Construction management is a professional service that provides a project’s owner(s) with effective management of the project’s schedule, cost, quality, safety, scope, and function. Construction management is compatible with all project delivery methods. No matter the setting, a Construction Manager’s responsibility is to the owner and to a successful project.
A large construction project will include the collaboration of the property owner who commissions and funds the project (or acquires funding for the project), the architect who designs the project, and the general contractor who oversees the day-to-day work and manages any subcontractors. The construction manager, then, represents the owner by working with all parties to ensure the project is delivered on time, within budget, safely, and at the proper quality, scope, and function. In the final analysis, a construction manager can be hired for smaller residential projects to large commercial projects.
The Roles of a Construction Manager
A construction manager (CM) has many roles. He or she works with the parties involved to determine the best sequence of operations for the project. For one thing, the CM will create a schedule. The CM must also create a detailed budget. He or she must also manage the supply chain and ensure the workers have everything they need to complete the scheduled tasks. The CM must be able to consistently adjust the schedule and the budget as unexpected complications or issues arise.
The CM will manage any general contractors and subcontractors on the job and ensure everyone is doing quality work. Often, he or she will be in charge of hiring and negotiating agreements with contractors and subcontractors. There must be trust between the owners, architect, designer, general contractors, subcontractors, and the CM in to effectively complete the project.
The CM is also responsible to manage and develop plans for project safety because the CM is ultimately liable for the project. The CM must be knowledgeable of the building laws and codes in the area of the project.
The Professional Skills Required of a Construction Manager
A CM absolutely must be a good communicator. He or she must work to communicate status to keep all parties involved, from owner, to architect, to designer, to contractors and subcontractors. This may require construction journals or logs, photos, reports, or daily progress reports. Everyone needs to know about any adjustments to the original plans or budget, and project insights. For example, daily weather can have a significant impact on the project, therefore, it’s important to report those issues, too. He or she must have excellent communication skills, so everyone stays informed and on track. The last thing anyone wants on a project is surprises.
An effective construction manager typically must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as construction, science management, or civil engineering. He or she should also have the appropriate industry certifications from reputable agencies such as the Construction Management Association of America or the American Institute of Constructors.
The CM should have experience in construction. Usually, he or she typically has plenty of experience working on jobs. The CM may have been a contractor or general contractor prior to becoming a CM. As a result, he or she will be adept at reading blueprints and spot checking the work being done. Today, it’s necessary to be well-versed in use of industry-specific software. A CM is up to date with the latest construction practices in the industry and aware of environmentally friendly design and building. For these reasons, successful managers are able to multi-task to oversee and move through the complex operations of the building project. In addition, everything must stay within the tight deadline the owner has set.
What Are the Benefits?
A 2013 study by McGraw-Hill construction showed that hiring a professional construction manager or management team has huge benefits for an owner including:
- Saves project money,
- Avoids problems,
- Mitigates project challenges,
- Projects more likely to stay on schedule,
- Produced overall higher quality results for owners.
Overall, a CM is responsible to be sure that all parties are satisfied with the end result of the project. At SCS Construction, we have the experience, expertise, and professionalism to manage your project from conception to end. We are happy to talk with you about your next project! Call us at 317-272-0129.
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