Construction project management, briefly, is the art and science of overseeing building projects. The primary difference between managing a construction project and any other kind is that construction has a goal. This implies that after construction is complete, the project will no longer be controlled.
When working in the construction sector, you need to have a broader perspective than the traditional definition of project management, which is “managing resources across the life cycle of a project using different tools and processes to regulate scope, cost, timing, quality, etc.”
Many other restrictions, unique to the planning and execution of building projects, are often part of a construction manager’s purview. Project managers in the construction industry often collaborate with experts in other fields during a project, including those in architecture, engineering, public works, and city planning.
A Construction Project Manager’s Responsibilities
The duties of a construction manager span from the first stages of a project’s conception through its final closeout. In brief, the responsibilities of a construction project manager include the following:
- Prepare a financial plan and bargain for prices.
- Set up the schedules for the jobs.
- Pick the best approach to building and the most productive techniques.
- Maintain communication with customers for matters about projects or finances.
- Meet with employees and other professionals to go through technical and contract specifics.
- Make sure the workers on the building site are being watched.
- Work together with experts in the construction industry.
Primary Duties of a Construction Project Manager
The scope of construction management usually includes a wide variety of other tasks. The most crucial ones may be summed up as follows:
- Determining what has to be done to complete the project and who needs to do it, as well as creating a timeline and budget for the endeavour.
- Increase in efficiency thanks to the incorporation of new personnel and updated equipment.
- Execution of several tasks by proper management and coordination of contracts, planning, estimating, engineering, and construction throughout the process.
The Various Forms of Agreements Between Builders and Their Supervising Consultants
The parties to these building projects are the owner of the project, who is outsourcing the work to be done on the job site, and the construction firm, who will be responsible for completing the work. These documents ensure that all parties are on the exact page about crucial details like the project’s scope and payment conditions. A contract administrator, supervisor, or field engineer may be brought in to help with specific projects.
A lump sum contract, often called a fixed price contract, establishes a single, all-inclusive fee for the project’s successful completion.
Cost-Plus Agreement: A cost-plus-fee contract consists of two parts: an initial, predetermined price agreed upon by the project, the contractor, and any extra, unanticipated expenses that may arise throughout the project.
Similar To A Cost-Plus Contract, But With A Set Ceiling On The Total Cost
If the scope of your project is unclear, you may want to employ a time and materials contract. The general contractor bills clients on an hourly basis.
The Role of Budgeting in Managing Construction Projects
One of the first things to do when planning a construction project is to figure out how much money you will need to get the job done. Despite the difficulty it may cause, a proper cost estimate is a crucial part of any endeavour. Every project manager has to bear in mind the following four guidelines:
Examining The Project
Defining the project’s scope, timeline, and budget is the first order of business. After that, you will know who to approach for help and have a clearer picture of your goals.
Forecasting costs: Once your project’s goals are sorted out, you must manage your budget with a reliable schedule. Right now is also an excellent time to get quotations from potential builders.
Conclusion
The project will succeed if the project manager and other key players are actively involved and there is good communication. As with every undertaking, the construction project manager must be vigilant about distributing scarce resources.