes and sequencing, subcontract procurement, forecasts, variations and change control, delivery coordination and reporting.
Can we use you for a single package or short period?
Yes. Support can be a defined short-term input, one particular package, or ongoing capacity agreed around your team and workload.
Still weighing something up?
Ask us the question directly. A 30-minute conversation is often enough to see what a project really needs.