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How Project Management Firms Modernized the Construction Process

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For any individual embarking on a construction project, there are numerous advantages to enlisting the services of a project manager. These experienced construction professionals possess the ability to streamline the construction process by: 

• Creating an effective strategic plan and ensuring buildability• Obtaining permits and entitlements• Hiring the most qualified General Contractor (GC)• Communicating with the design and operations teams• Anticipating risks and reducing change ordersLet’s explore how a Project Manager can save a project time and money.




1. Create an Effective Strategic Plan

Before starting construction, the project manager meets with the owner to talk about whether the project is feasible. If it is, the project manager will provide recommendations on timing and budget and create a project outline. 

2. Coordinate the Design and Ensure Buildability

The project manager needs to coordinate the design, which includes a set of drawings and specifications showing how the project should operate and function. Design work usually involves input from multiple people, and the project manager's role is to organize these different elements from various sources. The completed design forms the basis for several other important project processes, such as determining contract strategy, selecting the procurement route, and appointing a contractor. 

Additionally, the project manager will assess the design for buildability, which means reviewing the construction process from start to finish to minimize the chances of errors, delays, and budget issues.

3. Streamline Obtaining Permits and Entitlements

A crucial step in any significant new construction or renovation project is obtaining the necessary permits and entitlements. As anyone who has gone through this process can attest, this step can be time-consuming and frustrating. An experienced project manager will be able to navigate the permitting and entitlement process with greater ease than someone who is new to it.

4. Solicit and Review Bids to Find the Best Suited General Contractor

After obtaining the proper permits and entitlements, the project manager will start soliciting bids from qualified GCs. Subsequently, the appointed GC will gather bids from subcontractors for any necessary specialty work.

5. Set Expectations for the Operations Team

Effective communication is crucial at every stage of a project, and it should continue throughout the start of construction. Before any manual work begins, the Project Manager will clearly communicate expectations to the operations team. They will also be transparent about equipment and supplies schedules to avoid delays caused by long-lead or manufactured materials. When all project stakeholders are aligned, the process will be smoother, with fewer delays and less need for intervention from different parties.


6. Anticipate Risks Ahead of Time


Even with the best of planning, there are a number of ways that construction can be slowed down or halted. Common risks include:


  • Incomplete drawings and inadequately defined scope

  • Poorly written contracts that do not clearly assign responsibility

  • Issues with subcontractors and suppliers meeting their obligations

  • Unanticipated change orders

  • Unexpected increases in material costs

  • Availability of building materials or other supply-chain problems

  • Unknown site conditions

  • Safety incidents and accidents

  • Labor shortages

  • Damage or theft to equipment and tools

  • Natural disasters


These risks might sound dire, but with proper foresight and management, they can be mitigated.A knowledgeable project manager will hold regular meetings with the owner and all parties involved to mitigate threats and ensure that a contingency plan is in place. They will also assess each risk based on its probability and its impact on the project, and factor in the amount of time, money, and work each risk will require to manage effectively.


7. Reduce Change Orders and Mitigate Their Effect


Another common issue that can arise during a construction project is an unanticipated change order. This happens when there is a change to the original construction contract. To handle this, a project manager should anticipate the possibility of change orders in the initial contract and establish a process for initiating, authorizing, performing, and funding a change order. They should also allocate a reasonable project contingency to cover unexpected changes. By addressing this upfront, it can help prevent unanticipated change orders, minimize disputes, and limit their impact on the project's schedule and budget.


Reasons for a change order include:


  • Unclear Statement of Work (SOW). An SOW should clearly outline the development, implementation, and delivery of the contract goods and services. In other words, this should include stating the work to be performed, location, timeline, deliverable schedule, performance standards, and other applicable special requirements like security or safety measures. If any of these elements are missing, the likelihood of change orders increases.


  • Incomplete design. When there are insufficient details for pricing, change orders can also occur. For example, failure to include details for grading and sloping pavement construction will have to result in a change order to accommodate the extra costs.


  • Mismanagement of design. With each discipline preparing plans and specifications separately, they need to be well-coordinated, generally by the project architect. Problems can arise when there is mismanagement through an architect or design firm overseeing the complete design. The quality of deliverable design documents is an important consideration during the process of selecting professionals for design and engineering and should be evaluated carefully before committing.

Final Thoughts

Project owners will benefit from hiring an experienced project manager who can streamline the process, and ultimately save them time and money.

QuadLync offers an exclusive Professional Diploma in Construction Management with Candy Software. This comprehensive online/offline course is built on our extensive experience in the project management sector. By the end of the course, you will gain proficiency in understanding various project delivery methods, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the design and construction process.

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