Office Relocation? - Office Fit Out?

Why Do We Need A Project Manager Anyway?

Isn't an external Project Manager just another layer of cost we could better spend elsewhere on the project?

Well, it depends on the project!

As professional project managers we assume everyone sees a need for a professionally trained or experienced project manager on every office fit-out, refurbishment or office relocation project. It sometimes comes as a shock to find that non-project people see a project manager as an unnecessary overhead. Often we need to justify why a project manager should be involved at all.

Here are just a few of the reasons for employing the services of a client-side project manager so you can get on with what you do best - making profits for your own business:

Q/ Why should I hire a client-side project manager when I already

have an architect?

The responsibilities of a project manager and architect are quite different. A project manager oversees and coordinates all elements of project planning, design and construction to achieve the owner's project objectives. The architect (and/or design team) has a creative and functional responsibility to ensure that the completed design is aesthetically pleasing and meets functional requirements. The project manager and the architect/design team work together with the contractors.

Whilst the project manager and the architect/design team have very different roles, when brought together in a successful team environment they collaboratively deliver a successful project.

Q/ How can an owner's project manager save money?

Some of the ways a client-side project manager can save significant amounts of money for clients include:

♦ Looking ahead to anticipate potential problems and

initiating timely action to avoid them.

♦ Contractor `Change Order' review/negotiation

♦ Expediting building regulations applications/permits

♦ Negotiating favourable construction contracts

♦ Steering general contractors to favourable subcontractors

♦ Resolving project questions quickly and correctly to

avoid costly delays in the work.

♦ Providing confident project leadership

♦ Serving as an experienced "owner representative"

at the weekly construction meetings.

♦ Being an interested and knowledgeable observer during

construction site visits.

♦ Instilling confidence in the financial lending institution through

accurate and current cost accounting and budgetary tracking

♦ Knowing when to deny unacceptable claims for additional

money from contractors and consultants.

♦ Knowing when to support fair claims from contractors

and consultants.

♦ Maintaining an administrative framework that allows issues to

be identified and resolved quickly - saving time and money.

Q/ When should a project manager be brought into a project?

There are several answers to this question. Basically, the project manager should become a part of the construction planning team

when he or she can:

♦ Assist in the selection of the architect and design consultants

♦ Assist in selection of the General Contractor

♦ Review the architectural plans with the contractor to develop

a budget.

♦ Develop a schedule.

♦ Examine cost saving ideas.

♦ Plan construction site logistics.

In summary, a project manager should be on board well before the facility committee or board volunteers realise they have taken the development of their project as far as their experience and time will allow.

A good project manager/cost consultant can help with all of these things, and more, to help keep costs and outgoings to an absolute minimum. (Which savings of course more than cover their fees.)

STILL THINKING OF `GOING IT ALONE'?

Before taking the final plunge - and before it's too late - why not have a brief, no-obligation chat with a knowledgeable expert. Most experienced consultants will not only be able to point you in the right direction from `Day One', they will also be able to advise on the most cost-effective and efficient means of getting the work done with the least amount of hassle & heartache for you.

The author, Alan Francis, is the principal of Whitehead Francis Associates providing specialist project managers, cost consultants and quality control for ALL aspects of commercial interior fit-out, office refurbishment and office relocation. For further information please contact: Alan Whitehead - Principal Tel: 01737 351842 Mob: 07970 753125 E: info@whiteheadfrancis.co.uk http://www.whiteheadfrancis.co.uk/index.html http://www.whiteheadfrancis.co.uk/office-moving-services.html

Article source: http://www.appraisalarticles.com/Real-Estate/4400-Office-Relocation-Office-Fit-Out.html