Over a building's life, operation costs many times more than construction. Yet FM is usually invited in after the design is fixed.
The cost of late engagement
Plant rooms without maintenance access, valves behind finished ceilings, missing isolation points and unclear asset naming all become permanent operating costs.
What FM input at Stage 2 changes
- Maintainability and access reviewed while changes are cheap
- Lifecycle cost used to compare design options
- Data requirements defined so the CAFM is populated at handover
- Procurement and recruitment planned backwards from opening day
From handover to soft landing
Readiness continues after practical completion. Witnessed commissioning, trained teams, complete O&M manuals and a structured first year keep early-life defects under control.
The takeaway
Engage FM at concept or Stage 2. The effort is small, and the savings last for the life of the asset.
