Choosing the Perfect Project Manager

Most medium to large construction projects are taken care of by a general project manager. The general project manager might be known as a builder, building contractor, redesigning contractor, and so forth. What makes him a “general” project manager is that he comes to an agreement with the proprietor to finish a project and assumes full liability to get the job done at the bid cost. Normally, he purchases the materials, employs the workers, and acquires subcontractors to complete the work. The subcontractors are accountable to the project manager at all times.

It’s imperative that you choose your general project manager carefully! No other decision will greatly affect the success or failure of your venture. Detailed plans, contracts, and construction documents can’t get great work from somebody lacking in expertise or integrity. Look for somebody whom you can trust and feel comfortable working with. In the event that you need to pay additional to contract the appropriate project manager, you won’t regret it. The money saved from employing the lowest bidder often evaporates as the project advances to correct mistakes that were made.

Expect that there will be challenges throughout the course of the project so select a contractor whom you feel will work cooperatively with you to deliver the best solutions.

Some of the responsibilities of a general contractor include estimating and bidding on the project, negotiating a contract with the proprietor, hiring and negotiating contracts with subcontractors, acquiring the needed permits, and arranging inspections. General project managers also establish a payment schedule based on the project’s progress. They do disburse money to subcontractors and material suppliers as well. General project managers are also responsible for creating schedules for workers, subs and deliveries.

General project manager’s obligations includes:

• Negotiating material prices with suppliers and ordering the materials.
• Interpreting architectural plans and designs
• Ensuring supervision and coordination of all the work of the employees and subs
• Support on any problems on site.

While taking care of the above, the general contractor is frequently meeting with the owners to address their concerns, while juggling the bunch seemingly insignificant details that can transform his tightly schedule enterprise into turmoil. For instance, harsh weather slows down the dry walling team, so the plumbers and electricians need to be rescheduled. However, his favourite electrician won’t be accessible when required, thereby delaying the painting team. Later, the special-order frameless glass windows and stainless steel balustrades are transported with the wrong design profile, requiring custom shop work or another long postponement. Etc…

This shows how busy a general project manager is, a critical selection process for the success of any project. Professional general project managers normally provide names of contractors who they have worked with previously, a good place to start with your screening process. The bigger the project, the more effort you should put in to finding the right project manager and contractors. Alternatively you can also contract them to do a smaller project and see how they perform prior to engaging them with bigger projects.

It is imperative to contract specialists in each field to mention a few:

• Wet works, bricklayers and plasterers
• Dry walling and partitioning’s
• Ceilings
• Painting
• Flooring
• Shop fitting
• Steelwork for staircases and balustrading
• Plumbing and electrical
• Glass and aluminium work
• Frameless glass installations

If you might need any advice or assistance with your upcoming project do not hesitate to contact Corporate and Retail Construction we specialise in interior construction. Our website address is www.crcon.co.za