Benefits of having a Construction Project Manager

In construction, project owners always think that hiring a professional Construction Project Manager (CPM) to represent their interests at the site is an unnecessary expense they can just write-off. But having an established Construction Project Manager or group to monitor one’s project can definitely outweigh the cost. Though there are construction managers working under the general contractor, their primary concern is profit through substantial and constant construction progress, whatever the cost. While for Construction Project Managers who represent the Owner, their objective is service-oriented through efficiency and quality of implementation, while making sure timely project completion.

Construction Project Managers are integral to the success and satisfactory completion and turnover of a project, from monitoring and evaluation of a project, quality of work, ensuring proper communication and coordination is made during implementation, to accurately and effectively sending updates back to client.

To appreciate it’s advantages, here are 5 benefits of having a Construction Project Manager which can help the Owner, and the project as a whole.

1. Technical Expertise

Experienced Construction Project Managers will definitely help Owners get a full understanding on the technical issues and concerns being raised in discussions, as well as explain the importance of government compliance and requirements. They can help set and manage expectations as well as help Owners in making good decisions based on correct understanding of the situation and accurate information.

2. Setting the tone.

Having a client representative that the contractor and other stakeholders know that is both knowledgeable and has authority will help set the tone for the duration of the project implementation. Setting the right tone will intangibly set ground rules the contractor and all those involved will have to abide to. From how to approach or treat the project, how to act, as well knowing the limitations of what they can and cannot do. Those you cannot put a price on.

3. Point Contact

Regardless of the size or type of project, the Construction Project Manager can serve as the Owner’s point of contact to which all communication are forwarded to. With so many aspects of the project, items to be discussed, inquiries, and decisions to be made, the Construction Project Manager can organize those concerns, filter them, and prioritize to a point where the Owner will see it as simple as a bulleted project update. Many project owners hire managers not just to have someone represent them, but also to filter out and minimize possible stress that goes back to them. Having a CPM also helps streamline coordination efforts of all stakeholders as well as emphasize proper communication procedure and protocols are followed.

4. Document Control and Keeping of Files

From highrise complex structures down to a 80 sq.m. shop, though most of the time overlooked, construction documentation is one of the most important task during all phases of the project. From conceptualization, design, construction and post construction stage, many contractors and Owners alike have encountered problems due to the lack of attention to this scope. It is the role of the Construction Project Manager to ensure that all important and necessary documents and discussions are recorded, noted and agreed upon. This type of documentation goes beyond taking regular site pictures and documenting them, and keeping technical As built drawings. These also includes document control and issuance of documents to job specific groups. From requests for information and approval, issuance of memos and site instructions, to forwarding design drawings and collating them, what is sent out, how quickly, and who receives them are critical in minimizing errors and miscommunication which can cause so many problems to the project. Having a record of discussions and decisions made will also greatly help stakeholders go back to them when the need arises. Having documentation of not just how the project was made, but who made the decisions and why will help ease resolution of future concerns.

5. Problem Solving

An experienced Construction Project Manager will tell you that there is no perfect project. There will always be hiccups during implementation, especially in construction. Issues such as miscommunications, scope of work, poor quality, conflict of interests, clashing of ideas and personalities, if not properly addressed, will cause great problems to the project itself. You will always hear the term “conflict resolution” as one of a CPM’s role, but it is equally or more important to prevent them in the first place. The ability to solve problems, or lead the team in doing so, including knowing the possible consequences of each alternative will help resolve concerns and let the project proceed with minimum negative effect as possible.

Having an experienced consultant and representative will provide the Owner the luxury of minimizing the need for them to be constantly concerned for their project and be able to focus on their other endeavors. More so, it will give the Owner more capacity to handle several projects at the same time - while just talking to several, or the same project manager. It is an investment that Owners must realize if they really want their projects to be handled and completed in the best condition possible, or at least save them some headache.

#constructionmanagement, #projectmanagement, #constructionprojectmanagement, #construction