Own The Build

• Question Time Returns: Adjudication or Relationship – Where’s the Line? (EP 244)

  In Episode 244, Question Time is back – and Paul is joined by recurring co-host Chris Barber to answer another round of listener questions from quantity surveyors and commercial professionals across the UK construction industry.This month, we tackle:Should I switch from Main Contractor to Subcontractor? Chris shares real insight from his own experience and a surprising comparison to his wife’s retail-to-supplier career path.When is the right time to consider adjudication for delayed payments – and how do you protect the relationship?What behaviour would you change across QS teams? (Paul wants to ban document dumps. Chris wants to go to the pub.)Is lowest-price-wins procurement still the norm in 2025 – and are we finally shifting to value-based tendering?Plus: Thoughts on the new RICS Responsible Use of AI Standard, and why episode 250 will be a must-listen.👀 Stick around for anecdotes from Paul’s subbie days, and a refreshing reminder that construction doesn't always have to be a battle.📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at [email protected] or through, C-Link. C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient. Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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• Why Modular Construction Fails in the UK – And How to Fix It (EP 243)

  In this episode, Paul is joined by George Lujans, Director at GoModular, for a masterclass on modular construction that breaks down everything you thought you knew.George’s message is clear: most developers, QSs, and even modular startups have misunderstood modular construction – and that’s why it hasn’t delivered on its promises.Together, Paul and George unpack:Why modular is a verb, not a noun – and how that changes everything.The biggest myths in modular: standardisation, site access, and planning restrictions.Why finance, not technology, is the real blocker to scaling modular housing.What QSs and developers are getting wrong when procuring modular projects.How we shift from chasing megafactories to building smarter, leaner, scalable modular systems.If you're in cost management, development, or just curious about why modular keeps “failing,” this episode reframes the entire conversation.📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at [email protected] or through, C-Link. C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient. Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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• Estimating vs. Quantity Surveying – Can We All Just Get Along? (EP 242)

  In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Mike Ashcroft (Co-Founder of EstimateOne) and Paddy Westbury (Estimating Director at Structure Tone) to explore the often misunderstood world of estimating – and its love/hate relationship with quantity surveying.They dive into Paddy’s 40-year journey from sleepy PQS firms to the intensity of fast-track fit out, his reflections on Structure Tone’s explosive growth, and how modern estimators are evolving from number-pushers to project strategists. The trio unpack the cultural shift in tendering, what great QS–Estimator relationships look like, and why curiosity (plus owning your mistakes) might just be the best traits for the next generation of professionals.If you’ve ever argued over a bill, blamed an estimator for a budget, or wondered who really owns procurement – this one’s for you.🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at [email protected] or through, C-Link. C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient. Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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• Curiosity, Communication, and Coaching: How to Build Better QSs (EP 241)

  In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined by Katie Taylor, Managing Quantity Surveyor, to explore what it really takes to raise the bar for commercial professionals in construction.Katie shares how she entered the industry by chance as a receptionist, studied part-time to become a QS, and developed a deep passion for coaching and communication. Together, Paul and Katie discuss:Why coaching is critical for QSs and subcontractors alikeThe underestimated importance of soft skills and psychological safetyHow to handle difficult conversations with confidenceWhat truly makes a “great” QS in today’s marketThe real impact of curiosity, communication, and mindsetIf you’re managing or mentoring QSs — or are one yourself — this episode offers practical insights into how to grow a strong, competent commercial team.🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at [email protected] or through, C-Link. C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient. Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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• Question Time: Bonuses, Burnout, and the QS Brain Drain – What's Going On? (Ep 240)

  !!!Get your free OTB Live Tickets here - Own The Build Live, October 23rd!!!-----------------------------------In this episode of Own the Build, Paul is joined once again by his co-founder and sidekick, Chris Barber, for another round of Question Time. This time, the duo dives deep into one of the most shocking industry stats of 2025: the QS workforce has dropped by over 30% in just 12 months.Together, they unpack why so many quantity surveyors are leaving the industry and discuss the knock-on effects on teams, projects, and future recruitment. From Reddit threads to anecdotes about early careers, to the pressures of poor tech and endless conflict – this is a raw and honest look at the current commercial landscape.They also answer a range of listener questions including:Should QSs be getting bonuses for value engineering?Does a WhatsApp chat really count as a legally binding contract?How to think about early career progression and finding the right company fit.This is an essential listen for QSs of all levels looking to make sense of today's challenges and get ahead in a changing market.🔗 Check the link below to download Paul’s free ebook:Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial SuccessFor our list of other eBooks on building your QS Career and AI, click here - Free eBook Downloads.Send us a textWant to connect with Paul?Paul is on Linkedin here and would love to talk. You can also connect with Paul at [email protected] or through, C-Link. C-Link is software built by Quantity Surveyors for Quantity Surveyors. We save 600 hours of Quantity Surveying time per project in automation. We can make your QS’ so much more efficient. Watch the Video to learn more; you can book a demo by clicking here.

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