Starting a construction business is not just about technical knowledge on building and clinching large-scale projects. It’s also about how well you manage each construction project you get your hands on, no matter how big or small. That’s why construction project management is an essential part of the industry.

What is Construction Project Management (CPM)?

CPM is the supervision of the a construction project’s pre-production, production, and production processes. Construction project managers see to it that each project has proper planning and that these plans are executed smoothly. The goal of CPM is to deliver client needs to the fullest or at least be able to provide everything stipulated in the contract.

A construction project manager deals with all lines of operations and ties them together to turn the project into a reality. In other words, they work their magic behind the scenes, but even if they don’t get their hands dirty with actual construction, they know the project from start to finish.

Roles and Duties of A Construction Project Manager (CPM)

Hire a general contractor

One of the first things a CPM needs to do is to hire or partner up with a general contractor. He is responsible for finding a licensed general contractor or seeing that the contractor gets the required continuing education to renew their contractor license. Most of the time, CPMs are either part of the contractor’s company, or they already have ties with trusted and reliable contractors that they know can deliver a good job.

So, in this case, networking and good connections are important to ensure that the manager has the best team for the project.

Liaise with clients

Of course, there is no project to manage if a CPM cannot talk to clients and snag a deal with them. Clients won’t always be ready with what they want when the need arises, so a good CPM can help them fill in the blanks for that matter.

At the same time, CPMs must also keep their lines open for adjustments and other requests that the clients may have during the project’s duration until completion.

Create a working budget

Another important consideration for CPMs is having a working budget for your entire project. Initially, CPMs have to prepare a budget estimate that is required for a pitch or project initiation. Funding is an essential part of construction work; clients and contractors must agree on a specific amount for the job order to push through. However, one must understand that budgets change depending on the availability of supply, possible delays, and unforeseeable issues. It is part of the job of a CPM to earmark funds for this specific purpose.

Deal with technicalities

The technicalities of a construction project may include state and federal requirements, construction permits, and insurance that are necessary for the project to begin. Usually, CPMs also sit down with the contractor to discuss all possible issues that may arise during construction and solve them before they take place.

Schedule construction activities

Once the CPM finishes dealing with every technicality, it’s time to create a schedule of construction activities. Some CPMs include planning and meetings with clients in their calendar, apart from actual construction dates. This schedule must also be comprehensive and include deliveries and deadlines that must be met.

However, as a CPM, you should be prepared for possible delays and have a contingency plan when the need arises. Proper communication is vital at this point, especially with the ongoing pandemic. Your clients will understand slight delays in completion, but not without prior warning.

To keep up with the demands of their work, CPMs have several tools and technologies they can use to stay on top of their game.

The Bottom Line

Construction project management is a critical component of the entire construction industry. Without managers, no construction project can proceed as planned. However, the value of CPMs lies in their ability to connect and communicate with people, stay organized, and stay on top of any situation. Each member of construction operations, from clients to contractual laborers, is important as long as they fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.