Why do I need a project manager for my new house construction?

Why do I need a project manager for my new house construction?

According to United Arab Emirates clear rules, if you want to build a house you have to hire an architect or Engineering consultant and a main contractor. However, there is no rule to hire an independent project management company or a project manager. According to an estimate 90% of construction projects fall behind and above budget.

Reason to that, many clients do not want to spend time and money in hiring a project manager to do the most important work for them which is communication, identifying the scope and the coordination between the consultant and the main contractor. Also, the consultant succeed in convincing the client that they can do this job for them. The reality is the consultant and the main contractor busy with designing the project and cutting cost without putting the client interest.

The project manager must understand thoroughly what is the client need and expectations in addition to making sure that the project still under budget, within time duration and achieve the highest quality standards.

Project Management Professional roles:

• Understanding clients’ needs and expectations (Scope)
• Planning the project’s resources and activities including authorities requirement.
• Contractor, suppliers and subcontractors selection.
• Material and drawings approvals as per project specification.
• Monitoring the site progress and monthly contractors payments.
• Making sure the site is going on as per time schedule and quality standards.
• Snagging and inspection of site activities.
• Smoothing the site issues if appeared.
• Help contractors and consultants to solve technical issues.
• Closing stage and documents close out documents.
• Hand over the project to the client.

The list can goes on, however, in my point of view the most important role for the project manager is to be a great communicator and entrepreneur at heart. One of the most important skill the project manager must have are acumen and entrepreneurship skills in addition to a great communication skills since he will be dealing with many important stakeholders such as; clients, contractors, subcontractors, consultants and authorities.