Project Manager Residential Construction Requires Wearing Multiple Hats

Project management can be done for residential purpose and commercial purpose. There are project managers looking after both these types of construction works. A project manager for residential construction requires educational credential that is different from the ones involved in commercial purpose. Though the difference is not much, still it is distinguishable.

Educational Credentials for Residential Project Management

Residential construction managers generally require a bachelor’s degree to become eligible for the post. Experienced candidates are given priority because he/she must work at the supervisory level. A manager has to manage the resources well and to do that some amount of experience is required. In fact, according to surveys, these posts are growing at a rapid pace and will reach a considerable amount by 2024.

Some Vital Information

Residential construction is an important part of construction project management. These managers are also known as construction superintendents and sometimes general contractors. These professionals are responsible for organizing budget and also supervise the construction of homes. The demand for commercial construction and residential construction vary to a large extent and the managers must acknowledge that difference. They usually come with a degree in engineering or construction (both are eligible) and come to know the difference during that stage itself. However, some learn it on work and get a degree in business for future prospect. An additional master’s degree is also helpful in this regard. Having experience is generally expected out of a construction manager.

Skills Required and Job Role of Construction Manager

Residential construction managers usually work from the office, but sometimes visit onsite as well. They have to visit the site frequently. Their job duty involves recruiting and managing employees, scheduling projects, supervising construction progress as well as securing permits and managing site budget. The managers also perform quality analysis of the work and finds out whether the project is deviating from its goal. They evaluate project safety and also ensure that contractors are paid on time.

Construction managers are expected to multi-task and hence be well-organized. He/she must be open to flexible timing and possess good communication skill. The manager is required talking honestly and clearly to the project owners. He/she has to shoulder responsibilities right from the conception time through the end. In fact, the budget at which the bidding will be done is also calculated by the manager. He is the boss onsite and the team must listen to him to work efficiently.

Obtaining the equipment like the bulldozers and other mechanicla instruments also depends on the project manager. If the project exceeds the cost, the owner and the client will seek explanation from the project manager only. They do not work with the materials but with the resources and see to it that the project gets completed on time and without much deviation. He serves a sthe olink between the workers and the owner and is thus the lifeline to complete a project and hand it over to the client. A PM is the almighty on site and off site during the runtime of the project.

Resolving Legal Issues in Building and Construction Management

There are various legal issues and problems in building and construction management at all the levels. Conflicts can arise at various levels of a project process and the team can get restless over that. Construction project managers are asked to resolve various kinds of disputes associated with the completion of the project. They are also responsible for identifying the issues as well as mitigating them by comprehending the legal ramifications.

How are Disputes Resolved?

Conflicts can arise at any level and and the project manager must handle it with all his might and skill. In order to keep the team productive, the manager controls the disputes and tries to solve them quickly. Potential conflicts could involve lack of clarity, limited resources, conflict of interest, power struggles and poor communication. While every issue is unique, there are certain common stratgies for resolution followed by all the project managers. Those strategies are:

• Mediation- This is a process in which a third party mediator is hired to resolve conflict between 2 parties. This strategy is less time consuming and also the cheapest. A negotiation specialist is required to resolve dispute and an experienced person creates a win-win situation for both the parties involved in the dispute.
• Mini-Trial- Mini-trial is held in an informal setting presided by an advisor or attorney. This attorney must be paid for this service. However, there is one problem with this arrangement; the agreement is non-binding and hence can be broken. It is more time consuming and expensive than a mediation or negotiation.
• Arbitration- The third and last process is that of arbitration. This is however, the most expensive and time-consuming strategy of resolving conflict. Each party is represented by an attorney along with witnesses and evidences. After hearing out both the sides, the arbitrator gives a ruling which is final and binding.

Devise a Risk Management Plan

Focus on the prevention is the mantra for solution. The managers who spend less time on spontaneous problems and more time on diminishing its impact, can actually control the problems and devise a fruitful risk management plan. This plan will help in managing the risks involved in the projects. It also helps in defining the role of project staff and recognize possible risks. The plan also lays out categories for problems and their impact on the project.

Comprehend the Legal Principles

Understanding of legal principles saves money as well as time. Project managers should know how to negotiate agreements, purchase insurance, deal with jurisdiction’s licensing needs and administer job site safety. There are patches of liability in construction management. For instance, the project could go overhead and the bid might exceed the estimates. Property development consultants will provide proper tips on how to solve issues with faulty workmanship. Normally, the policies do not even cover economic risks and hence the managers along with consultants should ensure the proper coverage that can avoid claims and liabilities.

Develop a Quality Control Plan

Developing a quality control plan ensures that the construction reaches a particular standard. Quality control is the last step during which the project is reviewed with the help of procedures and systems to maintain the highest standard. The consultants should also have knowledge regarding safety management codes, compliance codes, building codes and also incorporate these aspects within the plan.

All these steps are involved in the entire dispute resolution process which is managed by project managers with the help of property development consultants.

The Dos and Don’ts of Project Management Companies Regarding Project Completion

In this world of changing business environment, keeping up with the new or modified practices is important and necessary as well. To remain ahead of your competition and also to maintain quality in work, it is imperative to optimize the efficiency and productivity of your team. To achieve this, knowing the dos and don’ts of project management will help. The residential project management companies usually follow these to keep ahead of their competition. Usually a commercial construction is different from a residential construction; however, the basics are the same and hence the dos and don’ts are similar too.

The Dos to Follow

• Retain Contact with Stakeholders- Maintaining contact with stakeholders is of immense importance. Not informing them of the company’s condition is unprofessional and an error. Maintaining contact with them encourages good practice and also motivates and focuses people to work on the same line.
• Starting on a Positive Note- Each and every project should begin on a positive note and involve all the parties into it. A project launch is the best occasion to let every staff member know what is expected and how that expectation could be fulfilled.
• Vigilant Delegation of Responsibility- Each and every project involves a team and that leads to the success of a project. Therefore, identifying the skill set of each team member to assign work is necessary. Refraining from delegating task to incapable people also helps in optimizing the talent pool contributing to the success of the project.
• Challenge Existing Conditions- The 9-5 job style is not functional anymore. Always look out for new technologies and practices to optimize output and drive profits to the organization. Join a group and remain in the loop to kill competition.

The Don’ts to Avoid

• Be Conscious to Ask for Feedback- Never be afraid of asking for feedback from clients especially if it is your debut project. You can also seek feedback from your co-workers in order to improve on your personality, skills and your completed project. Be open to feedbacks.
• Depend Only on Email Communication- Do not depend only on emails as the chosen method of communication among members. This kind of communication however cannot replace a one-on-one face-face conversation. There is ample chance of being misinterpreted.
• Try to Satisfy Everyone- This is a trend in management hierarchy; however, a vicious trend. Pleasing everyone is unrealistic. You cannot get everyone to agree with you and hence quit it altogether.
• Creating Unrealistic Expectations from Positives- Being overly optimistic regarding a particular scenario can be a dampener for the project and your career. Always have a risk management plan in place by taking into account the negative side so that you can avoid downfall.

These dos and don’ts for building and construction management are essential for the completion of a project. Following these can take you places while avoiding these can cause downfall and bring failure. Being skilful in your job is essential along with possessing certain other qualities like assessing the project properly.