DO YOU NEED A PROJECT MANAGER? WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

The decision as to whether a Project Manager is required depends upon the nature of your project. Sherwood Surveyors can advise on the advantages of appointing a Project Manager and how that appointment will benefit your business.

The level of involvement by a Project Manager is influenced by a number of external factors. These factors need to be carefully analysed and the appropriate procurement method considered. The choice of which should be made after careful analysis of the situation and taking into account considerations such as the following:

The nature of the project - Method of Procurement

If the aim is to construct a new building which is uncomplicated in its construction and the client wishes to minimise the risk of incurring additional costs, then the procurement route most suited may be the appointment of Sherwood Surveyors as Employers Agent to procure the project under a Design & Build Contract. However, if the works involve the restoration of an historic structure or the management of a repair and maintenance programme involving many buildings, then a different approach will be required.

The scope of the works

There are many different factors which can determine the best method of procurement and type of contract to be used on a project. These include the size, location and complexity of the works or specific site problems such as access, storage or movement. The type of work also needs to be considered; are the methods of constructions sophisticated or only involve the basic trades and skills of the industry? The programming and phasing of the works can also have a bearing on the best form of procurement route.

Measure of control by the client

The design of a project varies based on the client’s required goal. Sherwood Surveyors can advise on whether the design should be wholly in the hands of the client’s consultants or whether responsibility would be best with the contractor or specialist sub-contractors. The client may also wish to exert control over workmanship and materials and again certain methods of procurement are best in these situations.

Accountability

Sherwood Surveyors are happy to act as overall Project Manager on a project and provide the client with a single point of responsibility. However, if the client wishes to retain part responsibility (client’s representative) or apportion specific roles to other parties including consultants, contractors or specialist sub contractors, Sherwood Surveyors can again advise.

Appointment of a contractor

In comparison with the traditional route of collating the design and then appointing a contractor to undertake the works, there are now many different ways a contractor can be appointed to act for a client. These include appointment by competitive tendering, negotiation, to be appointed with full design responsibility, in a management capacity or as the principal contractor to oversee the directly appointed subcontractors.

Certainty of final cost

The nature of a project dictates the certainty of the final cost. Sherwood Surveyors can advise on whether it is in the client’s interest to choose either a lump sum contract or one where re-measurement is required.

Start and completion times

Sometimes the priority is time and as client you may require the works to be ‘fast tracked’ to achieve the shortest overall programme. Sherwood Surveyors have experience of such projects, including recent projects working with international retailers. We can advise clients on the best method of procurement to suit the unique circumstances of the project.

Restrictions

Whatever the size of the project, there will be some form of restrictions placed on the works. These can range from restrictions put in place by the Local Authority in relation to noise, working hours and security in order to protect surrounding property. Other restrictions can include works undertaken in occupied buildings and the associated phasing and sequencing of operations required to ensure the day-to-day occupation of the building is not disrupted.

Assessment of risks

Sherwood Surveyors has the experience to guide you as client towards the most appropriate form of procurement and contract to mitigate the risks associated with cost, time, quality and performance. Our guidance will help you prioritise what risks are relevant to your project and how best to overcome them.

The Chartered Surveyor that works on your project will also be a member of The Association of Project Managers. 

Please also take a look at our Sectors pages, these provide an idea of the type of work we have experience undertaking.

Ring today on 01909 512 149 or 07530 291 367 for a no-obligation discussion regarding your Project Managment requirements.