We all have a friend that is “that guy,” right? The guy that knows it all, or at least he thinks he does. He is the guy that calls the repairman, then sits over his shoulder telling him how to do the job. When “that guy” wants to build a home, do you think he would even consider hiring a construction project manager, or would he try to perform the construction project manager duties on his own? We all know the answer… and we all know exactly how that project will turn out.
Construction project managers are arguably the most well-rounded professionals in the business. This is not to say they are the best at everything, by any means, but they have a full and comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the construction project. They are experienced at managing people, know various engineering disciplines, are organized, can measure risk, and can adjust on the go. Now, does that sound like “that guy?”
If you are considering hiring a construction project manager for your build, take a look at these key duties, then decide if you are ready to take this on like “that guy.”
Design Coordination
This will include architectural design, civil and structural engineering, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing). All of these disciplines need to be integrated perfectly during the build to ensure the project comes out on budget and on time. This takes tremendous coordination and, yes, experience.
Scheduling
This is the big one for bringing the project in on time. You sometimes juggle five or six different contractors and their crews, possibly more depending on the build. A good project manager can seamlessly schedule contractors to start just as the work of another contractor that must be completed prior has been done.
Bid Analysis
If you do not know want you are doing here, you can lose a lot of money. Bids are submitted based on the specs provided, then the contractors will turn in their bids with inclusions for their quotes as well as exclusions. An inexperienced eye could miss significant pricing errors that would significantly add to the project’s overall cost. We are not saying contractors would purposefully try to squeeze money out of you, but they are human, and humans make mistakes. All it takes is one wrong keystroke and you are writing a much larger check.
Risk Management
We just covered this the other day regarding how much “risk” can impact a project in terms of finishing on time and financially. Rather than rehash or summarize that post, you can click here and read it in full.
Managing Changes
We hinted at this in the post’s opening, which plays a significant role in keeping the project rolling on time. Be it a change made by the homeowner, supply shortages, or some other reason, one small change can impact numerous schedules, which will take considerable thought to get the schedule back in balance. Again, this is about ensuring all the machine parts can fit together and you are not throwing something into the equation that it is not quite ready for at the time.
So, what do you think? Are you “that guy,” or do you want to ensure your build finishes on time and within budget? If you would like to discuss how Better Build Now can help you with your residential construction, give us a call at 888-402-4180.