Managing a large-scale construction project can be incredibly challenging as there are so many moving parts involved.
In order to get your project to the finish line, you must juggle responsibilities such as meeting with contractors, obtaining permits, controlling costs, coordinating work at various job sites, and mitigating risks to workers. As you might imagine, it can be all too easy to become overwhelmed.
Fortunately, there is a better option. By hiring a dedicated construction management consultant, you can avoid the common pitfalls associated with monitoring a project in-house while simultaneously ensuring that your endeavor is successful.
Below, we discuss what a construction management consultant does and how partnering with such a firm can seriously reduce the hassle of managing major projects.
What Is Construction Management Consulting?
Construction management consulting is a subspecialty of the construction industry. Professionals operating within this field provide stakeholders or project owners with access to invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project.
Specifically, they will manage aspects of the project such as scope, function, safety, build quality, scheduling, and budget.
Construction management consultants have an abundance of industry experience, which allows them to guide stakeholders through the intricacies of a major construction project.
Some construction management consultants may also work with contractors to implement design elements, resolve environmental concerns, and enhance worker safety.
5 Great Reasons to Hire a Construction Management Consultant
Partnering with an experienced construction management consulting firm is a simple and effective way to:
1. Facilitate Cost Savings
One of the most pressing challenges during any project is staying on budget. When a major construction project is in full swing, it can become very easy to lose sight of your financial constraints. This consideration has been a particularly concerning issue in light of the soaring costs of construction materials.
A construction management consultant will help alleviate this pain point by carefully documenting all costs associated with the project. They will also provide you with detailed reports at regular intervals so that you can quickly identify any financial concerns that may arise.
2. Ensure Quality of Work
A top-tier construction management consultant will carefully monitor a project’s progress through each phase of construction. They will ensure that the various contractors involved in the project are doing their part to produce a quality structure that lives up to local building codes and your personal standards.
If an issue arises, the consultant will address it immediately and will also notify you so that you can take appropriate action as well.
3. Access Valuable Industry Knowledge
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a construction management consultant is that you can gain access to valuable industry knowledge.
For the duration of the project, your consulting partner will be available to answer questions, provide insights, and address concerns. They can also help you more effectively relay information to key stakeholders by providing you with detailed reports on the state of the project.
4. Increase the Chances of a Timely Delivery
While not even the best construction consulting firms can guarantee timely delivery of your project, they can significantly reduce the chances that you will experience a major delay.
Construction consultants are well versed in managing all facets of large-scale projects. This talent will help them proactively remedy issues that may cause a long-term delay.
Avoiding delays and ensuring a timely delivery is essential if you want to keep your investors happy. Timely delivery also increases your odds of completing the project within budget.
5. Reduce Your Administrative Burden
Finally, a construction management consulting firm will take the weight of the world off of your shoulders. They will serve as a buffer between contractors, engineers, and yourself, thereby making the entire construction project far less stressful. If an issue does come about, the consultant can guide you to the most appropriate resolution.
What to Look for in a Construction Management Consultant
Now that you know why you should hire a construction management consultant, let’s discuss how you can find the right partner for your project. A great construction management consulting firm should exhibit attributes that include:
An Abundance of Experience
First and foremost, you want to ensure that your consulting partner has a wealth of experience. Make sure that this experience coincides with the type of project that you are undertaking.
For instance, if you are developing plans for a large student housing structure, it is vital that the consultant specializes in managing projects within that sector.
Great Communication
Consistent and transparent communication is integral to the success of any construction project. As such, it is essential that your construction management consultant maintains open lines of communication from the outset of your relationship.
When meeting with consultants, set clear expectations in terms of when and how frequently you want to receive updates, as this will minimize friction once the project gets underway.
A Strong Industry Reputation
Lastly, we recommend gathering information about your prospective partner’s reputation within the construction consulting industry. If possible, speak with past clients and read reviews, as this process will provide valuable insights about the consulting firm.
In addition, you should visit the consultant’s website to see if their past work is showcased on their page. Successfully managing past projects across various sectors is one of the best indicators of a firm’s capabilities.
For instance, zumBrunnen has a projects page prominently displayed on our website. This page contains detailed case studies that outline how we have helped past clients tackle major projects.
Types of Construction Management Consultants
While there are of course commercial construction management consultants, there are different types of consulting if you were looking to hire for another type of project. Let us break down a few:
Civil Construction Consultants:
- Civil construction management consultants deal with large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, airports, and public utilities. They have expertise in civil engineering and are well-versed in the unique challenges associated with civil construction, including regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, and geotechnical engineering.
Niche Construction Consultants:
- Some construction management consultants specialize in niche areas. For example, there are consultants who focus on historic preservation projects, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, or sustainable/green building projects. These consultants bring specific expertise in their respective fields to ensure the successful completion of specialized construction projects.
Industrial Construction Consultants:
- Industrial construction consultants are experts in overseeing projects within the industrial sector, which includes facilities like factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. They have a deep understanding of industrial processes, equipment, safety regulations, and logistical considerations. Their role involves optimizing workflows and ensuring efficient construction processes in these specialized environments.
Drive Real Value with zumBrunnen Construction Management Consulting
At zumBrunnen, we don’t offer your typical construction management consultant services. As independent building consultants, we take a unique approach to driving real value for clients. Our consultants take the time to understand the intricacies of each project so that we can develop a tailored strategy to exceed your expectations.
All of our consultants are Senior Project Managers at the top of their careers. Each member of our construction monitoring consulting team focuses on providing smart solutions, offering big cost savings, and assisting clients in realizing the benefits of better quality buildings. Contact us today!
