There’s a lot to do before you break ground on a development project—namely, finding the right construction project management partner. If you don’t have good leadership in place to shepherd your development along, you leave yourself open to all types of setbacks. Ultimately, these setbacks will cost money, waste time and cause frustration. Choosing a project manager who can capably run the show protects you against these risks.
But as the saying goes, good help is hard to find! Before you scour Indiana looking for the most capable project manager, take a moment to figure out who you’re looking for. Here are a few essential tips for choosing the best construction project management partner.
Hire a firm, not a person
People tend to think of a project management partner as a single person, but the best approach is far and away working with a team. Sure, one person is going to have the title “project manager,” but it’s naïve to think it’s not a team effort, down to the last man.
Start your search for a management partner by looking at firms who can provide leadership and a support staff. The more talent a firm has in-house, the better equipped they are to serve you as your development progresses.
Evaluate the capabilities of the manager
Despite having team support, make sure the capabilities of the overall project manager are sound. This means working with someone who has prior experience on a similar development to the one you’re building, and proven capability in managing a robust team of talent. You should always feel like you’re talking with a competent, confident individual when you speak with your project manager.
As a side note, it’s always best to work with a “senior” project manager. Many management firms like to put a senior project manager’s name on the dossier, while a junior partner does the work. Know what you’re getting and demand a senior manager who’s engaged with the project, not just affiliated with it.
Find creative thinkers
Part of being a construction project management partner is being adaptable—being able to think outside the box and find creative solutions to new problems. Too many project managers interpret this as simply cutting costs and corners. That’s not acceptable! Truly creative solutions are those that maximize value, not minimize costs. If you want your development to turn out soundly, it needs to benefit from creative problem-solving, not cost-driven cuts.
Don’t be afraid to ask a few creative problem-solving questions of a management candidate to see how they handle them. What’s their approach to dealing with material delays? How do they expedite the inspection process? Questions like these are simple, but pointed. Ask the right questions and you’ll get the right answers.
Find the best qualified candidates
Choosing the best construction project management partner in Indiana comes down to vetting talent and approach. Find a firm who can serve up experience using a team-backed approach, and make sure the senior staff you’re working with have a tactful approach to handling their managerial duties. Hiring the best manager means putting your project in the best hands.