Contractual
Advice.

The selection of the optimum contractual agreement is essential to establishing strong foundations for a successful project.

Our approach is to ensure that we advise you of the right contract to use to reflect the size and nature of the project, whether that be for the appointment of consultants or for the builder and specialist contractors. We lead and manage this whole process, ensuring that the relevant documentation is compiled and that the contract is executed correctly, balancing risk and opportunity along the way.

If properly executed, the use of the correct contract often means that once the agreement is made, the contract itself never needs to be referred to again. The parties amicably develop their relationship and the project is delivered in a pro-active fashion, albeit with the safety net of the knowledge that a correctly executed and the most appropriate contractual agreement is there to fall back upon should the need arise.

When disagreements happen, we are here to advise you on the contractual implications and options to reach an amicable and beneficial solution. Bringing in or working with your existing legal team where necessary, our goal is to ensure that you get the best possible outcome to any dispute.

Additional Services

Additional Services

Along with assisting clients to defend or prepare construction claims, acting upon the instructions of solicitors, we often undertake the role of Expert Witness on matters of quantum and the financial aspects of construction disputes.

This sometime involves court appearances, following an independent review of the facts of the dispute and the compilation of an expert report on our opinion.

In 2018 our Managing Director, John Johnson was the quantum Expert Witness for the defense in the case of Williams Tarr Construction Ltd v Anthony Roylance Ltd; as dispute which was later recognised as one of the most significant construction cases of that year.

We also regularly work with contractors and sub-contractors, assisting them with claims for entitlement of additional time and money on construction projects.

Working with our partners at C-Sense Planning Ltd, we undertake expert programming and forensic delay analysis reviews of construction projects. This collaboration enables us to provide a single-source service linking the key elements of time and money within construction claims and disputes.

As the ‘go-to’ firm of Quantity Surveyors for one of Newcastle’s leading solicitors we are often called upon to work for their clients, which include corporations, contractors and well-known UK insurance companies.

Getting us involved as early as possible when disputes arise ensures that we fully understand the facts and are ideally positioned to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Acting as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the provider of development funding, we monitor all aspects of commercial and residential development projects to ensure they are set up correctly, with appropriate budgets, and are delivered in line with planning, building control, the project specification and quality requirements.

This policing of the project provides the funder with the comfort that risks are minimised and that their lending commitment is in safe hands.

Case Studies

Whether you are undertaking a residential or commercial construction project, Ashdan has successfully managed the procurement and delivery of a multitude of projects for clients in all sectors. Take a closer took at some of our case studies.

Our Clients

We employed Ashdan Consulting as Project Manager, QS and Employers' Agent on our first major construction project.

John’s approach was extremely professional, and the level of service was truly above and beyond our expectations.

He looked after us incredibly well from pre-tender stage all the way to completion. I can honestly say, as I contemplate our next project, that Ashdan Consulting will be our first port of call.

The level of knowledge and experience that John and his team bring is invaluable.

Paul Gordon / Owner The Fish Tank

I couldn't be happier with the level of service provided by John and the team at Ashdan Consulting. Their extensive expertise and detailed construction knowledge was invaluable when helping me handle a dispute with my design and build contractor.

We couldn't have gotten through those stressful months without John's help and often moral support. My word of advice and guidance would be for anyone looking to embark on a build, get Ashdan Consulting to review your contract for works BEFORE the build commences, they will save you a fortune in the long run. First class service and can highly recommend. 

Private Client / Northumberland

We engaged Ashdan Consulting to advise us on a contractual issue on one of our projects and found this to be invaluable support. 

Their advice was clear, prompt and professional, and it provided us with an excellent basis on which to progress our claim for entitlement under the contract. 

They would certainly be my first choice to work with again, and I would thoroughly recommend them to anyone needing contractual advice or claims services.

Phil McGuire / Regional Director Vaughan Engineering Services Ltd.

Our first project with Ashdan Consulting at Catherine House was via a personal recommendation, which has proved to be absolutely correct.

Their attention to detail and the service they have provided us on what is a very tricky project has been fantastic, and I will certainly be working with them again on our next development.

Tom Heaney / Property Investor & Developer

We have used the services of Ashdan Consulting several times over the past two years, ranging from a bit of guidance over the phone to more in depth and complex issues we have faced in relation to contractual disputes.

Every time the service and advice we have received has been fantastic. This has resulted in saving us time and money, and more importantly has reduced stress!
I have no hesitation in recommending John and the team for any of the services they offer.

Joe Dixon / Managing Director JD Homes (NE) Ltd

I have known and worked with Ashdan Consulting for several years.

They have a proven track record in the construction industry, providing an excellent Commercial and Project Management service.

I continue to work with Ashdan to the present day and value their contribution to my business immensely.

Eddie Tribe / Managing Director Amsted Developments Ltd.

We approached Ashdan Consulting to support us in the Quantity Surveying role required to complete the Milburngate project in Durham. They were required to liaise between the Client, our Project Manager and the legal teams to develop the contractual requirements for the project going forward, as well as managing the cost negotiations for the ongoing works. The expertise provided by Ashdan enabled us to confidently undertake the works required by the Client to progress their development through a very difficult situation. They kept us fully informed at all times and coordinated all commercial communications with the Client. With Ashdan’s support we were able to fully recover the costs we incurred in completing the works.


At all times Ashdan acted professionally in the way they conducted their business and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Kevin Robson / Commercial Director, Thompsons of Prudhoe Ltd

Your report was excellent, thorough and clear, and it really helped us navigate the quantum matters, so thank you very much.

 Our client was also very impressed with you and your work, which was great to hear

Anne-marie Knight / Partner Weightmans LLP

“I have recently been working with Ashdan Consulting Ltd on a complex construction claim where the company provided Expert Witness & Quantity Surveying Services. I was dealing with John Johnson the Managing Director who from the minute I spoke to him I knew he had a vast range of experience.

 Having worked in the Construction Industry for over 30 years on several large projects John spoke the same language as myself and we both had exactly the same viewpoint on the various elements we were discussing which was very refreshing. I found John very diligent, knowledgeable and lived and breathed the claim that we were dealing with. John was supported by his team who worked diligently in the background to pull all the pieces of the required documentation together which was not an easy process. All of this was carried out under a very tight timeline, they reacted quickly when we asked him to look at alternative connotations.

I would not hesitate in recommending John in this role on similar projects and I hope one day I will work with him again”.

Jeremy Brett / Pre-Construction & Planning Director Tamdown Group Ltd

Latest Blogs

Get our latest comments on construction matters here so you can keep up to date.

View all posts
Constructing Confidence: Maximising Project Success Through the Right Choice of Construction Contracts

Embarking on a construction project is a multifaceted endeavour, and selecting the right construction contract [...]

Read more
Mastering the Blueprint: The Crucial Role of Quantity Surveyors in Construction Success

In the intricate world of construction projects, precision is paramount, and costs can quickly spiral [...]

Read more

Latest Blogs

Get our latest comments on construction matters here so you can keep up to date.

View all posts
Constructing Confidence: Maximising Project Success Through the Right Choice of Construction Contracts

Embarking on a construction project is a multifaceted endeavour, and selecting the right construction contract [...]

Read more
Mastering the Blueprint: The Crucial Role of Quantity Surveyors in Construction Success

In the intricate world of construction projects, precision is paramount, and costs can quickly spiral [...]

Read more