You have a new home being built and you soon realize there is no way you have the time to properly oversee this project. That being the case, you are going to want to hire a construction project manager to be your representative at the construction site to coordinate with vendors and the construction team. If you have never hired a residential construction project manager before, we have some tips to help ensure you are hiring the right person.
Communication is Key
This is pretty much true in any business, but open lines of real-time communication are an absolute necessity in this business. The smallest of setbacks can throw a project off schedule if that information is not relayed to the appropriate parties in time. A centralized communication system should be in place between all parties to ensure this project runs smoothly.
Choosing the Right Team
In all likelihood, you will work with your project manager to ensure the right team is in place. Part of the project manager’s job is accepting bids from vendors, but this is about more than just getting the best price. You also want to make sure everyone on the team can work together and are willing to be flexible when problems arise. For instance, if there is a need to reschedule due to a supply chain issue, are you working with people that are willing to move schedules around or are they going to play hardball with you? This project will be challenging enough without those types of obstacles.
Scheduling and Planning
To feed off that last point above, scheduling is everything in this business. You can have the best plan in the world but when a challenge arises, how are you able to handle it. We have often talked about experience, and this is an area where that experience comes into play. When one thing is delayed, what can we move into that timeframe to keep this project on schedule?
Maintaining Documentation
Document, document, document… that is the adage of any good manager, and that does not change in the construction business. You are going to be overloaded with paperwork between plans, bids, contracts, and permits. A good project manager will keep your paperwork organized and in good order so there are no problems or violations during the course of the construction project.
These are but a few of the key elements of a good residential construction project manager. If you are considering a custom-built home and need a construction project manager or consultant to help, we would love to discuss this further with you. Give us a call at 888-402-4180 today!