The CM3 Construction Model
Building your own home or carrying out a major refurbishment is not a typical construction project. It is personal, high risk, and for most people, unfamiliar. CM3 Consultancy works with private clients and self builders who want clarity around cost, procurement and delivery before problems arise. Some clients need early cost advice. Others want ongoing support through design and construction. Our role is to reduce uncertainty, protect budgets and help projects run properly.
The Project Management role often gets omitted on private projects, due to the belief that it’s another cost that is not needed.
The CM3 Construction Model addresses this, providing Building work at Cost with the addition of Project Management.
Often, through procurement alone, savings can easily cover the project management fee. With the added benefit of delivering schemes on time and within or even below budget we would suggest Cost Planning and Project Management is THE ingredient to success.
We provide Building Work that is commercially planned and professionally managed
On private residential projects, cost planning and project management are often seen as optional. Many clients assume that an architect or a contractor will manage costs as part of their role.
In practice, this is where problems begin. Design develops without clear cost control. Budgets are based on estimates rather than structured cost plans. Procurement decisions are made without understanding the commercial risk. Costs increase gradually and by the time this becomes obvious, the opportunity to correct it has passed.
The CM3 Construction Model
The CM3 Construction Model is attractive to our Private Clients in today’s climate of uncertainty and High Build Costs.
With a Typical Builder agreement, you pay for every Trade plus the Builders Mark up for each one.
When you appoint CM3 to complete your works the agreement is Open Book and completely transparent.
You pay the trades what they charge at Cost and pay CM3 a fixed Fee to manage the Project.
The CM3 Fee is capped, and we are on your side in every negotiation and appointment of the trades and suppliers.
If you wish to explore our Construction Model further, please get in touch.
What is a Starting Line Cost Plan?
A starting Line Cost Plan is an early-stage estimate of how much your project will cost . This is carried out at the conceptual stage of the Project , and is a Financial Outline , helping the Client understand affordability and how funds are allocated . It’s the commercial foundation to a successful project , being completed within Budget .
A Cost Plan keeps the project realistic, controlled, and on track from Day one .
What is a Developed Cost Plan
Procurement Routes
Project Manager & Main Contractor
Open Book Construction and Principal Contractor
Not Sure What Level of Support You Need Speak to CM3
Many private clients contact us because something does not feel right, not because they know exactly what service they require.
To address this, CM3 offers a Self‑Build and Private Client Masterclass.
This is a one hour, one to one online session, priced at £100, designed specifically for self‑builders and private clients. It is a structured conversation that covers common mistakes, procurement choices, cost planning basics and risk areas on private projects.
The Masterclass is an opportunity to speak directly with an experienced consultant, ask questions, and gain clarity before committing to professional services or construction decisions.
For some clients, this session is enough. For others, it becomes the starting point for ongoing support.
If you are planning a self‑build home or major refurbishment and want professional construction or project management support, get in touch.
Phone Number
+44 7950028006
Our Email
adriangibbs@cm3ltd.co.uk
Our Location
Chelmsford CM3
Our Services
CM3 Consultancy