According to the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), "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 works for all project delivery methods. No matter the setting, a Construction Manager’s (CMs) responsibility is to the owner and to a successful project.”
There are several players in every construction project, so let’s break them down a bit. The Owner, i.e. the individual or company who is requesting the project to be completed. Doesn’t matter what industry they are a part of, they will start the project. A Construction Manager, or the person or team hired by the Owner to oversee the project. The CM needs direction from an Architect or Engineer which would be the individual or firm that is hired to design the project or coordinate any engineering needs required. The last piece of the puzzle is the General Contractor. This is the team hired by the Owner to oversee the construction project on the ground. To be sure that the materials arrive, the crew knows what is required and where the project goes from start to finish without a hiccup.
You get what you pay for. Measure twice, cut once. A stitch in time saves nine. Whichever phrase you prefer, the lesson is that careful pre-planning and coordination results in a successful project.
Now that we know the players, what are the steps involved in a Project?
This makes up the why, what, when, and how much of each project. Why is this project needed? Could be that they need a building to be built, or a suite needs to have a specific layout for a tenant. What items they need for the project and when will they arrive all impact how much the project will cost. The CM researches all aspects of the project and meets with all the players to ensure that they have measured twice and will only cut once.
Each project has plans and those plans will need to be designed and, most likely, building permits applied for and construction bids for materials and labor requested. The CM takes care of these things, along with hiring of all the firms or teams that will be necessary once the actual construction begins.
Planning is all done, permits are all secured, we hired the teams… LET’S GO! The CM’s job is not complete, he’s only just begun. Now the hard work begins. Quality Control inspections, monitoring safety protocols, insurance, answering questions, reviewing technical submittals, coordinating any additional permits required, managing the budget, scheduling each trade needed so that the construction dance to ensure that the final project is completed on time and doesn’t end up in a pileup.
Finally, the project is done! Now the last step begins, closing out the project. Making sure that everyone is happy. Finalizing any last items that need to be corrected, providing manuals or warranties of any equipment to the Owner or Tenant. Making sure that everyone is paid on time and according to what was initially bid.
Construction Management is a key factor in ensuring a successful construction project and one that should not be overlooked. If you need Construction Management, we can help!
Learn more about Bradfords Construction Management Process here