subject: Construction Management Explained [print this page] A construction manager or supervisor, in simple terms, is responsible for running the whole or part of a construction site. He or she will make sure a scheme is completed safely, on time and within budget. They are also known as site or building manager.
Construction management typically encompasses multi-unit residential sites or commercial building sites, but not usually single-family residential building sites. Construction management of the site may be kept by a general contractor or a separate entity, and the construction management personnel or firm answers to the developer and is responsible for overseeing every facet of the project from start to end.
A manager on a small site might have full responsibility for the entire project. On bigger sites, you may be in charge of a special section and report to a senior site manager.
During a normal project, construction management personnel are responsible for overseeing each phase of construction and resolving any discrepancies in original blueprint design and actual implementation. Construction management personnel must monitor material and labour cost as they are accountable for the cost of a project. They may work with one or more project managers, architects, and site-specific superintendents, often in both an office and hardhat environment at the same time. In addition to overseeing the physical construction phases of a project, construction management must also be familiar with design and construction laws -- including OSHA regulations and building codes -- and serve as a point of contact for all issues. Equally important is delivering each phase of a project within a given time frame and budget.
The construction manager will often work with construction management software to organise efficient delivery and storage of construction material whilst seeing to it that safety measures have been put in place.
Ultimately, the work will involve keeping the client informed during construction. Lots of work is done outside on site.
The only way construction workers are finding themselves untouched by the current financial crisis, is by having the qualifications to back up their experience, even though many have never needed the qualifications before.
There are specialist management construction courses available for site supervisors, contract supervisors, contract managers, project managers, sales engineers, and all other staff of specialist companies with any direct responsibility for supervising the carrying out of work on site. These courses look at documentation and procedures and other related legal and contractual aspects relevant to the work of specialist construction companies. They also give a comprehensive practical review of sub contract provisions. They provide extensive briefing on key contractual aspects of supervising or managing work on site with special emphasis on record keeping and good contractual "housekeeping".
Construction management firms vary in size, and some provide their services exclusively to smaller general contractors. Large construction companies generally hire their own construction management personnel. The earning potential for construction management varies by region, but can easily reach six figures with experience and reputation for effectively managing larger, multi-million dollar projects. Enrol on a management construction course - it is the best way to increase your earning potential in today's financially unstable climate.
