BUILDING SAFETY Early conversations v costly corrections D


Lynne Clapham- Carter, specification manager for Geberit, considers the benefits of a proactive approach to ensure that performance, compliance and cost considerations are integrated from the start of an installation process, and not as an afterthought


esigners are often forced to revise plans or re- specify products late in the process because key compliance requirements weren’t addressed


early enough. Whether it’s meeting BREEAM targets, proving fire safety compliance, or aligning with installation standards, early collaboration with manufacturers can de-risk decision- making and prevent rework. Late-stage changes are more than an inconvenience in modern construction projects, they are a significant commercial and reputational risk. It’s not unusual for design revisions, product substitutions or re-specification to be needed once a project is well under way – often simply because key compliance or performance requirements weren’t fully considered early in the design process. It’s an avoidable error, but one that can drive up cost, increase pressure for contractors and raise uncertainty across project teams. It’s easy to see why early collaboration is becoming less of a ‘nice to have’ and more of a necessity. Too often, products are selected before the full context of the building, its regulatory requirements and its long-term use are fully understood. That’s when problems emerge further down the line, when designs have to be revisited or products replaced to meet requirements that could have been addressed much earlier.


Instead, engaging with manufacturers at the outset of a project will ensure de-risk decision making. With earlier consideration and a collaborative approach up front, many of the industry’s most persistent challenges can be avoided.


The true cost of late changes


The issue becomes even more prevalent when you consider that late-stage corrections rarely affect a single element in isolation. A change to meet fire performance requirements, for example, may have knock-on effects for system compatibility, acoustic performance or installation methods. Likewise, swapping out one product for a cheaper alternative to reduce the capital investment can introduce new risks around compliance, warranties or whole-life performance.


Beyond the economic impact, these changes can also undermine confidence across the project team. Contractors are left managing uncertainty on site, clients face difficult conversations around cost and programme, and designers must justify decisions made under pressure. Everything leads to delays. In addition, it’s worth noting that once a


project reaches a certain point, flexibility reduces dramatically. If evidence of compliance isn’t already in place, teams are forced into reactive decision-making. That’s


when compromises happen – and those compromises can be costly.


A changing landscape


One of the biggest drivers behind this shift is an evolving regulatory landscape. Fire safety, water efficiency, acoustics, accessibility, sustainability and more are all factors that must be designed from the beginning, not signed off at the end of a project. Clear evidence must be shown to demonstrate how requirements are being met, and why chosen products and systems are fit for purpose.


For specifiers, this means thinking beyond individual products and considering how systems perform as a whole. In building services, performance is rarely defined by a single component and early engagement with manufacturers like Geberit can help design teams understand how products perform within a complete system, how they should be installed, and what evidence exists to support compliance.


Crucially, this can highlight any potential issues around system compatibility, installation tolerances or meeting specific standards, before they risk becoming a problem.


Supporting informed specification


Manufacturers also play a critical role in providing the data and technical support that’s require din modern specification. Detailed system documentation, third-party certification, test results and digital tools such as BIM objects are essential to enable more informed decisions at the design stage.


Specification today is about evidence. Designers need confidence that a product will perform as required, not just on paper,


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but over the full lifecycle of the building. Early access to robust technical information from manufacturers makes that possible – but again, there must be a willingness to engage early. With a proactive approach, project teams can foster better communication from start to finish.


Whole-life thinking from the outset


Another advantage of early collaboration is the ability to consider whole-life value, rather than focusing solely on initial cost. Decisions made in isolation at the value engineering stage can appear cost-effective, but may introduce higher maintenance requirements, reduced durability or future compliance risks.


In contrast, early collaboration allows teams to balance capital cost with long-term performance, maintenance and support. Manufacturers can provide insight into product longevity, availability of spares and technical support, supporting specifiers in making decisions that stand up over time. What’s important here is that whole-life


performance shouldn’t be an afterthought. When it’s considered early, it leads to better outcomes for everyone involved – from designers and contractors, to building owners and end users.”


A more collaborative future


As scrutiny across the construction industry continues to intensify, the margin for error is shrinking. Early conversations between designers and manufacturers are one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, improve compliance and avoid costly corrections later in the process. It’s time to take advantage.


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2026 21


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