Project manager

bradnailer

Has any one here used a project manager for a self build, if so how did it work out.

RKQ

Project Management is a skill.
If you can't be on site yourself, are a poor organiser and you are going direct labour then a Project Manager is very useful.

Project Managers will bring the project in on time and on budget. They usually have a number of sub-contractor contacts whom they have worked with in the past, so delays are avoided as everyone is quickly replaceable and cowboys are not entertained. These contacts would usually be very hardworking and skilled individuals / tradesmen.

getfit

I am in the process of using a project manager. I have been delighted with him and have had a positive experience. I hired him for his knowledge of building that I didn't have, but the extras he brings to the table were a bonus.
RKQ was right about the fact no cowbies will get within a mile of your house as he knows the good, the bad and the excellent within the game. My guy also talked me through things from landscaping to door types, to insulation standards etc. as he says it's no skin off his nose which options I go for he's paid the same. I put the insulation in the roof myself and he pointed out my errors and told me the basic hints on how to do it right.

Stress levels have been non existent throughout the build due to the fact I could tap him for help/knowledge or just his time whenever I needed. Mistakes have been made by tradesmen (some I didn't even notice) and he will set them straight. I don't know if they'd be as quick to please me (even though I pay them directly), but my PM might recommend them for a job in 6 weeks or 6 months - they want to stay on his good side.

Bottom line, my guy is old school. If I want to meet him to go through a few things it's generally 7.50 in the morning or 7.50 in the evening - he's all go otherwise. He works hard and was known as one of the best block/brick layers in the county before he moved to project management/building so he's a quality tradesman himself who expects that standard from any build he is connected with.


I've had a great experience with my PM and have enjoyed the build process. I can confidently say he has paid for himself possible 2/3 times over as he has gotten me builders prices for bulk materials at some stages and has advised me against spending money on some things and encouraged me to spend money in other areas. Simple example would I wasn't going to waste the money on plwood floor for attic. He said to get it now as part of the bulk roof order (way cheaper that way) and have it as part of the roofers price (only a few hundred extra). To floor that space in years to come would be a logistical nightmare (getting boards into attic) and a carpenter would charge a lot for it. Ultimatley it was my call, but his advice was spot on. On the other side I was going to hire big skips to dump rubble fromn a demolished building on site. Could have come to many thousands to dump. He knew a guy building up his farmyard area. The farmer took my rubble for free. My PM contact saved me thousands.

rebellad

In the process of using a PM myself and have found that it has been a great time/money/hair!!!!! saving solution. I was going down the direct labour route anyway but I met this guy who is a friend of mine and basically said he would take all the hassle out of it for me at a nominal fee. Like getfit my guy has been very helpful and has no problems with me ringing him at any times for updates etc. He has also been great when problems have arisen from builders telling me to take my time now and get things right whether it meant restarting the part of the job or finding a work around. All in all it has made my life an awful lot easier!!!

Quazzie

What kind of fee (rough) are we talking about for a project manager. Is it a percentage of budget or a set fee.

Poor Uncle Tom

Quazzie2002 wrote: »

What kind of fee...

The last two I've seen were:

€30,000 for a 2,200 sq ft build.
€35,000 for a 2,800 sq ft build.

DustyBin

Jaysus!
We've recently received a quote for half that price (incl VAT) for a 2,600 sq ft house
Must be a reflection of the times??