Quality construction project managers in central Florida are in high demand. They aren’t many of them and you may find it difficult to pin down a well-known project manager simply because he or she is good at their job. When starting out your search, compile a list of 3 – 5 construction managers that you would like to work with on your upcoming project and start there. Call each one and schedule a consultation to discuss your project in detail. Remember, we prefer to work on a project in the early stages so we can follow it through to completion. Construction managers need time to mobilize the construction project team, compile pricing, negotiate bids, and value engineer the budget. The earlier you begin this process, the better your project result will be, so start your construction manager selection process early.
Don’t be Generic in Job Descriptions
Use phrases that describe specifically what you need in a construction project manager instead of generic descriptions. Phrases like, “Must have good communication skills,” should be a given with this type of job. We are required to maintain open communication between the client and the contractor; communication skills are near the top of the list. Define your specific needs for planning, monitoring, and evaluating your project. Set your expectations clearly upfront, don’t leave anything out.
Discuss Specific Methodologies
Some of us work differently than others yet we produce excellent results. Discuss any specific methodologies that you may require for this job before you make a decision to hire a construction project manager.
Avoid Asking Three-Page Questions
General questions could require a life history to answer and may not result in getting the information you need. Let’s say, for example, that you ask me to explain my experience in leadership, project planning, execution, and training. For us, that answer spans 30 years of experience, innumerable scenarios and examples, from 1985 to present day. Our methodologies have evolved throughout the years and our typical project scope has certainly grown. Most important, is affirming that the construction manager has relevant experience; that is experience working on projects that are similar to what you’re trying to accomplish. Be specific. Inquire about the phases of your specific project. Ask about different methods or approaches that might save money or result in a higher quality result.
Education is another big question to answer. My educational background includes business finance, accounting, economics, construction law, construction management… you get the idea. And after 30 years in the construction industry, my education includes all of the real time, real world training that can only be learned hands on. Educational background and employment history belong on a resume, but when it comes to your specific project is not always the best point of reference. Pick your potential contractor’s name about your specific project, compare answers from different contractor’s, and you will quickly learn who is most qualified to do the work.
Hire an Experienced Project Manager
The very first thing you need to take into consideration is the level of experience. Experience makes a big difference in the quality of work and the overall quality of the completed project that you can expect. An experienced construction project manager will be able to help you:
- Create a Project Execution Plan
- Oversee Budgeting and Payments
- Oversee Scheduling
- Create a Plan for Supervisors
- Coordinate with Contractors
- Coordinate with other Tradesmen and Vendors
- Consult with Clients and Company Representatives
Construction project managers are often experienced tradesmen themselves. As a client, you should be able to rely on the experience of your construction manager to educate you about the process, alleviate any concerns, and to respond to changes in the project adeptly to mitigate schedule or cost impacts.