The Players' Roles
Construction management
Due to the complexity of many large residential projects, the field of construction management has migrated from commercial projects to houses. The construction manager's (CM) role is to manage an oversight process to ensure that projects are completed on time and budget, according to the specifications. The CM's responsibilities would otherwise belong to the architect and contractor.
No conflict of interest:
It is not unusual for the architect or contractor to find their own interests in conflict with those of the owner. For example, an overworked architect may not provide all drawings in a timely manner, causing project delays. Or a contractor might contend that a particular construction detail was not practical, because s/he didn't have the proper expertise to complete it. A construction manager's only responsibility is managing the project, their interests and the owners are always aligned.
Asking the right questions:
A common cause of construction delays is custom materials that are not ordered ahead of time. For example, the contractor might tell the owner that s/he is ready to order the windows, but the manufacturer requires a special drawing for an arched window. The owner asks the architect to produce the drawing, only to find out that this type of window will take an extra two months to receive. Without the window, the interior and exterior wall surfaces cannot be finished, creating a bottleneck.
The manager reviews the plans early on and flags any long-lead or custom items. S/he alerts the architect and contractor to deal with these items, and follows up to make sure the items are ordered in a timely way.
Watchdog role:
From the outset, the manager ensures accountability. When the owner is interviewing architects and contractors, the manager can help evaluate both their work and business practices. The manager ensures that the architect's construction documents are complete, and that contractors estimating or bidding the project have complete and accurate information. During the project, the manager monitors workmanship, scheduling, and job cost. S/he prepares periodic reports (usually weekly) that track the progress of the project, and addresses any areas that are incorrect or behind schedule.
Plays "the heavy":
While the manager's efforts are directed towards building and maintaining a successful team process for all involved, s/he is not afraid to demand accountability. It is often difficult for owners to assert their rights because of personal discomfort with confrontation, or lack of knowledge about industry standards or performance expectations. The manager can serve an important buffer role for the owner.
Duplication of architect's services?:
Many architects perform a CM role, and for many projects separate CM is not needed. The decision should be based on the size and complexity of the project, and the experience and resources of the architect. For clients who want greater accountability, or for large projects on tight schedules and budgets, CM is recommended.
Qualifications:
Because a manager will oversee both the architect and contractor, s/he must have extensive experience in both fields. S/he must be intimately familiar with the local standards and practices in order to have credibility and manage an effective team process. S/he must also be fair, diplomatic, and have a good sense of humor to deal with the inevitable conflicts. Rather than acting like a dispassionate clerk, an effective manager is an energetic, hands-on team leader who can create and maintain a collaborative, enthusiastic process for all involved.
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