Building with Certainty: A Conversation on Project Finances & Protection with Kenelm

We sat down with Kenelm Cornwall-Legh, owner of RUN Projects, to talk frankly about the financial side of building. From risk management to client confidence, Kenelm shares what protection really means in the construction world — and how sustainability is reshaping the way we think about cost.

Q: When it comes to building projects, what do clients worry about most?

A:Uncertainty. Whether it’s budget creep, hidden costs, or unexpected delays — most people worry that a project could spin out of control. And honestly, they’re right to ask those questions. Building is a significant investment. But good planning and transparent processes make a world of difference. Our role at RUN is to reduce stress by putting those systems in place before the first brick is laid.

Q: How do you approach protecting clients financially?

A:We start with clarity. Every project has a defined budget, scope, and schedule. We also build in buffers — not because we expect things to go wrong, but because smart protection plans for the “what ifs.” We use professional contracts, phased payments, and careful contractor vetting to protect all parties. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

Q: What do you wish more clients understood about cost?

A:That cost and value are not the same thing. A cheap quote at the start doesn’t mean savings at the end — and often leads to cut corners, disputes, or long-term maintenance issues. Value is about choosing quality people, materials, and a plan that respects your time and money.

Q: How do you keep a project on budget once it's underway?

A:We track costs in real time. That means every decision, from materials to contractor extras, is documented and reviewed against the original scope. Clients don’t get a vague update once a month; they get clear reports and regular check-ins. If something shifts, we talk about it early. Surprises don’t belong in construction.

Q: What makes a building project financially risky in the first place?

A:Lack of clarity. When roles are vague, timelines slip, and no one is quite sure who’s responsible for what, things unravel fast. You end up firefighting, and that’s expensive. We approach each project with structure: a clear roadmap, a lead consultant, and a team that knows how to collaborate. Risk shrinks when everyone knows the plan.

Q: How can clients protect themselves from costly mistakes?

A:Ask questions early. Don’t be afraid to interrogate the detail, the contract, the payment structure, the design decisions. Good consultants welcome that. Also, choose partners who bring in the right specialists at the right time. That might mean involving a quantity surveyor early on, or a structural engineer before finalising plans. It might feel slower at first, but it saves thousands later.

Q: Let’s talk sustainability. How does that link to financial protection?

A:In every way. Sustainable building isn’t just about materials — it’s about longevity. If you’re building something that will need major rework in five years, that’s not sustainable financially or environmentally. More and more, clients are asking how their build impacts the future, and we encourage those conversations from the start.

Q: Final advice to someone planning a build this year?

A:Find someone who treats your money like it’s their own. Ask about contracts. Ask how costs are tracked. And work with a team that’s not afraid to talk openly about problems — that’s how you avoid them.

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