You wouldn’t drive a car without putting the key in the ignition so why would you start your project without a construction manager (CM)? Commercial construction projects involve complex processes that require major investments of time, money, resources, and trust. There are multiple decision-makers, key components, and a strict order of operations to ensure safety and that building standards are upheld.
Because of the complicated nature of construction, organizations often hire a construction manager to help manage the construction process from start to finish. Typical responsibilities and the benefits they offer for any given project include the following.
- Quality Control
- Trusted Partnerships
- Finance Management
- Licensure and Insurance
- Deadline Management
In summary, CMs are essential for the success of your commercial project.
Why Construction Managers Are Important
Quality Control
CMs provide quality control for the entire construction project. If not crafted carefully and strategically, commercial construction projects can quickly become a massive liability for everyone involved, including whoever will use the structure after its completion.
Supervision
Construction managers make sure plans are solidified, followed, and continuously monitor project progress, including the end of construction wrap-up. CMs hire all necessary subcontractors and manage their roles within a project. This means the roofers, plumbers, drywall installers, painters, and anyone else hired by the CM will report directly to CM.
Decision Making
Construction managers are skilled communicators, project organizers, and project managers. CMs know how and when to secure building permits to ensure each aspect of the process is done by the book. They are qualified to make quick and important decisions that can impact the outcome of the construction project.
If there is a bump in the flow of the construction plan, experienced CMs know who to contact, understand the legality surrounding construction contracts, and utilize processes that help keep everyone on track throughout.
Trusted Partnerships
One of the most important responsibilities of construction managers is hiring subcontractors to complete specific portions of the project. Commercial buildings have many different standards to meet to comply with building codes, regulations, and warranties, to name a few, depending on the type of project.
When you hire a CM, you also benefit from their trusted industry partners — people who undoubtedly have a positive working relationship with the CM and a history of respect and reliability. CMs ensure subcontractors are licensed and insured, and they inspect work before paychecks are issued.
Finances
As mentioned above, CMs are responsible for paying the subcontractors they choose to hire. This benefit allows CMs to ensure that the specialized work is completed in its entirety before any other parties are paid, or depending on the type of subcontractor and project, as subsequent projects are completed.
Licensed and Insured
Construction managers are required to be licensed and insured. CMs carry workers comp and liability insurance, protecting construction workers and others who work directly on the job site. For example, if someone is hurt or a claim is made, the CM handles these situations as a licensed and insured professional.
A general contractor’s license in Florida grants the CM legal access to build, renovate, and fix most building structures, handle property requirements —think, demolition and land clearing — build swimming pools, and supervise construction of other serious and semi-permanent fixtures that most new projects, and some renovation projects, require.
Deadlines
Dealing with deadlines is a huge part of the CMs duties and an extremely important aspect of the construction plan. Keeping all parties involved on schedule and updated regarding changes, issues and next steps helps a construction project be completed efficiently.
CMs can impress the importance of project deadlines within the scope of the entire construction project. Going back to communication, CMs will also let subcontractors know about any delays that affect their project responsibility. If there is a materials shortage, the contractor will tell the affected subcontractors, document the delay, and publicly update timelines as necessary.
How to Hire a Construction Manager
When you need to hire a construction manager for your commercial building project, search for an established industry expert with years of experience and a professional portfolio with plenty of examples of past projects.
Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured and has completed a project like the one you’re planning. Also, consider hiring a local contractor who knows the area, is well-versed in local and state rules and regulations, and benefits from completing a quality job in your shared community.
Call Decker Construction today at 352-448-1428 to schedule an appointment with a general contractor who will do whatever it takes to get the job done right.
