MANN
Building Advisory
Independent guidance for residential renovation and building projects on the Isle of Man.
Most residential building problems begin long before construction starts.
Mann Building Advisory helps homeowners properly define their project before plans are drawn and provides independent oversight once construction is underway.
Led by Jonathan Kneen — qualified joiner and residential project manager with over 30 years' experience across construction, interior architecture and spatial design.
As an independent advisor, we remain separate from the construction works, ensuring our guidance is impartial and aligned solely with our client's interests.
Arrange a Discovery CallThe Role We Play
Residential building projects involve significant financial commitment and a series of important decisions.
We support homeowners throughout the process — helping define scope, coordinate design professionals, assess contractors and maintain oversight during construction.
Our involvement brings experience, structure and independent perspective from early planning through to completion.
Why Early Decisions Matter
Projects run more smoothly when layout, scope and level of finish are clearly defined before plans are drawn.
When decisions are made early:
- Architects work from a clear brief
- Quotations are more accurate and contain fewer provisional sums
- Variations during construction are reduced
- On-site decisions are minimised
- Construction programmes are less disrupted
We assist homeowners in establishing this clarity at the outset, helping ensure projects are properly structured before formal design and construction begin.
Early Project Visualisation
Before formal drawings are produced, we often help homeowners explore layout options and visualise how a finished space may look.
This allows clients to clearly understand the outcome before committing to construction and helps ensure architects and contractors work from a well-defined brief.
How We Work
Every project is different, but our involvement typically follows a clear and structured process.
Discovery Conversation
We begin with an initial discussion to understand your property, your objectives and the stage your project is currently at.
Project Definition
Where appropriate, we help establish clarity around layout, scope and level of finish before formal drawings are produced.
This stage may include reviewing renovation potential, exploring layout options and helping define the intended outcome.
Design & Planning Coordination
We assist in coordinating architects, structural engineers and other design professionals to ensure the project brief is properly translated into technical drawings.
Contractor Selection
We support the preparation of tender documentation, contractor comparison and clarification of scope prior to appointing a builder.
Construction Oversight
During construction we can provide independent inspections and payment certification to help ensure work progresses in accordance with agreed standards.
Discovery Conversation
We begin with an initial discussion to understand your property, your objectives and the stage your project is currently at.
Project Definition
Where appropriate, we help establish clarity around layout, scope and level of finish before formal drawings are produced.
This stage may include reviewing renovation potential, exploring layout options and helping define the intended outcome.
Design & Planning Coordination
We assist in coordinating architects, structural engineers and other design professionals to ensure the project brief is properly translated into technical drawings.
Contractor Selection
We support the preparation of tender documentation, contractor comparison and clarification of scope prior to appointing a builder.
Construction Oversight
During construction we can provide independent inspections and payment certification to help ensure work progresses in accordance with agreed standards.
Services
Our involvement can range from early project planning through to independent oversight during construction.
Services may include:
- Pre-purchase and renovation feasibility advice
- Layout development and early-stage visual concepts
- Coordination of architects and structural engineers
- Preparation for tender and contractor evaluation
- Independent site inspections during construction
- Interim payment certification in conjunction with third-party escrow arrangements
We tailor our level of involvement depending on the scale and requirements of each project.
Escrow & Payment Certification
Where appropriate, we provide independent interim payment certification alongside a third-party escrow structure.
This ensures stage payments are released only once agreed standards are met, protecting clients while giving contractors confidence that funds are assigned.
We inspect and certify progress before payments are authorised.
Funds are held independently by an approved escrow provider.
We do not hold client funds directly.
Typical Projects
- Full home renovations
- Extensions and additions
- Internal reconfiguration and open-plan living
- Structural alterations
- Remedial and corrective works
- Multi-trade residential projects
About
Mann Building Advisory is led by Jonathan Kneen, a qualified joiner and residential project manager with over 30 years of experience in construction.
Across three decades working in bespoke joinery, renovation and residential project leadership, Jonathan has developed a deep understanding of how projects are properly defined, coordinated and delivered.
His experience includes designing and specifying complete interior spaces, establishing structural requirements and defining full scope prior to construction. He has led renovation projects, coordinated architects and engineers, and previously lectured in Joinery and Construction.
This combination of practical construction knowledge and spatial design understanding allows Mann Building Advisory to provide advice that is grounded, measured and aligned with real-world buildability.
Discovery Consultation
Every project begins with an initial discovery call.
This allows us to understand your property, your objectives and the level of involvement you may require.
Following this conversation we outline how we can support your project and agree a clear scope of services before any work begins.
Fees
Fees are discussed following the discovery consultation and structured transparently based on the agreed scope of involvement.
Contact
If you are planning a renovation, extension or new build project on the Isle of Man, we would be pleased to arrange an initial conversation.
Telephone
+44 (0) 1624 401557Address
Mann Building Advisory
Ballaquane Park
Peel, Isle of Man
IM5 1PT