8 IT Infrastructure Challenges In Commercial Construction

Technology now plays a central role in how commercial buildings function – from fast internet and secure access systems to smart lighting, heating, and energy management. With so much relying on digital infrastructure, getting the IT foundations right has never been more important.

But despite this, many commercial developments still run into IT infrastructure issues that delay projects, push up costs, and cause long-term headaches for building performance.

If you’re involved in property development, construction, M&E design, or architecture, it’s essential to understand these common IT infrastructure challenges. Addressing them early can help avoid costly rework and ensure your building is ready for the demands of modern tenants and future technology.

In this article, we break down the most common challenges of IT infrastructure and how strategic planning at the right stage can make all the difference.

Table of contents:

Why IT infrastructure deserves a front seat

IT infrastructure is far more than just cables and connections. It forms the foundation that enables commercial buildings to function efficiently and adapt to future demands, playing a vital role in their long-term value.

Yet despite its critical role, technology is often overlooked until the final stages of a project – or even after completion. This delay increases the risk of costly setbacks and reputational damage. Prioritising IT infrastructure design from the outset ensures smoother project delivery, minimises risks, and creates flexible, future-ready spaces.

8 IT infrastructure problems you can’t afford to ignore

1. Late-stage IT planning and integration

One of the most common and costly challenges of IT infrastructure is leaving planning until the final stages of construction. Treating IT as an afterthought can lead to significant project setbacks.

Setbacks include:

Reopening walls and ceilings to add cabling or hardware
Increasing labour and material costs
Delaying project handover and occupancy
Reducing flexibility for future technology upgrades

To avoid these IT infrastructure problems, planning must start from day one. Early integration ensures digital systems align with the building design, reducing rework and future-proofing the space.#

2. Managing complex cabling and connectivity requirements

Commercial developments need extensive network cabling to support high-speed internet, VoIP systems, CCTV, access control, and more. Early-stage planning is essential to manage this level of complexity and get the installation right the first time.

Key challenges include:

Planning sufficient cabling pathways without disrupting other building services
Selecting future-proof cable types and capacities
Coordinating cable routes with electrical and mechanical systems
Avoiding congestion in network cabinets and equipment rooms

Without strategic planning, IT infrastructure issues can lead to installation delays, reduced system performance, and costly, complex upgrades later on.

3. Balancing scalability and future-proofing

Technology evolves quickly, and commercial buildings must be prepared for the next generation of IT systems. One of the biggest challenges of IT infrastructure is designing it so that it can scale effectively.

Scalability requirements:

Supporting a growing number of devices and users
Accommodating emerging technologies like 5G and AI
Enabling easy network upgrades without costly retrofits or downtime
Allowing rapid deployment of new applications or services

Failing to future-proof technology can leave a building at risk of becoming outdated, diminishing its market appeal and value.

4. Integrating smart building technologies

Smart buildings rely on tightly integrated IT systems to enable automation, energy management, and improved occupant experience. Achieving this level of integration presents technical and coordination challenges that must be addressed early in the design phase.

Key challenges:

Coordinating Building Management Systems (BMS), IoT sensors, and security platforms
Providing reliable and high-speed connectivity throughout the building
Achieving interoperability between diverse hardware and software vendors
Delivering real-time monitoring and remote management capabilities

Successful integration demands an early, detailed IT design embedded into the wider construction plan. This proactive approach prevents costly retrofits, avoids system incompatibilities, and ensures all technologies work seamlessly together.

5. Ensuring cyber security and compliance

Cyber security is a critical component of IT infrastructure, yet it’s often overlooked in commercial builds. As buildings become more connected, they face greater exposure to cyber threats. These threats put sensitive data and essential systems at risk.

Key considerations:

Building security measures into the systems from day one
Implementing essential protections such as network segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection, and access controls
Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR
Conducting ongoing risk assessments and regular updates to maintain strong security

Failing to address cyber security early can lead to costly breaches, reputational damage, and downtime. Early planning safeguards tenant data, ensures legal compliance, and strengthens long-term operational resilience.

6. Aligning IT infrastructure with sustainability goals

Sustainability is a key priority for modern commercial developments. Smart IT infrastructure supports these ambitions by improving energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enabling data-driven optimisation from the outset.

This is achieved by:

Using smart lighting and HVAC controls that adjust based on occupancy
Providing real-time energy monitoring and analytics dashboards
Automating systems that minimise waste and optimise performance
Specifying energy-efficient IT hardware, such as network devices and servers

Planning technology with sustainability in mind from the outset helps reduce operational costs and ensures compliance with environmental standards. It also supports green certifications that appeal to eco-conscious tenants, boosting the long-term value of the property.

7. Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams

Delivering robust IT infrastructure in commercial developments requires close collaboration between multiple disciplines. Without early and consistent coordination, projects are vulnerable to technical misalignment, delays, and costly rework.

Common challenges include:

Conflicting timelines and poorly aligned deliverables
Communication gaps that lead to design and installation errors
Disconnected project management slowing progress
Poor system integration causing operational inefficiencies

Early involvement of IT specialists helps define digital requirements from the outset and ensures seamless system integration. A unified technical strategy keeps all teams aligned, reduces risk, and keeps the project on schedule and within budget.

8. Managing budget constraints and cost control

Balancing a robust IT infrastructure with tight budgets is a common challenge in commercial construction. While cutting corners on IT seems like a quick fix, it can quickly backfire and lead to significant setbacks.

The risks include:

Compromising system performance and reliability
Increasing costs from reactive fixes and retrofits
Lowering tenant satisfaction and retention
Reducing property value due to insufficient infrastructure

Bringing in an IT consultancy from the start helps you to avoid these pitfalls and keep the project on track. A clear IT infrastructure plan prioritises investments, ensuring every spend delivers maximum value and supports long-term savings.

Overcoming IT infrastructure challenges in commercial construction

Start IT planning at the earliest stage

Engaging IT consultants during the initial design phase ensures digital systems are seamlessly integrated alongside structural and M&E works. This early involvement helps prevent costly rework and keeps the project on schedule. With extensive experience in commercial development, ITVET works closely with construction teams to deliver solutions that meet your project goals. Our approach delivers high-performing, resilient, and future-proof technology that enhances property value and boosts market appeal.

Develop a detailed IT infrastructure plan

A clear, forward-thinking blueprint is essential to ensure your IT infrastructure supports long-term operational efficiency and future growth. From structured cabling and network design to cyber security, smart technologies, and scalability, every element must be seamlessly integrated. ITVET has extensive experience in creating comprehensive, value-driven plans that guide procurement, streamline installation, and support ongoing management. These strategically crafted plans minimise risk, control costs, and deliver maximum return on investment.

Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration

Effective coordination between construction firms, M&E consultants, architects, and IT specialists is critical to the success of any commercial build. As your technology partner, ITVET works closely alongside all stakeholders to ensure digital systems are seamlessly integrated. This collaborative approach aligns timelines, eliminates costly disconnects, and supports the delivery of a fully integrated, future-ready building.

Future-proof with scalable technology

Specifying flexible cabling, modular hardware, and cloud-ready systems ensures your infrastructure can evolve with changing tenant demands and emerging technologies. As part of our IT infrastructure design process, we build in scalability from the outset. This proactive approach minimises the risk of disruptive retrofits and helps your building stay competitive for years to come.

Prioritise cyber security

Building security in from day one protects connected systems and ensures compliance with regulations such as GDPR. At ITVET, we take cyber security seriously from the very start of the project. Our proactive approach combines layered protection, smart segmentation, and real-time monitoring to create resilient environments that adapt to evolving threats. By embedding security throughout the infrastructure lifecycle, we reduce risk, minimise downtime, and maintain operational integrity, helping deliver a safer, more reliable building.

Align with sustainability targets

Smart technology plays a vital part in meeting environmental goals and reducing running costs. Our smart building consultancy team makes sustainable, future-ready buildings a reality. We do this by designing energy-efficient systems that integrate with BMS to provide real-time insights and optimise performance. This approach benefits the environment, enhances occupant comfort, and increases long-term building value.

Invest wisely in IT infrastructure

Balancing budgets without compromising performance is crucial. This requires careful planning from the outset. Partnering with an IT consultancy like ITVET at the start of the project helps you manage budgets effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Our expert team focuses on enhancing property value by helping clients prioritise technologies that improve efficiency, reduce lifecycle costs, and boost market appeal. This forward-thinking approach ensures your building is prepared for future demands and remains competitive in the marketplace.

Setting up your project for success

IT infrastructure is no longer a bolt-on – it’s a critical foundation for successful commercial developments. Without early planning, projects risk costly delays, integration issues, and compromised building performance.

From secure network design to smart technologies and future scalability, a well-planned IT strategy ensures your project stays on schedule, meets modern tenant demands, and protects long-term asset value. Addressing IT infrastructure challenges early prevents setbacks and enhances overall project success.

Avoid unnecessary setbacks and make every investment count. Bring IT into the conversation from day one. Partner with ITVET to get it right from the start – get in touch today.