How do the owners of a construction project choose a team to design, build, and inspect their projects? With numerous options, there are more than a few pitfalls to avoid. Learn more about the roles of construction management below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a general contracting role, the project deliverables are usually decided on ahead of time and assigned to the contractor at a set price. When a project owner is seeking a general contractor, the project is often bid out publicly to multiple contractors and the owner offers the role to the lowest qualified bid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This process works well for projects on a defined budget. As a builder, general contractors do not have direct relationships with the project designer and do not have the associated design obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A construction manager (sometimes called a construction manager administrator) is a combination of several roles. Construction managers guide the project owner, project supervision, design oversight, financing assistance, and a variety of other project management duties. However, the CMA is not responsible for hiring separate contractors, specialists, or a general contractor for the construction of the project\u2013these tasks stay with the project owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A CMA can consult and advise a project owner on general project concerns such as budget and timeline but does not take on the associated risks. Utilizing a construction manager is a popular choice among public projects, such as educational or civic projects, or when the project owner must operate under strict regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Construction Manager at-risk (or CMAR) will often begin a project in a consultant role much the same as a CMA, then develop into more of a general contractor role. This transition is often outlined in a contract before the start of the project. The construction manager at-risk will then also take on the responsibilities of maintaining project deadlines, budgeting items, etc. as well as management of any subcontractor roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A construction manager at-risk is often brought on in the early stages of a project, benefiting the project owner early on with architectural knowledge and planning. Later, the CMAR transitions as an on-site liaison and manager. CMAR positions work well with larger projects and when developed in the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The design-build process encompasses the initial project design phases as well as the construction stages. The main reason an owner of a project may choose a design-build team is to keep the same team on board throughout the project. The design-build contractor is responsible for all crew and staff, including sub-contractors, vendors, and specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of a design-build team are typically a more cost-effective approach to bigger construction projects, better communication on design and construction decisions, and greater autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BCI Construction teams can complete projects in many roles. Whether your project best needs a Design-Build team, Construction Manager, Construction Manager at Risk, or General Contractor, we can help you decide. You might even need our services in a sub-contracted role, such as rough & finish carpenters, drywall, and specialty projects like solar panel installation\u2013we can help with those, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n