The South African construction industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with major disruptors like the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic altering the way projects are planned, specified, and executed. While Covid-19 now feels like a distant memory form many, its impact continues to shape the way our industry operates – particularly in terms of timelines, procurement, and product specifications.
Gone are the predictable seasonal cycles where activity would slow down early in the year and ramp up from July through December. Today, construction schedules are more erratic, and planning around “traditional” busy periods is no longer viable. This shift has made efficient project management and clear product specifications more critical than ever before.
One of the most significant changes we’ve seen post-pandemic is heightened price sensitivity. Clients are under immense pressure to stay within budget, and understandably, there’s a push to find cost-saving opportunities wherever possible. While budget consciousness is beneficial for a business’s bottom line, it must be balanced with quality assurance. This is where accurate and detailed product specifications become indispensable.
For architects, designers, and quantity surveyors (QS), having clear, detailed specifications ensures that products are evaluated on a like-for-like basis. With the market flooded with products that may appear similar at first glance, differentiating between them can be difficult without the necessary technical data. Take, for example, a laboratory countertop: Company A might offer a solution at R3 000/m² (excluding VAT), while Company B prices a seemingly similar product at R2 500/m². On price alone, Option B appears to be the better deal. However, without a detailed specification, it may not be evident that Option A includes superior chemical resistance and longer-term durability – crucial for high-use environments.
The old adage rings true: quality costs more. Investing in high-performance materials may involve a higher upfront cost, but the payoff in terms of longevity, reduced maintenance, and improved performance often justifies the price. The key is ensuring that everyone involved in the project, from specifiers to procurement teams, understands exactly what is being purchased.
Salvocorp understands these challenges well. As a leading supplier of interior and exterior finishing materials, its role extends beyond simply providing products. Salvocorp positions itself as a surface library, helping clients identify the right solution for each application. If a particular product is not suitable for a project’s requirements, the team is transparent about it.
The company’s national team of specialist specifiers is trained to assist with any specification need, while its dedicated technical department conducts ongoing research and training to maintain the highest standards. Salvocorp also offers CPD-accredited training sessions to keep industry professionals informed about the latest material trends and applications.
With a growing international presence, including operations in Dubai and the United Kingdom, Salvocorp is uniquely positioned to offer global brands, maintain reliable stock levels, and provide strong logistical support for project rollouts.
To find out more or to connect with a product specialist, visit www.salvocorp.co.za and explore the solutions available for your next project.
