Most people think of construction management as simply overseeing tasks and leading teams during the building of structures. However, commercial construction oversight extends beyond monitoring and checking in with team leaders; it encompasses the entire life cycle of the construction project, from planning to handover.
Hence, if you ever feel tempted to spare in construction project management services and simply oversee the process yourself, know that you’ll be losing more than a project manager; you’ll lose a reliable right-hand person who can help you break down the project into more manageable steps and ensure everyone works towards the final goal (a new building, a remodel or even a building maintenance).
The 5 essential steps of commercial construction management
1. Design
Though project managers are often hired once the design is completed, you can look for project coordination experts right at the beginning of the project to help you with the building conception. Their experience and knowledge will help ensure the design complies with the building code requirements and other local regulations, such as zoning laws.
At this stage, construction project management services can help you decide vital elements of your design, based on the construction site’s size, the estimated size of the building, and the purpose of the project. Likewise, they can help with:
- Schematic sketching: Designing the floor plan, elevations, and, in some instances, the site plan for your project.
- Design development: Researching to determine the most fitting materials and equipment for the project, according to the building code requirements, as well as the estimated quantities and labor needed. Project coordination experts typically create a bill of quantities to specify all this information, enabling you to obtain more accurate estimates from contractors.
- Organizing the contract documents: Based on the construction drawings, technical specifications, and material and labor requirements, construction project management services will gather the necessary information to create the contractual blueprints for the project and share them with the potential contractors.
2. Preconstruction
Preconstruction begins when you select a general contractor, but before any work commences on the site. Suppose you still haven’t gotten a project manager. In that case, you should obtain one at this stage to ensure they assist you in assembling the rest of the team and conducting preliminary studies to determine the project’s feasibility.
3. Procurement
At the procurement stage, you should already have the initial team in place for the project (managers, contractors, architects, etc.), as well as the required materials and tasks to complete it. Now, it’s time to purchase them and bring them into the jobsite. Depending on the organization and the project outlining, procurement can be the responsibility of the construction project management services, the general contractor, or the subcontractors.
Regardless of who is responsible for obtaining the materials, your project coordination experts will also assist you in tracking and organizing the purchase orders.
4. Construction
Now is where the action begins. However, before starting, it is recommended that your project manager set up a pre-work meeting to finalize the details regarding construction scheduling support, material storage, site access, and quality control during the project execution. Once everything is planned, it’s time to get the teams on the jobsite and set up the necessary equipment, warehouses, and safety measures.
At this stage, you will also need to create a payment schedule and determine the payment methods to be used during the construction. Fortunately, some construction project management services will also help you coordinate this aspect to ensure you meet your financial obligations and maintain a productive relationship with the contractors and subcontractors involved.
5. Post-construction
The last stage of the construction project is the post-construction phase. Here, the contractors will complete the mandated inspections required for obtaining a building permit, ensure the jobsite is clean, and fulfill other requirements outlined in the contract that are necessary to close the project.
Once the following tasks are completed, the occupants can move into the property, and the project owner can take ownership of the property:
Post-construction cleaning to remove debris and waste from the property.
Detailed site walkthroughs to ensure the owner understands the structure and the functioning of any equipment.
Final building inspections are either mandated by the building department or requested by the owner to ensure everything is up to their expectations.
Seasonal testing to inspect the building during different climatic conditions.
Construction project management services can assist you with post-construction documentation, including inspection reports, certificates of occupancy, notices of completion, and as-built drawings.
Why you shouldn’t spare construction project management
Commercial construction oversight enables you to plan and monitor multiple construction processes and teams, centralizing information and streamlining the oversight process. Hiring a project manager to handle your project prevents the stressful delays often caused by poor management of contractors and subcontractors, ensuring your construction project stays on track despite the challenges.
Hence, whenever you’re scheming a commercial construction project, look for experienced construction managers who can help you handle every step of the process, ensuring that you comply with regulations and requirements and guaranteeing that all teams do the job they’re supposed to do.
Expert construction project management services for every project.
If you’re located in Vero Beach and are looking for reliable project coordination experts to handle your next project, TRM Construction is your best choice.
We’re a full-service construction management company that can help you develop your project successfully regardless of size, purpose, or development stage. Whether you’re just estimating the costs or you already have site and design plans ready to build, our construction experts will seamlessly integrate into your project and ensure it is completed within your budget and your deadlines.
Contact us today and experience the TRM difference yourself!