Remodel Lesson Learned #4: Project Managers

First floor framing with the patio footprint.

Whether you are using a designer or working directly with an architect, be sure they have a project manager on staff. Also make sure they join all of planning the meetings. If your architect says, “they manage all of their projects”, at end the conversation/interview and cross that architect off your list. More importantly, if your architect does have a project manager. Make sure they attend your initial meetings and watch the repore between the architect/designer and their project manager. Doing a project without a project manager is costly. Errors are made and things can be overlooked. Errors may not be expensive but can cost time. We are not talking about days or weeks, rather months. A good project manager should have first hand knowledge of a construction project in your city.

Staircase build and ready for second floor phase.

By the time we got our third round of plans, we lost our project manager, granted it was COVID. If you have been around us during the four years of planning and construction, then you can fill in this blank. Architects are great, but keep in mind, juggling the tasks of designing and doing all of the research and relationship management with the city, are two separate jobs. The project manager looks for the fine details concerning permits, while the architect is tasked to cater to the client and make sure that everything meets their expectations and the codes enforced by a city, town or county.

A look from Clem’s new office.

You are your best advocate, and your designer or architect should respond to all your questions and requests. You know what you want, you don’t know what it takes to execute your vision. They are being paid to not only provide guidance but also educate when you ask for things not obtainable or out of you budget. Also, and this is important. When you are working with a designer, and you need to set a budget. Your designer should provide and guide you through the selection process of all the little details. Things like tile, stone, cabinetry and so much more. If you think your budget can be pushed from time to time, be sure you are on the same page with the your other half, if you have one. Things look shiny on phone or presentation. The numbers make it real, and your find yourself prioritizing or scaling back on the little bells and whistles. That was evident in my foray in to wallpaper. Same advice goes with working with your contractor. Change orders! Every time you make a change to your project that we’re not listed in your contractors contract for the project, a change order invoice is triggered. Your architects project manager typically tracks these for you but make sure you keep asking for them. No matter when you get it, they have to be paid.