In many aspects of life there are dreamers, builders and managers. The dreamers conceptualize projects based on the needs, aspirations and other parameters and then transfer these to the architects who put them into motion based on a multitude of physical and governmental guidelines. At this stage the builders were alerted to put in bids and the winner would begin the project.

However, the modern building project requires more than just building and accounting practices. The job of managing risks and controlling costs at each level of the building project starting from pre-construction planning to the post-construction phase is a specialized job in itself requiring the skills of a dedicated firm which maybe outside that of the builder.

The Role of the Project Manager

Negotiator

One of the biggest jobs that a project management team provides is that of interpreter. This is because many clients are not versed in the language of commercial construction and so the construction team may have time understanding their concerns. In addition, when a company is spending millions of dollars to have a building constructed it only becomes natural to try and micromanage the project. Conversely, the contractor may not understand their client's intentions and this may cause delays and misunderstandings. In essence, this wastes money.

Good project management can find common ground between the client and the contracting firm. They see to it that all parties are informed as to the roles, expectations and schedules of each contributor for the completion of the project both on time and on budget.

Communicator

Many clients are mangers from the public sector or other areas where this project may be the only one they may see during their tenure. Therefore not all of them have the knowledge and experience of erecting a building, one which may be one of dozens that the construction firm has been involved with over the years. This gap creates tension as the contracting firm believes that the client is on board with everything they are doing. The integration of a project management firm into the project can provide a balance between between the experience of the client and and that of the construction firm.

Problem Solver

The role of project management is not merely too observe the work, it is being immersed in the process. Too many projects are run by a member of the client's staff who, although smart and well-meaning, provides no direction for the process. Why would this matter if the contractor is reliable? Well, even the best people need leadership. This is especially true if the company is working on two or three jobs simultaneously and this project gets shuffled to the back of the queue. The project manager drives the program and makes sure the client's project gets equal time.

The Project Management Services

Think of a project manager as an orchestra conductor. With this in mind the first hiring for a project should be the project management firm as they should be well-versed in the project before the construction team is chosen. They see the designs first and can coordinate efforts with the client to develop the contracts and relations with government officials. In addition they can begin focusing on the pre-construction plans and cost-estimating. In this way a cost-effective plan is in place when the machinery hits the site and the construction company puts the sub trades out for tender

1. Cost Estimating

2. Construction Reviews

3. Design and Construction Schedules

4. Developing Contracts and Building Documents

5. Bids, Negotiations and Bid Awards

6. On-Site Presence and Coordination

7. Contract Administration

8. Budget Controls

9. Safety Management

10. Audits

11. Quality Control and Inspections

12. Client Training and Maintenance Manuals

13. Client Orientation

14. Project Completion

15. Walk-Through

16. Final Billing 

Experience is one of the foremost considerations when hiring a project management firm. The company should have experience doing the same or a similar project to yours. Check with former clients and get a performance evaluation and then make sue that the project management you will be hiring has already given you a comprehensive report on how the job will be tackled.