Why Should You Hire a Project Manager?

Why Should You Hire a Project Manager?

Project Managers are essential to a project. So is Jessica to BuildBuilt’s tradesmen!

You should hire a project manager (PM) who specialises in a specific field for a variety of reasons. We list some common considerations in no order of priority (because everyone has different priorities. What’s yours?)

Ensure that you grab a PM who has good character (no moral flexibility) and a clear process to reach the projects’ objectives. They must be able to manage expectations, be clear in communication, logical and creative decision making, that result in fewer issues through the project.

Save frustrations

With a good project manager, you would expect them to have a well thought out process that has been executed several times over. We call this ‘experience’. The risk of project failure will be greatly reduced. Both personal effectiveness, and project processes, overlaid with corporate governance should stack up neatly to reduce your exposure to project risk, and of course, to better your experience.

Your project manager should have excellent relationships with the team on the ground (ie. sub-contractors, specialists, consultants) and will be able to convey any complex instruction without popping a vein. If you had no experience with renovating a space, and you cobbled a rag tag team to work on your home, kindly expect a frustrating experience, starting with communication.

An experienced project manager not only would have gone through several similar projects but will be able to glean from different project typologies to weigh in on some difficult problem areas. They should be resourceful and would pro-actively solve some uncommon problems through creative problem solving.

During the course of a renovation, different build specialists (sub-contractors) would move through the space to perform their specific scope of work. Due to the complex nature of construction, it is not enough for each sub-contractor to take responsibility for their own area of work and expect a beautiful outcome. Sub-contractors having ownership of their own labour and materials is unfortunately not enough to shield the project from risks. The project manager should take full responsibility of all activities within the site. They should also be contractually bound to the end result of the project. Further more, to create a better experience for you, the project manager and their company should extend a service and warranty period (within a reasonable and limited time) to ensure a smooth post-project handover. 

Save money

Since most projects are unique in that no 2 clients or spaces are the same, knowledge and processes that the project manager possess will limit the errors made at site during the project. If the project is a sizeable one, do not be fooled to endeavour a self-managed project. It is common to stumble into mistakes due to the lack of foresight or planning. Reverting back to its original state or to undo an error within construction is financially costly. 

Through the efficiency of the project manager, time can also be saved! And this can translate to savings for you. (Ie. not needing to extend that logistics storage solution, or that rental for temporary accommodation, or to cough out extras to appease the building’s management for an extended renovation period)

Depending on company policies, project managers who are running several projects at a time may pass on savings by bulk buying materials and accessories for clients through their company. Due to deep and long term relationships with their sub-contractors, project managers would be able to give you a price according to market standards. Trust that if you were to approach a sub-contractor directly, they would be giving you a price that could be higher due to the additional risk that they will bear, working for a direct client who has no experience with building homes.  Corporate tie-ups are common within the industry and clients might find themselves a good deal by association.

Save time

You might be a layperson who isn’t passionate about space building nor eloquent in the technical lingo of construction. You will see yourself burning hours on site for simple tasks. Project managers instruct and coordinate tasks onsite smoothly through good relationships with their build partners. 

Experienced project managers find it thrilling to move through a project at a rapid (yet precise and safe) pace to satisfy and create more value for you. They can only be confident in doing so by understanding each scope of work deeply.

Companies that pride themselves with good service will continually build value within the industry and have it available for you to enjoy. As home building exercises are notoriously known to consume time and effort, these value-adding gems should make it even more convenient for you, saving you a bunch of time.

Save lives

Not forgetting that construction is a dangerous field to be in.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/workplace-deaths-2022-24-man-falls-9m-skylight-2713041

A layperson would feel lost at site through construction as they lack the know-how and method of statement to safely execute a particular construction task. Hiring a project manager will ensure that safety comes first, and to their best effort, ensure quality of work through specification and supervision. 

Save face

Design can be thrilling to explore within a space, but some areas to work on are just out of bounds. Save your blushes, as project managers should be there to protect you from the prying eyes of the authorities. Their knowledge of code, and matters concerning authority should keep you safe throughout the project.