Why CM a Project?
by A.P. Construction Company

With costs constantly escalating and funds becoming tighter every year, getting the most for your money has become everyone’s primary goal. Construction Management (CM) is the construction industry’s answer for customers who are dissatisfied with the traditional general contractor (GC) method of building projects.

Essentially, Construction Management is a two-phase approach to a project: pre-construction planning and the construction itself. The strengths and benefits of a CM project lie in the pre-construction phase, and the success of a Construction Manager is determined by the ability to map out all pre-construction variables and advise the clients as to their solutions. In short, Construction Management is a pro-active solution to project delivery that is implemented by a team approach and accountability.

What does a Construction Manager do?

1. The CM works hand-in-hand with the Customer and Architect/Engineer as a team member, representing the Owner’s interests throughout the project, from the project’s infancy through the pre-construction and construction phases.
2. The CM pulls together the master schedule, outlining goals for all phases of design, budget, final bidding, and construction.
3. The CM reviews all drawings not only for thoroughness but also for constructability and how they relate to speed, money, and the master schedule.
4. Long lead items are identified and ordered before completion of the construction documents to avoid construction delays.
5. The CM creates detailed budgets so the Customer can forecast cash requirements.
6. The CM provides documentation of expenses, verifying all charges to the project.
7. After review of design changes, the CM advises the Customer immediately of any cost or time impact, and decisions can be made on the spot.
8. The CM provides competitive pricing from qualified bidders in all trades, ensuring thecustomer quality at the right price.

What Projects are particularly well suited for Construction Management?

• Projects with severe time restraints
• Highly creative but cost conscious projects
• Multi-phase projects being built under occupied conditions
• Cost constrained projects that need a Board approval

How to Select Your Construction Manager

• Past work experience and reputation
• Quality of available/committed staff
• Work in progress and availability
• Project Management and Cost Accounting systems
• The CM’s ability to think pro-actively

The CM approach to a project is for the customer who wants to be involved, believes that projects should be driven by cost, speed, and quality, and that the people who are responsible for delivering the final product should have input in creating it.