Turnkey & Trimmings

In this Episode the hosts discuss the full lifecycle of buying and renovating a villa in Dubai, focusing first on realistic budgeting. They highlight that buyers must account for purchase-related fees (mortgage, valuation, Dubai Land fees) plus renovation costs, recommending a one-page budget matrix and a 15% contingency on build costs; authority/developer extension fees and volatile procurement/shipping costs can further increase budgets unexpectedly.The conversation then covers design and delivery

In this Episode, the discussion focused on the integration of technology in the construction, fit-out, and renovation industry, featuring Matt from PropDoc. Matt shared his background transitioning from architecture to chartered surveying and eventually founding PropDoc, a company specializing in property documentation through advanced technologies like LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry. He emphasized the industry's traditionally slow adoption of digital tools, attributing much of the resistance to

In this episode of Turnkey and Trimmings, Barry Lee Cummings hosts a discussion with David, the CEO, and Naseer, the Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on the evolution and future of the construction and fit-out industries. They reflect on their diverse experiences across different countries and timelines, touching on traditional construction methods, the adoption of new technologies like prefab housing and 3D printing, and the challenges associated with implementing advanced automation on

In this third episode of Turnkey in Trimmings, the hosts discussed the foundational reasons behind the creation of Contractors Direct, focusing on the challenges and issues prevalent in the contracting market, both globally and within the UAE. They highlighted common problems such as unrealistic client expectations regarding timelines and budgets, and the negative impact of unscrupulous contractor practices. The episode emphasized the importance of educating clients on project costs and realistic

In this special episode of "Turnkey and Trimmings," host Barry welcomes workplace strategist and psychologist Oliver Baxter to discuss the evolving landscape of workplace strategy in the Middle East. Oliver shares his extensive experience in the region and highlights the importance of understanding employee needs through research and behavioural science. The conversation delves into the challenges of implementing effective workplace strategies, the significance of functionality over aesthetics, and

David Cook and Halen Rodda, CEO of Contractors Direct and Head of Project People, come together to share the story behind their partnership and how both businesses have evolved over the years. From their first meeting to aligning on a shared vision, they reflect on how collaboration and mutual respect helped shape their journey.In this episode, they explore challenges within their industries — from managing complex renovation and fit-out projects to sourcing and placing top-tier talent in a

David Cook and Barry Lee Cummings, two of the co-founders of Contractors Direct, share their journey and the evolution of the business since its inception. They discuss the challenges faced during the launch in January 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to adapt the business model and operations. Despite the difficult market conditions, they utilized the time to refine the platform and improve their understanding of customer needs, ultimately leading to