Although self-managing a build can seem great for saving money, an experienced pro may be better value.
Once the approvals for planning and building control have been given, it’s time to appoint someone to supervise work on-site.
This is your project manager (PM), and he will help you with any problems that might arise.
What does it take to be a project manager? Or should you leave the job to someone else?
What is self-build project management?
PMs (project managers) are responsible for procuring, delivering and maintaining a building within the agreed budget and timeframes. These skills include general management, problem solving and quality-checking. The PM will also ensure safety and health (including Covid protocol) on the job.
The PM will prepare a schedule. They will assign contractors, trades, suppliers, and services to the project and decide when they should be there. They will solicit quotes from contractors to negotiate the pricing structure and any discounts with their suppliers. Project managers will also have to confirm contracts and tenders.
PMs should be in close contact with homeowners. However, PMs must also communicate with neighbors, material suppliers, hiring companies, contractors and utility providers. This includes building professionals like structural engineers, warranty surveyors, and building control.
You will need to be committed to all of these tasks. While some self-builds are a full-time job, others can be managed as an enjoyable hobby. If you are a self-builder and considering taking on the task yourself, it is important to determine how many of the required skills you have and how you’ll use them.
All of these responsibilities require an in-depth knowledge of finance, construction, and this is where self-builders may sometimes have difficulty.
What is it worth to hire a project management professional?
A professional who will take over the PM role can cost between 5% and8% of your overall spending budget. This could add up to PS10,000. You can see why some self-builders view this as an ideal spot to cut budgets, managing their own projects. However, it could be a great way to save money by having an expert on your side.
A professional PM can help you keep track of your project’s finances. They have the ability to identify what is needed to complete the project and budget accordingly. Because they plan efficiently, it is less likely that things will go wrong. Their experience will make them more adept at handling trades, and they will be able to identify problems before they become major issues.
You should consider the potential benefits of hiring a qualified professional before you dismiss the idea. Making it all yourself can lead to a multitude of responsibilities. If you make a mistake, you could be out a lot of cash.
Who can project manage me in my self-built?
It could be your architect, builder or freelance PM. Every scheme will be different so it’s important to know what each one is.
You should do your homework and choose the most qualified professional to fulfill your unique requirements.
It is important to find someone with local contacts and a proven track record of similar projects. If your self-build is not close to your home, this is even more important. Consider the amount of experience your potential project managers have.
A lot of architects don’t specialize in one-off projects. There can also be significant differences in how an architect’s knowledge of the construction phase. Architects are often more concerned with the technical, contractual and design aspects of a construction than the actual running of the project.
If you are going to be responsible for project management, prepare yourself for the responsibility. It’s not good to just have a go and for things to go wrong you end up having to pay twice. It is important to remember that you also need sufficient time. You shouldn’t be coming home to work late at night. This can lead to stress and strain on your relationships with your family members.
Our many years of experience in handling self-builder claims has taught us that you don’t need a PM unless your are confident about what you do.
You should consider the potential benefits of hiring a qualified professional before you dismiss the idea. Making it all yourself can lead to a multitude of responsibilities. If you make a mistake, it could result in a huge financial loss.
