A successful commercial construction project is one that is delivered ‘on time’, ‘on budget’ and ‘on quality’.
These ‘project’ goals must be balanced against the client’s relationship status and reputation, which will affect the longer-term goals of a contracting organisation.
The tradition view of construction being carried out by a small team of design consultants working for a client that was then given to a Chartered Surveyor to seek tenders from contractors has changed. Projects have become more complex with a less clear cut set of roles and responsibilities set for any one professional on the project but yet still the need for accountability and control. This page is an introduction to the many services that you might need at different stages of the project with enough information to help you decide if you need a professional to provide them – note it might be someone already on your team that can help.
Option analysis
As a client, you need a professional that will provide realistic options for your specific development opportunity to suit business needs. Financing and marketing analysis are at the heart of this research and require property & construction specific knowledge.
Project Management
The primary role of a project manager is to be the ‘single point of contact’ with the design team, contractors and third parties on behalf of the client. They are responsible for managing the project lifecycle which includes the coordination of areas including reporting, programming, scheduling, project team assembly, appointments, fees cash-flow, approval of payments and end of project reviews. The project manager will ensure that all of the third parties work to a schedule to ensure completion of a functionally and financially viable project that will be completed on time within authorised cost and to the required quality standards. Chartered Surveyors from many different backgrounds will be excellently qualified to provide this support, depending on the nature of your project.
Stakeholder Management
Larger projects come with a greater level of complexity, such development projects require multiple professionals including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and those involved in fire safety and health and safety. A professional who has the primary function of being the primary interface from the start ensures that the project is will be professionally planned and executed. Also, these professionals will be able to manage the ever-changing legal and regulatory requirements through all relevant obligations will be fully adhered to.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Creating a physical and digital building require planning an expertise from the outset. Ensuring your team has experts in Building Information Modeling (BIM) which produces digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a building. Properly delivered BIM projects can have a lasting value for the building over its life.
Planning and cost estimating
It is important that you have a specialist to oversee the planning and coordination of the project through its lifecycle. The Project Manager will provide an insight into resource planning and cost estimation, which will ensure that the client will obtain maximum value for money on their project.
Procurement & Tendering
A large part of the role of the Chartered Project Manager is to negotiate with external suppliers, agencies and professionals involved in the project implementation. A Chartered Project Manager will develop and implement the procurement strategy appropriate for the project. A vital phase involves the preparation of tender documentations and analysis of the returned tenders. The Project Manager will also manage the negotiations and ongoing relationship with the successful tenderer. Advise on procurement strategy appropriate for the project. Prepare detailed tender documentation that will reduce the possibility of cost overruns on the project. Analyse tender returns and negotiate where appropriate, with the successful tenderer.
Contract Administration
Prepare contract documents and advise the client on the content of same and advise of all actions required by the client during the process.