Be a Better Project Manager?

Build It Magazine have a great article in their January 2023 edition. They share their top tips on how to be a better project manager. You can read it in full here.

If you have a self-build, renovation, or major home improvement project, you will need someone to oversee the works and regularly liaise with all parties involved.

However, it isn’t for everyone.

CLPM have several services that can support prospective self-builders to be the best they can be.

Our team of project managers can provide expert advice and assistance where needed, they can fill your knowledge gaps, and be on hand when you want help.

It means you can still oversee your project, but with expert help by your side.

CLPM can provide on-site support or coaching online. It is up to you if you don’t feel confident to go it alone.

CLPM often meet clients who have found it too time consuming, too stressful or they had underestimated what is involved. Our team are always happy to assist.

1️⃣   Plan ahead but keep it simple.

Project management of a construction project involves a lot of research, time, and decision-making.

You need to have a clear idea of your end result, and draw up a plan of how to achieve it.

It is wise to get an independent company to review and check the feasibility of your plans.

Research is going to help you achieve your dream. Decisions need to be made on methods of construction, structure and roofing, fabric of the building, fixtures and fittings. The list is endless.

You need to consider your time pressures, are you able to dedicate the time around work and family.

There are many ways to plan and monitor your project. A programme will be required to ensure everything works to plan and on time. This will also help everyone involved know what is planned to happen and when. It will also show the impact if deadlines are missed.

For help with this, CLPM have an option. https://cl-pm.com/construction-project-management/construction-programming-services

Build It Top Tip – Plan ahead as this will give you the best start.

2️⃣   Be realistic about your budget and accept that the unexpected can always happen!

Knowing your budget is the first step. Then sharing it with your architect and is next. It is important to ensure your drawings reflect your budget, so you know you can afford your plans.

Projects often fail if there are money issues, and many projects go over budget. Arranging your finances first is very important, and keeping a close eye on them throughout is even more so.

No project ever runs smoothly. Challenges can arise everyday on site. The key is to stay calm, and work through each one methodically. It is wise to plan a contingency fund for any unplanned expenses.

CLPM’s team of quantity surveyors can help with budgeting, value engineering if the prices are too high, contracts and finance monitoring.   https://cl-pm.com/quantity-surveying/

Built It Top Tip – use professionals where necessary.

3️⃣  Pre Construction planning is essential.

Before you begin, it is a good idea to have a professional check over your drawings to make sure everything is planned properly and in order.

You will need to consider health and safety on site and outline possible risks. CLPM Principal Design service can help you. https://cl-pm.com/construction-project-management/cdm-principal-designer-services/. For complex projects, or ones on a larger scale, a construction method statement, or management plan might be required. Local planning offices will dictate the need for these. CLPM can help here too.

Once everything is ready, it is a must to have a contract in place. Again, CLPM can help you prepare the most suitable contract. Typically this will be a JCT, which our experienced team have been using for many years. https://cl-pm.com/quantity-surveying/builder-appointment-contracts

Built It Top Tip – Use a contract.  This is essential to protect both you and those you choose to work with.

Organisation is critical. Keep a folder with all up to date information. Document everything, as you never know when it will be required. Keep receipts for all products and services as these will help with a VAT reclaim later on.

Build It Top Tip – Be organised

5️⃣ Be nice and make your site a great place to work.

As the process will be a long one, it is important all parties get along. CLPM can help you find your build team. A professional tender can take the stress away from you when there are so many other considerations to work through.

Consider what facilities are needed on site. Everyone likes a cup of tea & a biscuit, is there a kettle and access to water?

Remember that issues will pop up. Any problems need to be resolved calmly and professionally, with no raised voices and blame. It’s also important not to closely manage the teams. No one likes big brother watching over them.

Regular site meetings are going to be essential, so everyone knows what is due to happen and when. Communication is king.

Build It Top Tip – Be decisive & be brave. Also keep your neighbours on side, a chat about your plans over a bottle of wine can help enormously.

If Project Management isn’t for you, CLPM can take over for you!

Why use CLPM Project Manager as a Contract Administrator

Our Contract Administration service is ideal if you are building using a main contractor. Especially if you want the reassurance of an independent construction expert by your side. Contract Administration provides financial protection. It will also allow you to carry out your building works with confidence.

The Contract Administrator’s role is a contractual one. It is there to ensure that the construction works adhere to the building contract. CLPM will be there to ensure your build team build as per your designs and specifications. And at the cost and timescale agreed.

Employing an independent construction expert like CLPM as your Contract Administrator will bring fresh pair of eyes. Our team will not only protect your interests. Using CLPM, will add value by highlighting and tackling any design or technical issues or inconsistencies which may have been missed by your architect or build team.