anyone had any work done or done any themselves and used the "skills" of a project manager? Just wondering if I've been unlucky or if they're all useless!
Seems to me a builder might charge seceral grand to build something badly, whereas a project manager will charge several grand to do sod all, badly!
moan moan rant rant
The idea is to employ someone to oversee the builders work and get the work done to the agreed timescale.
The question you have to answer is - are you able to monitor and check the builders work or do you trust the builder to do a good job? Would you know when the project is slipping and will be 2 months behind schedule? Are you paying the builder too much up front to finance his other jobs?
Remember Building Control only check certain things and rarely comment on quality or cost issues.
It may be worthwhile to use the Designer to oversee certain aspects of the work to make sure that the work done is as per the drawings and specification.
You can choose for full project management or a limited services for checks at certain intervals.
For a large extension (say more then £25,000) or intricate design or internal fit out, then you may want to ensure that work is done properly. You should be looking at about 10% of the project cost in management fees, and you should weigh up if this is a cost you want to pay.
If you do use one, then ensure that a formal contract is signed, and that all parties know their obligations. This avoids buck passing when (if) things go wrong. Also avoid project managers and builders who work together.
Also remember that most building works are subject to extras and variations. Project management can reduce this unexpected additional cost.
dg
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