Project manager for a house extension

Do I need a project manager for a house extension?

In the construction industry the term ‘project manager’ often gets confused. For a house extension, a ‘project manager’ role is not typical and could be superfluous to requirements if you have a good architect and a good main contractor.

 

Featured image above from Andreas, architect in North London. See more and shortlist him for your home project here.


Find your perfect design pro within minutes…

Here at Design for Me, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners all over the UK to find the best architect or designer for their project.

✓ Get matched within minutes and see who’s interested.
✓ Get no obligation quotes.
✓ It’s completely free.


 

A ‘project manager’ could fall broadly into three categories:

 

1. Project management during construction

For an extension project, most people hire a main contractor who will run the job on site, including hiring the different tradespeople, oversee health and safety, deal with building regulation compliance, procure materials, schedule the works etc.

 

2. Client representative

This type of project manager acts as the client’s representative to plan, schedule, manage and troubleshoot over the course of the project. They will bring technical expertise to all the decisions a client would otherwise need to make. Their role might involve interviewing and appointing consultants, such as your architect, structural engineer, party wall surveyor etc.

It’s worth noting that this type of project manager should have no role or influence in the building contract between you and the contractor. A project manager should therefore not be the ‘boss’ of everyone or give instructions to the contractor/other consultants, which may be in conflict with the building contract. The building contract is there to project all parties from disputes and has strict guidelines in terms of what can happen with cost, payments and timeframe.

A client representative is not common for domestic projects. They are usually only appointed to act on behalf of a company for large commercial developments.

 

3. Contract administrator / lead consultant (e.g. your architect)

A contract administrator will oversee the work on site in relation to the building contract between you and the main contractor. This role is often taken by the lead consultant (typically your architect), who will have been trained in all aspects relating to contract administration. They will issue instructions to the builder and certify that the work is completed at different stages for payments to be made. They will also take the lead during site meetings to check on progress and help resolve issues.

Your architect (lead consultant) will be skilled in the following ways to take on this role:

  • construction and contract law
  • value engineering
  • cost control
  • building contract options/ how the builder will be hired and what role they will take
  • project planning
  • contract administration
  • dispute resolution
  • management of other consultants.

 

Work with an architect

If you’re looking for an architect to help with your extension, you are in the right place. Simply post your project below and we’ll match you up with the best architects or designers for your requirements. And it’s completely free!

  • Quickly see who’s interested in your job.
  • Create a shortlist.
  • Invite up to three for a no-obligation consultation.

 

 

Emily  Design for Me

facebook tweet linkedin instagram pinterest

 


Find your perfect design pro within minutes…

Here at Design for Me we match you with the right design professional, from thousands all over the UK. Get quotes & arrange up to three no obligation consultations. And it’s all completely free! Find out more here or get started below…


 

 

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)