Read this before you engage a Project Manager
If you’re about to embark on a construction project of any size, choosing the right project manager (PM) is paramount to ensuring success. Construction projects are complex, with various stakeholders, regulatory requirements, and potential risks involved. An experienced construction project manager with the right project management skills can navigate these challenges and deliver your project on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
When BPM Project Managers take on a job, we not only deliver on what we say we will, but we have fun along the way, and we think the journey is just as important as the result. Before you engage with a construction project manager, hold your horses and read our essential guide to avoid choosing a cowboy.
What do (good) Project Managers actually do?
The role of a PM is to advise and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects. They manage everything from budget estimation and contractor negotiations to scheduling, safety compliance, and quality control. Essentially, they are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project come together smoothly.
At BPM, the role extends beyond simple coordination. Our experienced Project Managers are positive leaders and excellent problem solvers. We manage a team of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals, while keeping you and stakeholders informed about progress, potential issues, and changes. We also navigate regulatory compliance and manage risks associated with construction sites, such as health and safety concerns. Think of us as the conductor of your construction symphony – making sure every note hits just right and no one’s offbeat!
At BPM our honest, reliable communication is what makes us good. Our PMs are excellent communicators which is good, because they are the main point of contact between you, and all other stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies. We sometimes joke that we speak to our clients more than we do our families.
Do some digging into their experience and expertise
Not all project managers are created equal, and not every construction project manager will be suitable for your specific project. Experience in managing similar types of construction projects is definitely something to consider. For instance:
● Residential construction: This includes single-family homes, apartments, and new home builds. A PM with residential experience should understand local building codes, design preferences, and the specific needs of homeowners.
● Commercial projects: These involve office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial structures. Commercial PMs must manage timelines efficiently and work within the constraints of business operations and zoning laws.
● Infrastructure and community projects: PMs who work on roads, bridges, and utilities must be knowledgeable about large-scale logistics, government regulations, and public safety concerns.
● Sustainable/green building projects: If you’re planning an eco-friendly construction project, a PM with experience in sustainable building practices and familiarity with certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is recommended.
Most project management companies will have a project portfolio you can look at which gives you examples of projects they’ve completed, here’s ours.
Why not check out all the (Good) Sh*t we’ve done?
You can also contact BPM Project Managers directly. Ask about their track record to give you confidence that they can manage your specific project effectively.
What’s their process and how do you know if it’s any good?
One of the most crucial responsibilities of a construction project manager is planning, budgeting and scheduling. They must create a detailed project timeline that accounts for each phase of construction, from pre-construction and site preparation to building, inspection, and final handover. Delays in construction projects are common, but a well-planned schedule can mitigate the impact of unexpected events, such as weather delays or supply chain disruptions.
Construction projects often involve significant financial investment, and managing costs effectively is essential to staying within budget and avoiding overruns. A competent PM must be adept at estimating costs accurately, managing procurement and negotiating contracts.
After talking to potential PMs for your project you’ll soon get a gauge of the process they use and if it’s any good. Not to toot our own horn, but… toot toot! Together with our expertise and industry relationships, we think we’ve got our processes down to a fine art and our established reputation demonstrates our successful and proactive approach to planning. Our process is all-encompassing and we don’t leave anything to chance which is how we sustain high standards in every project we work on.
Safety first and always
Construction sites come with risks, from safety hazards to environmental factors and regulatory compliance issues. A construction project manager’s ability to identify, assess, and manage these risks can make a significant difference in the success of your project.
At BPM, it goes beyond hard hats and hi-vis. Health, safety and well-being on and off the site is something we don’t mess around with. We aim to exceed industry standards and continually update to make sure we are using the best possible practices. Health IS the greatest wealth, afterall. You can read more about our dedicated efforts to improving wellbeing industry-wide here.
Who do they hang around with?
A (good) construction PM often comes with a well-established network of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. This network can be an invaluable resource, especially when it comes to finding skilled professionals or sourcing materials quickly. Having access to reliable contractors and suppliers also reduces the risk of delays and cost overruns.
We think it’s safe to say we have some solid and longstanding relationships in the industry. We align ourselves with others who are skilled, reliable, honest and who want to have a good time along the way. Our strong network gives us the right resources we need to keep your project on track,within budget and without compromising on values.
Check the tech!
The digital revolution plays a significant role in the construction industry and project management. Advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones for site monitoring, and project management software can enhance efficiency and accuracy in construction projects. A tech-savvy construction project manager can leverage these tools to provide more precise planning, real-time monitoring, and improved communication.
BPM is all about efficiency and quality, so if we canleverage both with project management software then we’ll use it, but not just for the sake of it. We use technology that challenges the status quo but we also will never underestimate our people (you know, the ones who have to operate the tech) because essentially it’s the skilled project manager who truly makes the project a success. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Go with your gut
You may have got down to a bit of a shortlist and finding it tricky to make a final decision for who you choose as your PM. If that’s the case you should consider if they’ll be a good cultural fit for you and your project. They should align with your values, whether it’s prioritising sustainability, ensuring worker safety, or maintaining high-quality standards.
The right cultural fit can enhance collaboration and make the project journey smoother, minimising conflicts and improving overall project outcomes. BPM’s unique set of values sets us apart from other companies, and we put our team and our clients first, and we manage projects well.
When you’re on the hunt for an epic project manager, don’t settle for mediocre, it won’t turn out well. Take your time, and evaluate their experience, expertise, communication style and values, and you'll be able to make an informed choice that aligns with your project’s goals and values.
Remember, the right construction PM isn’t just a coordinator; they are a leader who will drive the success of your project through expertise, transparency, and proactive management. A well-chosen construction project manager will not only keep your project on track but also ensure that it meets or exceeds your expectations, delivering a successful and well-executed build.
If you want a smooth, well-managed project with experienced PMs that will see your vision come to life, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us and let’s chat!
