When working on a building project, you can decide to be your project manager or to go for a building consultant. It can be a tough choice to make, as each option has its advantages and disadvantages. When do you know, it is time to hire a building consultant for your project? A consultant will offer you the following services- create a building schedule, estimate costs and come up with a budget, administer contracts to vendors and service providers, order management, risk control and management, and perform root cause analysis. They will also sort out any permits in case you need to provide it to crane hire companies that you will be using. So, in other words, they will pretty much do all the hard work for you!
If you are new to construction project management, the chances are that you will find it overwhelming and will need the input of an expert to get everything on the right track. Here are instances when you might need to contact a building consultant;
1. When you need your project to run smoothly
A building consultant will oversee planning and execution throughout the project. They will develop a plan that fits within your budget and available workforce for the best possible results. They also help with quality control by identifying problems and coming up with solutions. The sooner you bring a consultant on board, the better the chances of the entire project running smoothly to completion.
2. When you need to negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers
When starting your building project, you already have a budget of how much you intend to spend on it. If you have poor negotiating skills, contractors can have deals that are way beyond your budget. A building consultant will help you choose whether you need a large crane or small crane, onboard vendors and service providers who can provide quality services within your budget. They will also know at which point of the project to onboard which vendor. This may save you money.
3. When you need to ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures
The aspect of risk management and control may be beyond the scope of someone who isn’t experienced in the building industry. A consultant will help you stay in compliance with the laid down safety regulations and procedures.
4. When you need help with the RFP Process
The Request for Proposals (RFP) process can be the most daunting for any new project manager. Rarely will your building get completed within the specified timelines? There may be delays, or it can be finished earlier than expected. When things are moving faster than stipulated, you’ll need service providers to match the pace. Similarly, you’ll need them to hold off deliveries when you are experiencing delays. This is not a mean feat to achieve without incurring extra costs. However, an experienced building consultant can get service providers to make deliveries as and when they are needed. Besides being able to predict what is required for the next phase of the project, they will also engage the vendors to modify the order or delivery dates as necessary.
5. When you need support
Even if you decide to manage the project yourself, it can be still difficult to oversee everything from drawing up plans to continue monitoring and evaluating the project up to completion. A building consultant will work in collaboration with you and take some of the burdens off your shoulders. You can afford a break from your desk as you are assured someone will be in charge even if you step away from the site.