Member Article

Every step counts in successful Project Management

The role of a Project Management team is crucial to the successful completion of any commercial property development process, whether it be a multi-million pound design and build scheme or a small scale refurbishment. As specialist building surveyors and project managers our goal on any such project is to deliver it on time, within budget and to the client’s specifications.

Effective project management is the skill in identifying and managing risk in a practical and proactive way. It involves several steps, each of which requires commitment and dedication from team members and each step is essential to a successful project outcome. Here is a brief summary of the key steps we undertake when acting as project managers:

Step 1: Agree initial project brief – at the outset we determine the client’s initial requirements and advise on any surveys and site investigations that may be required

Step 2: Appoint the professional team – we identify and appoint the professional team such as; engineers, architects and planners.

Step 3: Appoint & manage specialist consultants – We advise the client on what specialist consultants are required in addition to the professional team such as site investigations, traffic surveys and asbestos surveys.

Step 4: Develop brief into employer’s requirements package – we manage the design team to produce a set of documents that detail the client’s specific requirements from the project.

Step 5: Obtain tenders and appoint main contractor – we invite contractors to tender for the role of main building contractor and manage the process of selecting and negotiating with them.

Step 6: Manage project process – once the project commences we liaise with the client, the professional team and the main contractor to manage the whole process. We continually assess the progress and quality of the project and report back to the client at regular intervals ensuring the design brief is adhered to. Good management of relationships during the development process is key to successful completion.

Step 7: Management of financial and contractual information – throughout the project we manage the budget and monitor any variations or omissions to costs. We also provide specialist advice on the interpretation of contractors and contractual clauses.

Without effective management of a building project contractors and sub contractors cannot be informed of and ultimately held accountable for the timing and quality of their planned works. Effective project management keeps all employed parties informed of the status of others activities and keeps the client continuously informed as to the progress of the project. Adhering to these best practices will ensure a successful relationship between all parties and ultimately a successfully completed project.

Richard Farrey is Director at Silverstone Building Consultancy.

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