The benefits of employing a Project Manager in your self build.

 

At what stage should the Project Manager become involved?

Although not entirely necessary the most successful self build projects involve the Project Manager at the earliest possible stage. At this stage the following are normally in place or soon will be.

• The plot is purchased or the site is agreed.

• There is normally an agreed design in place.

• Planning permission is agreed.

• Building Regulation approvals are agreed or approved or in principle (subject to site conditions)

• The self builder's budget is agreed in principle.

At this stage you will be going out to get tender prices and quotes. You may also have researched and found suitably experienced builders and specialists and will have decided upon who supplies what materials. 

It is at this stage the Project Manager will play a key role and whose guidance will now prove invaluable to the successful completion of your self build. 

 

The initial involvement of the Project Manager.

Depending on how involved you require the Project Manager to be you should certainly never skip on a dedicated Project Managers involvement at the early stages. 

How you can benefit from my expertise.

• Interviewing builders and contractors.

• Help in compiling tender packages for your chosen builders and contractors.

• Analyzing tenders once returned. - 

Are they priced like for like? (Click here for optional check estimate service)

Have they included for ALL materials? 

Are their labour rates realistic? 

What is their programme of works?  

What is their completion date?

What contingencies have they built in or allowed for?

What problems do they foresee? 

• Appointing a contractor with formal agreements in place. (If they will not enter into an agreement then you should not be using them, this is  one of the most expensive challenges you will face, you want only professionals around you)

• Ensuring that the successful contractor has formally bought into the project programme. (click here for contract details)

• Compiling and refining the agreed construction programme highlighting all trades and disciplines with important milestones highlighted.

• Ensuring that the site set up conforms with your legal obligations. (If you are self builders you DO have legal and moral obligations)  (Click here for more details)

 

The continuing role of the Project Manager during the build.

As the build progresses I can also be employed as follows..............

• Monitor progress.

• Monitor procurement of critical path items.

• Revise the programme and agree updated completion dates should the need arise.

• Value materials on site for stage payments to the builder.

• Value the percentage of completed or part completed work for stage payments.

• Highlight contingencies as they arise and agree costs with the builder prior to starting these extra works.

• Liaison between builder, subcontractors, Local Authority and client.

• Assist with the close out of the project ensuring all loose ends are tied up properly.

 

All or part of the above I can help you with. 

It is entirely up to you as to how involved you want me to be.

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