Clients sometimes tell us: “The price was competitive, but the other company had been onsite previously”… Or: “We might stick with them on this job because they did the earlier phases.”

Ground & Water loses around 10% of its tenders because the client believes that sticking with their original consultants is the best way to solve their issue.

On the other hand, we often find clients come to us with sites that have had phase upon phase of investigation, with no conclusions. The client finds this frustrating, as do we. Our message here is a fresh set of eyes can spark innovation and creativity, by challenging existing assumptions and thought patterns, offering new perspectives and approaches.

Fresh approaches

Here are two real-world case studies that support seeking a second opinion:

In this example Ground & Water saved the client time and money on their foundations by providing a fresh insight into the geology of the site. A shallower horizon was reclassified allowing foundation depths and widths to be reduced for most of the dwellings on the development.

Flawed Report Investigated Expensive Issue Averted

Next is a contamination-based example where fresh samples, statistical analysis and a more pragmatic approach led to a revised risk assessment and reduced remediation bill for a housing developer in the Southeast.

Second Opinion Delivers Significant Cost Savings

There is a slight irony to this blog!

Ground & Water relies on adding value through repeat custom. Clients come back to us time and time again. So how do we avoid the pitfalls highlighted above and why do they return?

The key is not to remain stagnant. Through continual professional development of our team, they are receptive to new ideas. Ground & Water is not afraid to challenge the assumptions and conclusions of the original phase of works… This applies whether we wrote the report or not.

We try to give you the best answer we can, based on the information we have. More information may allow us to be more flexible with our answer or even change it.

Here are two examples of the Ground & Water approach in action:

A ground-gas risk assessment where CS2 protection was initially suggested. A more detailed site investigation and analysis, allowed us to challenge our original assumption and produce a better results for the client.

Forensic investigation obviates gas measures

The second is an example where we challenge our own initial interpretation of the soakage results of the site. Discussions with regulators adapted the approach to testing which allowed for a more accurate and more cost-effective design.

If at first you don’t succeed

While the examples above are clear evidence that fresh approaches and second opinions work, it still takes a leap of faith to move from one consultant to another. Trust has to be won through good conversations/meetings, providing useful information, but we also understand there must be a financial benefit.

The Ground & Water Trust Builder Scheme

The Ground & Water Trust Builder Scheme provides you with the financial benefit. We will give you a 10% discount on the first project you commission, followed by 5% on the second. Hopefully by the second you would have seen the value we provide and won’t need a third discount. To reward loyalty, we also have our Customer Recognition Scheme.

Who We Are

Everything we have outlined above in terms of open mindedness, having the ability to look at sites with a new perspective and embracing new approaches is down to who we are. You can read about this in more detail HERE