My name is Frank Elliott and I’m a Herts and Bucks Construction Project Manager for CLPM.
I’ve worked for CLPM as a project manager for several years now, looking after CLPM clients and project managing their building projects mainly in the areas in and around Rickmansworth and Gerrards Cross . Over the years, I’ve project managed new builds, refurbishments and commercial projects in various locations including Chesham, the Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Chorleywood and North London.
I have been working in the construction industry on major building projects all my working life. Initially I trained as a surveyor, and then moved into Contracts Management. Over the years, I’ve overseen most types of construction projects. I’ve been in charge of organising the construction of supermarkets, hotels, commercial office premises and housing developments. I’ve organised the construction of bespoke architectural house builds, including both standard and listed building conversions. I still really enjoy my job, and I find helping clients with their building projects is a very satisfying way of making a living.
I live in Buckinghamshire, not far away from Rickmansworth. I am not much of a sleeper, so I’m always up by 6am. I’m very much a morning person, so I like to get stuck in early. Breakfast is pretty healthy – a bowl of cereal, some fruit and a couple of pints of water. Then I’ll check my phone for any texts, read through my emails and maybe do a few household ‘man chores’, such as putting out the bins, before I head out for the day at 7.30am.
I do most of my thinking and planning in the car and throughout the day. I drive a Jaguar and drive to most of my clients’ building sites, unless they’re in London, in which case I’ll take the train. I’m lucky because my patch is pretty compact, so I don’t cover that many miles, but I do have to cope with the M25 and London commuter traffic which can be challenging at times!
I generally cover 30 to 40 miles or so a day, and visit 3-4 projects each day. Much of my time onsite is spent checking progress and then problem solving – either offering advice directly to the client or to the build team. No day is ever the same. The issues I’ll need to help resolve will include things like the trades not turning up, early morning deliveries and insufficient details from the architects or engineers. I’ll also spend time helping clients make decisions to meet programme deadlines, or dealing with adverse weather conditions or the pastoral care of sub-contractors. I’m also always on the lookout for mistakes, shoddy works and contractors not following the specifications and drawings.
I don’t really have lunch – the most I’ll have is maybe a price of fruit and a drink, but that’s about it. Usually lunch is really an admin pit-stop when I can check my emails, make some phone-calls and plan what needs to happen at my next site visit. My day revolves around ensuring the building sites are well informed, have sufficient materials and information, and then recording all of that on CLPM’s Buildertrend project management system. I’d describe my role as one of checking construction works as they proceed, anticipating problems and shortfalls in information, and helping to make sure the build goes as smoothly as possible.
My handy tip for clients to make the most out of their project manager is to trust him or her. It’s all about effective communication. Just listen and provide information when asked and make sure you keep the communication channels open so there can be constant liaison. That and accepting the fact that not everything is going to go 100% right will make the process proceed as smoothly as it can for everyone.
What I enjoy most about my job is problem resolution, sharing knowledge and helping the trades. It’s also rewarding to please a client, and to learn about new concepts and construction methods. I like working on historical renovations and extensions but my favourite projects are the new builds. I’m project managing the construction of a substantial new ICF house at the moment, which I’m really enjoying.
After work, I like to socialise with friends and enjoy a beer or two. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my children and grandchildren. I like gardening, walking, some keep fit and watching the odd game of rugby. I’m also a very practical person so have always done a fair bit of DIY – including building an extension to my own home.
Are you planning a major building project in Rickmansworth, Watford, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield or North London? Do you need a construction project manager? If so then we’d love to hear from you. Simply call CLPM on 01923 896550, complete a contact form or email us at info@cl-pm.com.
