Sometimes a job will need help or advice from someone who is an expert at organizing and orchestrating construction or retrofit work. This may mean bringing in a PROJECT MANAGER or a CONSULTANT.

The roles that Project Managers and Consultants take in the construction industry are mostly in planning and oversight. They may not take part in the physical work of construction, but would advise on topics like energy efficiency, job site flow or safety. These positions are ideal for seasoned contractors or designers who have great experience but who may have aged out of the hammer-swinging part of the work.

What is a PROJECT MANAGER?

A construction or renovation project is a big undertaking, and it takes an organized person to ensure that it gets done correctly, on time and on budget. A PROJECT MANAGER is just such a person.

Many large contracting companies will have permanent staff who manage projects, whereas smaller companies may not have someone designated officially but will rely on site or shop leads to maintain forward progress and quality.

The experience and training required to be a project manager may include the following:

• Years of experience in construction and/or renovation, overseeing the progression of projects from start to finish.
• University or college education in business, engineering, architecture or construction management.
• Years of work within a municipal building or planning office, dealing with different construction types and projects of many sizes.

The everyday work of a Project Manager may see them performing duties and tasks such as:

• Creating and reviewing project plans, schedules and permit applications.
• Consulting and problem solving with clients, architects and municipal officials.
• Ensuring materials are ordered and delivered in timely fashion, along with tracking usage and waste removal.
• Site or shop visits to check on progress and troubleshoot.
• Problem solving with contractors and sub-contractors.
• Quality control and schedule progression.

What is a CONSULTANT?

Building and renovation projects may require help from experts who focus on one or two areas of specialization. A CONSULTANT may be brought into a project to offer their advice on how the job might be done most effectively OR to meet a specific set of standards.

Some examples of situation where a consultant may be brought into a job include:

• Energy audits and testing.
• Net Zero, Passive House, LEED or other building certification programs.
• Heritage conservation and planning.
• Hazardous materials investigation and testing.
• Environmental and land conservation authorities.
• Speciality materials design and installation.
• Legal, building code and municipal regulatory advising.

Seasoned trades workers with years of experience may make for the ideal consultant on renovation and retrofit projects, because they have likely seen almost everything there is to see in construction and could bring valuable practical perspective. This experienced help may cut down on surprises and guess work on a job, potentially saving time and money.