The Construction stage starts once the tenders have been returned and the Contractor has been appointed. Up until this point, the Project Manager is very much the catalyst for keeping the design stage moving forward. He or she will be responsible for ensuring that the brief for the scheme is met and matches the client’s requirements.
The Construction Stage
In the Construction stage, the Project Manager will manage the entire project, including the Contractor, variations, and progress of the project are maintained. Depending upon the level of service required by the client the Project Manager can attend the site on a regular basis, engaging with the Contractor to check their on-site progress to make sure that the work is being carried out as specified to a high standard or quality using the correct materials.
Payments
The Project Manager will assess any issues that crop up and develop solutions as required with the client, Architect, and Contractor. The Project Manager will assist with payments to the Contractor at the specified intervals, making sure the client doesn’t pay more than necessary for work completed. He or she will also ensure that the Contractor is paid fairly for their work ensuring good working relationships between all of the parties throughout the term of the project.
Staying within the Programme
Throughout the Construction stage of the project, the Project Manager will monitor the work, snagging any items that come up and pre-empting any delays to the programme. The Project Manager will also be responsible for managing any variations and ensuring the Contractor submits their adjustment to costs. The Architect will develop any drawings needed and confirm that the variation is possible and wanted.
At the end of the Construction stage, the Contractor will make sure that the finished product is satisfactory by snagging the final work, ensuring it matches the design, and discussing with the client that it makes their requirements. The Contractor’s final account is confirmed and paid, subject to any confirmed retention and defects liability periods [period in which the Contractor needs to return and rectify any construction defects – normally a year].
We will look at the final sign-off next time…