Guide to Hiring Top Construction Managers
By: Robert Burrage
You want your construction project to be built on time, at the highest quality, and for the lowest cost. For that, you’ll need a construction manager.
Construction managers are different from general contractors in that they are an independent third party overseeing the project. Their main goal is to ensure that the project turns out exactly as you expect without you having to be involved in every little detail. Plus, with their experience, they can help guide you on how the project should go when you’re dealing with aspects outside your area of expertise.
Of course, for this to happen, it’s crucial that you hire the right construction management company. I’m Robert Burrage and I’ve picked up a thing or two during my years as the CEO of RWB Construction Management. Today, I’d like to share with you what you should look for and questions to ask when hiring a construction manager for your project.
The Company's Reputation
Start your search by looking at the company level. Ask for recommendations for construction management companies in your area and do a little research on what is available.
Narrow it down by looking at companies that have worked on similar projects. Reputation is everything in construction so don’t be afraid to scour their portfolio and talk to past clients. Remember that each individual project will be different, but you can get a general understanding of how well the company does by researching their past projects.
Who Will Be My Construction Manager?
Once you have a construction management company in mind, it’s time to zero in on who will be handling your project. Find out who specifically the company will likely assign to your project. The work will only be as good as the people who are actually the boots on the ground.
Certifications
Specific project managers may have certifications that further demonstrate how fit they are for your project. For example, if you’re working on an environmentally friendly project, you might want a manager with a LEED certification.
Other certifications project managers may have include:
- American Institute of Construction Certification (AIC)
- Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)
- S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management for Contractors
Past Projects
Ask about the manager’s last project and browse their portfolio. Focus specifically on projects that are similar to yours. This will give you a better idea of their experience and ability to realize your vision.
How Much Do I Need to Be Involved?
The point of hiring a construction manager is to be more hands-off with the project. However, there are always certain aspects that will need your oversight or input. Find out how much time the manager anticipates you’ll need to invest in the project or compare the services offered by different companies to get an idea.
Sit Back and Watch
With the right construction manager on the job, you can sit back and watch your project unfold. You can trust that everything will happen to your specifications with minimal time investment. As the CEO of RWB Construction Management, I’ve seen it happen many times with happy clients.
