Put simply, the Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the success of a construction project. They oversee every aspect, including the planning, execution, monitoring, control and closure. Project Managers ensure that timeframe targets and budgets are met. Addition, it is critical that a good client relationship is maintained throughout the project. We can examine of benefits of hiring of a PM through the pre-contract and contract stages.

Pre-contract preparations

• The project manager checks that developer has the neccessary legal title on the site, whether it is freehold or leasehold, and that vacant possessions on the whole site is available immediately.
• Checks all the restcitions on the site (e.g. underground servcies, easements and rights of light or support), and compared with proposed scheme so that the building work will in no way interfere with them.
• May arrange all the necessary ground investigations, structural surveys and site surveys and commuicate all the results to rest of the professional team.

Preparing the contract documents

• Ensures that the contract is not allowed to commence without adequate documentation (e.g. architect drawings and Billings of Quantities).
• If the pre letting has been achieved than ensures all specific requirements of the tenent within the contract has been included.

Appointing the contractor

• Liason with developer and artitect to prepare tendering documents.
• The project manager decides whether a performance gurantee bond has been obtained by the contractor. Once satisfied on all matters, the proeject manager then authorise the placing of the building contract.

Site supervision

• The project manager make sures the arrangements has been made for the site superivison. The size and complexity of scheme may merit to appoint a full-time site supervisor, such as clerk or resident engineer or indeed a resident architect.
• The project manager may also play a role of a site supervisior, depending on skill level and contract arrangements with the developer and builder.

Construction period

• When the contractor has taken possession of the site, the project manager ensures that works are carried out on schedule and that the overall cost is kept within the budget.
• The project manager may be responsible for arranging and keeping record of periodic meetings with developer, artchitect and contractor.
• The project manager may be responsible for analysing the financial situation, particulary with regards to payment to contractor, compare them with the budget, checks on date of handover and compares the estimated date for the receipt of income or capital payments with the budgetary expectations.

Monitoring construction progress

• The project manager’s objective is to produce the building on time and within budget for the developer client.
• The project manager usually submits cash flow appraisal and progress reports to the developer on agreed intervals.

Handover of the completed development

• The project manager ensures before the handover from contractor to developer and then to the new occupier, all the building defects are dealt with, final inspection completed and transfer of ownership or lease agreements completed.
• If the occupier is not taking the possession immediately then the developer is vacant building, the project manager may introduce a program for regular cleaning, maintenance, and security of the building.