Building a Superior Project correctly and ensuring its successful completion relies on numerous accurate decisions and adherence to best practices. Nevertheless, the most pivotal choices are those made during the initial planning phases. Whether for better or worse, these decisions will accompany you throughout the entire project lifecycle. If your choices were not well-made, they may continue to unveil surprises long after the project concludes.

Selecting the design team and defining the project’s scope constitute the crucial initial stages. Once these tasks are completed, the specifics of the design can commence, and it’s time to make decisions regarding the delivery method and selecting a builder.

The Essential Role of the Entire Project Management Team

According to the Project Management Institute, project management is defined as “the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality, and participant satisfaction.” Simplifying this definition, we believe it involves:

1. An efficiently organized and experienced team providing proper leadership, technical expertise, and precise scheduling of material and equipment delivery.
2. Coordination among architects, engineers, all subcontractors, and field workers.
3. Back office staff accomplishing critical goals, such as completing a successful quality project on time and under budget.

The realization of these objectives—cost, time, quality, and owner satisfaction—defines successful project management, distinguishing a general contractor from the rest.

The Significance of the Project Manager’s Role when Building a Superior Project

In our perspective, the project manager holds the utmost responsibility for Building a Superior Project successfully. It is the project manager who plans, organizes, and controls the project’s direction, including:

1. Ensuring the effective utilization of resources, encompassing labor, materials, and equipment.
2. Managing the project’s scope, budgeting, scheduling, and performance requirements.
3. Overseeing cost control management, including handling change orders, preparing and submitting cost documents, and resolving issues.
4. Managing communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including the project superintendent, administrators, project accountants, and the rest of the project team.
5. Handling the project’s close-out process, which involves punch list completion and delivering drawings, maintenance manuals, and warranties to the owner.

Opt for the Optimal Delivery Method

While design-bid-build (DBB) serves as the traditional approach for Building a Superior Project, it doesn’t necessarily translate to being the best method. In fact, the adversarial relationships fostered by DBB often introduce more stress, cost, and risk to project outcomes. For projects using traditional building methods and materials with few unknowns, DBB can, at the very least, offer owners a fixed-price contract to start. Whether that price remains constant throughout the project depends on various factors that are often unknown from the outset. However, the higher the risks at the project’s inception, the greater the likelihood of additional costs.

Today, a diverse array of delivery methods allows the crafting of a contract tailored to the unique aspects of the Building a Superior Project. Factors to consider include the project’s size, your own capabilities and available time, contractor availability, project goals, project timeline, as well as unique project aspects and risks.

This crucial initial step of thoughtfully considering delivery methods is often overlooked by owners who simply opt for the most common one. Remember, though, that the chosen delivery method will dictate the level of control you possess and how much influence you can exert on project outcomes. It will also determine the pool of available contractors you can choose from.

Select a Compatible General Contractor

The most suitable general contractor for the chosen delivery method and project type is typically one with extensive experience in both. Additionally, they should boast a strong business track record, high ethical standards, and financial stability. Chemistry is another crucial factor to consider. Entering into a long-term construction project contract with someone you dislike or feel uncomfortable with can be risky. Honest and transparent communication between both parties is essential to navigate the challenges that may arise.

Ideally, your general contractor (GC) should also mesh well with your design team, engineering team, and other representatives. On your end, you should feel confident in the experience of the project managers working for your GC. These individuals, along with the superintendents, will be making daily decisions about the schedule and how tasks are executed. The last thing you want is to second-guess decisions made several levels removed from you.

Thoughtfully Draft the Contract

The most effective contracts are equitable and assign risks to those best equipped to manage them. Structuring contracts differently can lead to costly legal issues, projects turning into battlegrounds, and significant quality and schedule problems. A well-structured contract should also anticipate potential problems, as construction projects rarely unfold without challenges. Given the multitude of assumptions and participants, controlled chaos is more likely than a smooth process. Therefore, the contract should address as many foreseeable problems as possible and outline methods for resolving them.

Vigilantly Administer the Contract

A significant cause of construction disputes is the “non-administration of the contract.” Whether aspects of the contract are being ignored or misinterpreted, there is a risk of misunderstandings. Before construction commences, and after the contract is negotiated and signed, establish contract reviews based on project phases. Ideally, these reviews should occur before each phase begins. During the reviews, retrospectively confirm that everyone adhered to contractual requirements, and prospectively anticipate potential contract issues. Conducting reviews by phases ensures regular administration of the contract and allows for the assessment of potential problems based on the latest information.

Asia Pacific Projects: Your Partner in Exceptional Construction Management

Welcome to APPMVN, your trusted ally in delivering unparalleled construction management services. At APPMVN, we understand that the success of any construction project hinges on meticulous planning, expert decision-making, and seamless collaboration among all stakeholders. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our approach, ensuring Building a Superior Project not only starts off on the right foot but also navigates challenges with efficiency and precision until successful completion.

As industry leaders, we recognize the critical importance of selecting the right general contractor, structuring contracts thoughtfully, and vigilantly administering them throughout the project lifecycle. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, APPMVN stands out as the go-to partner for comprehensive construction management solutions. Partner with APPMVN, and let us navigate the intricacies of construction management, ensuring your projects not only meet but exceed expectations from inception to completion.

Please send information or requests that you need to consult for Asia Pacific Projects via:

NGUYEN THI HIEU | Local Relations

Mobile phone: +84 918 331 489

Email: hieu.nguyen@appmvn.com