Is it a plane, is it a bird? No, it's Mothman!

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026.

duncancartlidgeonline : Insights for construction professionals.

If you work in the construction industry, then the duncancartlidgeonline podcast is an essential source of information. Established in 2020, duncancartlidgeonline, has over 9 hours of video presentations on quantity surveying (taking off quantities/quantity takeoffs), construction management, estimating, project management and cost advice and all for £7 a month which includes online support.

Over the last two seasons of podcasts duncancartlidgeonline have kept construction professionals, including quantity surveyors, construction managers and project managers up to date with the latest developments in the construction industry and the professions. Topics have included extensions of time, latent and patent defects, construction claims, planning approval delays, skills shortages and much more. The third season continues with more construction insights on current issues. Podcasts are recorded in the company of my red labrador Barney, who keeps his eye on proceedings as well as offering some timely advice.

And then of course there is my favourite superhero Mothman, intrigued? You'll have to download to learn more.

Duncan Cartlidge is a quantity surveyor and a fellow of the RICS with over 50 years' experience in UK and European construction project delivery. In addition, he is the author of several best-selling books including, the Quantity Surveyor's and the Construction Project Manager's pocketbooks and New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice now in its fifth edition.

In this episode; the RICS is changing the rules for candidates taking their APC. From January 2026 there will be a limit of four attempts. This is to try to ensure that candidates are full prepared for their ordeal rather than just racking up and hoping for the best. The latest podcast tells the story from the 1970s when the exams were set and moderated by the RICS complete with trick questions to trap unsuspecting candidates. No wonder the annual pass rate was around 30 - 40%.

Now moving onto AI. There have been concerns all year that the AI bubble is about to burst. These concerns became even louder in December with warnings of a global melt down on financial markets if it were to happen. So far the massive investment in AI has failed to deliver a profit. In construction many claims have been made for the benefits that AI can bring with top consultants investing heavily. The situation is reminiscent of e commerce mania at the turn of the millennium. The bottom line is; can AI deliver measurable gains in time, cost and quality? Answers on a small post card please to........

Finally, what 2026 may hold for the construction industry? Reading the endless articles in the construction press on the prospects for 2026 it becomes apparent that opinions are mixed. If there is a consensus it is that things have been so bad lately, that on a range of possibilities things can only get better.

I hope that you enjoyed this episode of the duncancartlidgeonline podcast.  Barney and I would really appreciate it if you could find the time to write a review and spread the word. Until next time - take care.

www.duncancartlidgeonline.com

Insights for construction professionals