“When planning any project, the most important thing is the construction programme. This programme has a completion date. That date never moves. We always meet those dates.”
— Kevin Stanley, Project Manager at Built
The Immoveable Deadline: Deadlines Don’t Move, Contractors Do
In commercial fit outs, the completion date is immovable. Yet unforeseen challenges inevitably arise: noise and dust restrictions, access blocked by building events, or environments that are off-limits during the working day. These constraints do not alter the programme. Instead, the fit out contractor must adapt - sequencing works with precision, coordinating trades, and, when required, pushing noisy or disruptive tasks into the night and over weekends to keep the project on track.
As Kevin recalled of Bonham Quay, Galway: “We couldn’t drill after nine in the morning. Most of the heavy works had to be done at night or at the weekend. The programme doesn’t move, so you plan, sequence and get it done.”
The Reality of Live Fit Outs: Leadership in the Shadows
“When you’re working at night or weekends, it’s not just about doing the work. It’s about prepping for when you’re finished. You don’t want to upset tenants or building management. You’ve got to keep it clean, keep it smart, and be as invisible as possible.” - Kevin Stanley
This is the reality of modern fit outs in live, urban environments. Success depends not only on technical delivery but on project managers with the experience and authority to make difficult calls. They must balance immovable client deadlines with the demands of building managers, tenants, and subcontractors - ensuring progress continues, even at anti-social hours.
Bonham Quay: No Drills After Nine: Galway by Night
At Bonham Quay, Built Interiors delivered a full CAT B fit out beneath three occupied floors. Strict noise restrictions meant no drilling after 9am, forcing critical works into evenings and weekends. With no lift access, every material was transported via stairwell or telehandler. Waste removal and deliveries were carefully sequenced on a cramped city-centre site. Through detailed coordination drawings, proactive communication, and meticulous planning, Built handed over a high-quality workplace on time and within budget.
