With the construction industry booming, it is more likely that you are about to take on a construction project, however, chances are it will not be the only thing on your to-do list. Hiring a construction manager is a guaranteed silver bullet to assured of Quality, timely and cost efficiency on your project.
Construction projects are becoming increasingly complex, and regulatory and contractual requirements continue to be perplexing, hiring for construction managers expected to grow 11% by 2026.
What does a Construction Manager do?
Construction management is the overall planning, coordination, and control of a project from beginning to completion. The Construction managers are professionals engaged by the owner of a construction project to act as their liaison through all phases of construction. In the case of building construction, the construction manager would oversee all phases of the project, including permitting, site-work and preparation, building construction and finishing. While this role was originally developed for use on large commercial projects, it is now used occasionally on single-family residential projects.
The construction manager (CM) is the owner’s representative, responsible for oversees the subcontractors, making sure that that the work is done correctly, follows the plan, stays on schedule, and is free of monkey business around change orders and other up-charges. Thus, the construction manager is the owner’s representative, looking out for the owner’s best interests.
Why hire a Construction Manager?
The primary role of a construction manager (CM) is to act as a representative and advocate for the building owner. Unlike general contractors, who enter a project after the building plans are drawn and approved, a construction manager is part of a project from conception to completion, earning the building owner time saving, quality and cost-effective construction methods.
Construction management at this phase benefits all owners, regardless of their experience with construction. Those new to the industry gain from the guidance and advice needed to avoid pitfalls later on, while experienced owners will eliminate day-to-day management hassles.
Why you should hire a construction manager before project commencement.
The concept of “constructability” is vital before project commencement; is it possible to build what you want, the way you want it, in the location you want, and with your budget? How exactly will the finished product look? What obstacles are likely to crop up? How will you handle them?
It’s the construction manager who addresses all these questions and more. The CM helps you determine the size and shape of the finished building, as well as what systems are needed (HVAC, conveyors, etc.) to achieve the desired results. You collaborate with the construction manager to determine a feasible timetable and milestones before construction begins.
The construction managers also hire subcontractors and crews for construction. Using their industry expertise and connections, the CM will secure crews for every aspect of the job.
Why you must keep a construction manager during Construction.
Due to the fact that it’s hard for most job owners to be on the job-site on a daily basis. The construction manager serves as the owner’s eyes and ears and provide a full report on an agreed-upon schedule.
Having the CM on site provides the project owner with peace of mind throughout construction since the CM handles or delegate many of the daily hassles of construction – including renting equipment, filing permits, notifying everyone on the job-site of changes to the plan or schedule, and periodic inspections.
Having a construction manager onsite saves the building owner time and stress when the inevitable unexpected happens. The construction manager handles issues related to weather delays, permitting, problems with subcontractors and the like.
The significance of the construction manager at the end of the project.
The Construction Manager stays on the project until all aspects of the job are completed; including filing paperwork, cleaning up, returning rented equipment and ensuring outstanding invoices are paid correctly.
At the end of the project, the Construction Manager hands over the project to the building owner and answer any questions about features or aspects of the project. If the building owner decides to expand or make changes to the building in the future, the Construction Manager is ultimately equipped with deep knowledge of the project and provide similar services for the expansion.
Construction management and site safety.
The first priority on any construction site has to be safety. That is the first priority for the construction manager as well. The Construction Manager works to protect the reputation of the job owner and the safety of workers and visitors on the job-site by ensuring every step of the process uses best safety practices.
Depending on the nature of the project, the Construction Manager ensures job-site safety by:
Enforcing agreed-upon safety standards (such as OSHA) throughout the process.
Making the final call when weather or other unforeseen conditions compromise job-site safety.
Setting a realistic time-frame that allows all work to be completed safely and on time.
The cost and benefits of hiring a construction manager in summary.
The construction manager oversees the project for the owner and is paid an hourly or flat fee ensuring that there are no further management costs but rather extra efforts to ensure Cost Management, Project Planning, Time Management, Quality Management, Contract Administration and Management, Safety Management.
Contact us or Book a free appointment with us
Contact Mikab CM Ltd for any of the Construction Management services, quotation for professional services, construction information and costs or make an appointment for technical inquiries.