Construction management encompasses all aspects of a construction project, from bid through completion, including:
- Staffing
- Construction
- Oversight
- Documentation
- Permits
- Quality control/quality assurance
- Drawing preparation
Based on a client’s desired level of control, a skilled construction manager is responsible for, first and foremost, acting as the owner’s representative throughout the course of the project and providing cohesion from bid through delivery. Additional duties include preparing drawings to technical specifications and coordinating and overseeing scope, special conditions, documentation, and pricing considerations. The manager also examines contractor and material supplier pre-qualifications and ensures that projects meet all specifications and requirements.
There are two broad phases involved in construction management in which construction managers involve themselves: pre-construction and construction/delivery.
Pre-Construction Phase
During the planning, design, and pre-construction phase, the manager works with the client and architect in order to define the project’s scope, budget, and other preparatory factors such as energy efficiency, design, structural integrity, market value, space used, and mechanical and electrical systems before construction begins. The manager also ensures that materials adhere to specifications and fall within the desired budget.
Construction/Delivery Phase
As would be expected, this phase addresses the actual construction based upon the specifications, plans, and budgets discussed in the previous phase. The construction manager coordinates and oversees:
- On-site construction supervision and coordination
- Scheduling
- Cost accounting and other financial records
With respect to cost control records, the construction manager is responsible for:
- Evaluating actual versus proposed costs
- Adhering to the budget
- Developing and maintaining the construction schedule
- Monitoring construction progress
- Arranging inspections
- Dealing with any change orders by the owner
- Coordinating product delivery, storage, and security
- Obtaining the necessary equipment
- Assisting the owner with occupancy, systems operations, and any other post-construction concerns.
Quality Control
During and following the project’s completion, quality assurance and control is critical to ensure that the finished product meets the original requirements, specifications, and subsequent performance expectations. Construction managers make sure that the project not only falls within the proposed budget but that the finished project is structurally sound and adheres to all specifications and codes.
For more information about the construction management services we provide, please contact us.
