The MAI group MAI Construction MAI Housing Build · Let · Manage

Our services

Comprehensive solutions for every project.

Six services, one accountable team. Choose the help you need, or let us carry a project from land to lettings with MAI Housing.

Open-plan kitchen with wall-to-wall bi-fold doors at Lawn Drive
01 · Service

New homes, built properly.

We take sites from a fixed, detailed quotation through building regulations, procurement and the build itself — then hand you the keys on the date we agreed.

Our design and build service is for landowners, investors and families who want one accountable contractor rather than a chain of trades. We price the job in detail, manage building control, order the materials and run the labour, so there is one number to call and one programme to hold us to.

  • Detailed quotation. An itemised price built from drawings, not a guess per square foot.
  • Building regulations. We prepare and manage submissions and inspections with building control.
  • Materials & procurement. Long-lead items ordered early so the programme doesn't wait on a window.
  • Labour & site management. Our own site lead every day, with trusted subcontractors we've used for years.
  • Handover pack. Warranties, certificates, O&M manuals and a snagging visit after you move in.
Do you only build whole developments?

No. Alongside multi-unit schemes we take on single new-build homes, conversions and substantial extensions where the quality bar is the same.

Can you work with my architect?

Yes. Many clients come to us with planning already granted. We'll review the drawings, flag buildability issues early and price from them.

Architect's visual of the Moss Lane East terrace
02 · Service

Invest with the people who build it.

We help private investors find, appraise and deliver residential schemes in South Manchester — with the cost certainty that only comes from being the contractor too.

Many investors rely on someone else's estimate of construction cost and discover the gap halfway through the job. Because we price, build and manage our own schemes, our appraisals start from real numbers: what the ground works, the frame and the finishes actually cost on sites like yours.

  • Site sourcing. Off-market land, garage blocks, disused clubs and corner plots across South Manchester.
  • Development appraisal. GDV, build cost, fees, finance and profit on cost — modelled before you commit.
  • Joint ventures. Shared-risk structures where your capital and our delivery work together.
  • Refurbish to let. Buy, improve and let, with our management team ready from day one.
  • Exit planning. Sell on completion or hold and let — we model both before the first spade.
Is this financial advice?

No. We share construction and development expertise and model scenarios with you. You should take independent financial and legal advice before investing.

What size of investment do you work with?

Typically schemes of two to twelve homes. Get in touch with what you have in mind and we'll tell you honestly if it's a fit.

Dining and living space in a managed apartment
03 · Service

Your property, looked after.

A decade of managing homes for landlords and investors — tenants found, rent collected, repairs handled by builders, not call centres.

Our property management grew alongside our construction work, and it's the part of the business clients stay with longest. We find and vet tenants, collect rent, inspect regularly and fix things quickly — usually with our own trades, which means repairs are done to the standard we'd build to.

  • Tenant find & vetting. Referencing, right-to-rent checks and move-in inventories.
  • Rent collection. Monthly statements and arrears handled promptly and fairly.
  • Maintenance by builders. Repairs and refurbishments carried out by our own construction team.
  • Compliance calendar. Gas safety, electrical checks and deposit protection tracked and renewed.
  • Portfolio oversight. Quarterly reviews of rent, condition and where to invest next.
Do you manage properties you didn't build?

Yes. Most of the homes we manage were built by others. We start with a condition survey so we both know where the property stands.

What do you charge?

Fees depend on the level of service — from tenant find only to full management. We'll quote clearly with no hidden add-ons.

Loft structure under construction at Lancaster Road
04 · Service

Every detail, overseen.

For clients running their own projects, we provide the experienced hand that keeps programme, cost and quality where they should be.

Some clients already have a contractor or want to procure trades directly. We step in as project managers: setting the programme, chairing site meetings, checking work against drawings and specification, and keeping a running cost report so there are no surprises at the final account.

  • Programme & sequencing. A realistic build programme, tracked weekly against progress on site.
  • Cost control. Running cost reports, valuations and change control you can actually read.
  • Quality inspections. Regular checks against drawings, specification and building regulations.
  • Contractor coordination. One point of contact for architects, engineers, trades and building control.
  • Completion & handover. Snagging, certificates and documentation gathered before final payment.
Can you manage a project another builder is delivering?

Yes, as your client-side representative. We'll be clear about responsibilities from day one so nothing falls between us.

Do you work on commercial projects?

Yes — fit-outs and refurbishments as well as residential. Tell us about the project and we'll explain how we'd run it.

Kitchen in a Moss Lane East home
05 · Service

Built to last longer and cost less to run.

Sustainability for us starts with the building fabric — insulation, airtightness and good detailing — so homes stay warm, dry and affordable for decades.

We take a fabric-first approach: get the walls, roof, floor and windows right and the home needs less energy to heat for its entire life. That means careful insulation detailing, attention to airtightness and thermal bridging, and windows chosen for performance rather than price alone.

  • Fabric-first design. Insulation, airtightness and thermal-bridge detailing prioritised from the start.
  • Low-carbon heating. Heat-pump-ready layouts and efficient heating systems specified to suit.
  • Durable materials. Brick, slate, zinc and aluminium chosen to last, not to be replaced.
  • Brownfield first. We build on overlooked land — disused clubs and corner plots — not green fields.
  • Future-ready. Provision for solar PV, battery storage and EV charging where it suits.
Does sustainable cost more?

Some measures add cost up front; most pay back through lower bills and less maintenance. We'll show you the trade-offs in plain numbers.

Can you improve an existing building?

Yes. Retrofit insulation, new windows and heating upgrades are often part of our refurbishment work.

New slate roof valley detail at Lancaster Road
06 · Service

More home, under the same roof.

From full roof replacements with new steel frames to zinc-clad dormers, we create space that feels original to the house.

Our loft and extension work uses the same team and standards as our new builds. At Lancaster Road we replaced an entire roof with a new steel frame, slate to the front and a zinc standing-seam dormer to the rear — creating two homes, each with its own master suite.

  • Structural steelwork. New steel frames and beams designed with your engineer and installed by our team.
  • Dormers & cladding. Zinc standing seam, slate and tile — detailed to keep weather out for decades.
  • Party wall & regulations. Notices, surveys and building control managed on your behalf.
  • En suites & finishes. Bathrooms, joinery and lighting finished to new-build standards.
  • Living-in plans. Phasing and protection so family life carries on during the work.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Many lofts fall under permitted development, but not all — and flats never do. We'll check your property before you spend on drawings.

How long does a loft conversion take?

Typically eight to twelve weeks on site for a standard dormer, longer where the whole roof structure is replaced.

Concept design · not the official website