As a self-builder, you’ll be endlessly exploring every available avenue to save money on your build. Why wouldn’t you? Undertaking a self-build is a big commitment to make, and a lot of your time will go towards keeping your self-build dream financially grounded.
Since it's such a big commitment, you'll need someone to take the reins and oversee the project from start to finish. This person is known as the Project Manager, and they come with a wealth of construction experience.
This experience comes at a price, and it's a big one too. A professional Project Manager can cost up to 15% of your overall budget. These margins can put significant pressure on your finances.
If you’re all about saving as much money as possible, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and become the Project Manager yourself.
At AC Architects, we’ve worked with hundreds of first-time self-builders, and we know keeping the project in line is a big ask. That's why we've put together this quick guide to show you how to become the best Project Manager you can be.
THE ROLE OF THE PROJECT MANAGER
If you’re appointing yourself as the PM, you’ll be overseeing and managing the various aspects of the construction of your self-build. The role is an amalgamation of planning, communication, team coordination and problem-solving to ensure the build is managed efficiently and competitively.
You’ll be the one responsible for ensuring the project stays on time and within budget. In many cases, the PM will be the one sourcing specialists for the build and will be responsible for their performance and the negotiation of their pricing structure.
If you want to be an effective PM, you’ll need to dedicate quality time to researching and organising your self-build, and you’ll struggle to do this if you have outside commitments.
Hiring a professional PM brings a sense of security to your self-build through their wealthy experience in the sector. They are also comfortable with coming into a project as it’s underway to correct mistakes and get things back on track.
If you feel you have space in your budget for a professional PM, check out our article with Samuel James Project Management.
WHO CAN BE THE PROJECT MANAGER?
No matter the size and scope of your self-build project, someone must take the reins. This person is known as the Project Manager (PM). This individual is responsible for overseeing the build, from the initial design to the finishing touches.
If you’re familiar with the construction industry, you’ll know that there is a large pool of professional project managers who have vast experience in self-build. However, these Project Managers can come at a price that prohibits a lot of self-builders from staying within their budgets.
The key benefit of managing your own project is the cost savings, by avoiding the fees associated with hiring a professional project manager. This leads to significant cost savings for you as a self-builder.
Managing your self-build project gives you greater control over the project. As the project manager, you're firmly in the driver's seat, allowing you to make decisions and implement changes according to your preferences and priorities. You have full control over every aspect of the project, from design choices to materials selection and scheduling. It’s your home, after all.
Successfully managing a self-build project can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Managing a self-build project provides a valuable learning experience, allowing you to gain first-hand knowledge of the construction process and the principles of project management. Your newfound expertise will be of great value if you decide to take on a similar role in the future.
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DRAWBACKS OF MANAGING YOUR OWN PROJECT
Without the expertise and oversight of a professional project manager, there's an increased risk of making mistakes or overlooking critical details. These errors can lead to delays, cost overruns, or quality issues that impact the outcome of your project.
The responsibility of managing a self-build project can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Dealing with unexpected challenges, coordinating multiple contractors, and meeting deadlines can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Make sure you hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
SIX WAYS TO BE THE BEST PROJECT MANAGER YOU CAN BE
Research, Research, Research
Managing a construction project is going to be new to a lot of self-builders and can appear quite daunting at first glance. This is why it’s imperative you take time to carry out the right research to give you the confidence you need to put the project firmly on your shoulders.
Make sure to tap into the treasure trove of self-build resources available to you. Check out some online reading material such as Build It Magazine or our own self-build blog. Visit shows at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show or the NSBRC in Swindon to hear from industry experts and gather tailored advice for your project.
Plan Ahead
A self-build takes time, and a lot of that time is dedicated to those crucial, initial design stages. When you enter the process, make sure you have carried out the right research and are keeping in constant communication with your architect and your other consultants.
When the construction phase begins, your plan should incorporate the fundamentals such as structural design, finishing materials and chosen construction method.
Manage Your Finances
A robust cost plan is the foundation of a successful self-build project. Take time to set a realistic budget that helps you understand the financial implications of your project.
A realistic budget helps manage expectations for both you and others involved in the project. It sets clear boundaries and ensures everyone understands the limitations and scope of the project.
Make sure to add a little contingency to your budget, too. Most experts would recommend about 10%.
Act in Accordance
Before you start building the home of your dreams, let’s make sure you’re not breaking the law. Regulations such as CDM 2015 and the custom homebuilding register must be followed throughout the process, and you as the project manager take some, if not all, responsibility for this.
Obtaining planning permission is another step which must be climbed by a self-builder and can cause major delays in your build. Make sure you understand your rights for the country you are building in, and then act in accordance with these regulations.
Hire The Right People
A successful self-build team is only as good as its weakest member. Finding the right tradespeople is crucial to ensure that the work is done to the highest standard.
While it’s not a requirement to get them on board in the initial design stages, you should start to familiarise yourself with potential tradespeople you could hire by the beginning of the planning stage.
Conduct thorough research, request quotes from multiple professionals, and carefully evaluate their experience and reputation. This is how you make those important, informed decisions that align with your project's needs.
Get Stuck In
What is the one thing that makes the difference between a self-build and a regular construction project? It’s you. As the project manager, you should be both a leader and an example to everyone involved in creating your dream home.
Make phone calls, get your hands dirty on-site, get things from A to B and make sure to go the extra mile. This can make the experience more rewarding and may save you a bit of money, too.
THE ONE THING TO AVOID AS A PROJECT MANAGER
Now that we’ve listed the things you should be doing, let’s talk about one thing you should avoid if you’re taking on the PM role.
Cutting Corners.
The self-build process is a long one, and will come with its own delays and personal frustrations. It’s vital, however, that you stick to the plan that you drafted.
With over a decade of self-build experience, our architects know that cutting corners will always come back to haunt you. Mismanaging these key elements can affect your building’s structure, design, resale value and compliance with building regulations. Be prepared to invest as much time and effort as you need.
Every self-build is unique, but the fundamentals of being a good project manager stay the same. It’s someone who isn't afraid to make difficult decisions, someone who is aware of the project timeline and someone who has a complete understanding of the build budget.
Employing a professional project manager or a turnkey contractor will relieve some pressure from your shoulders, but will add unneeded weight to your finances.
If you do the right research and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll leave the process with the home you dreamt of.