How easy would it be to be a project manager?

Question

I am building a new house and want things in such a way that it's really impossible to go through a building company with ready-made plans.

How easy would it be to become a project manager without any experience? Would this be considered "Owner Builder"? I don't need to attend a course on that in this state, and I'm trying to do as much research as possible. Any advice?

Answer 1

Let me rephrase your question for you.  How time consuming, frustrating and difficult is it to be a project manager with no experience?

Answer: very.  As one poster said you really need to understand the processes and timing involved in various trades.  To be efficient you need to know when you can have multiple trades working in a space without affecting each others work.  You need to be able to read plans and be able to spot problems in constructibility before they become an issue.  You need to make sure trades are coordinated between each other and that they each know what items of work they are responsible for.  A good PM makes this look effortless but thats why they are good.  

If you feel that you won't get what you want from a home builder working off stock plans seek out a custom homebuilder.  There are plenty out there and they are more than likely hungry for work right now.  Stay involved in the design stage and don't be afraid to describe what you want and make sure it gets done but let them handle the day to day running of the project.  Have them work up a detailed estimate based on what your ideal home is.  If you are over budget sit down with the builder and discuss trade offs to get back in budget.

Answer 2

If you have a basic plan that you want to "customize,"

You need to have a sit down w/ the contractor, architect  & describe the changes you want & have the plans revised  w/ all changes,associated costs , noted & agreed to .

What you are describing, is building on the fly, making changes as you go &  it is a formula for disaster in terms of

co-ordinating work activities ,materials estimation,scheduling &  time on the job......$$$$$$

A reputable builder & his architect will guide you as to what can be done within  a basic plan & adjust costs accordingly.

See if a basic adult ed,course might be available for homeowners at a community college..........

At the least it might make you a bit more conversant in the terms used in construction & enable you to ask intelligent Qs.

Basically , you must have  a plan to start with, make all the changes as far out front as possible.

Advice.?....unless you have very deep pockets would not try acting as GC or your own project Mgr.

If it is a big project ,you could hire your own  PM as an "owners" rep.

You  & rep could attend any onsite meetings to track  progress & be sure contract agreements  are being met......

by you as well as contrs & avoid saying the most unwelcome phrase..."I thought I was getting...........

Best regards

Answer 3

knowledge is power just take your time and if there is something you don't understand don't be afraid to ask somebody.

Answer 4

I've seen quite a few people try this over the years and some do very well, but most fail badly and make it a much harder experience than it has to be.  

If you do decide to run with this idea, there's quite a few books out there that include scheduling methods/tips and checklists.  Here's a few on Amazon you can check out.  

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=...

I would suggest that a better route for you might be to work through a small project management firm.  Most areas have a small firm of less than 5 people that will provide management services.  They also usually have contacts with some of the local designers (architectural type) and can help you out with good custom plans at a reasonable price.  Another positive of working with the right manager is that they will know which subs will provide a higher quality work (and which do crappy work).  The trick is that every area has a few of these guys around, but sometimes they're a little harder to find.  Ask around at the lumber yards and check out any local builer's shows in your area to track them down.  

Give me a shout if you need more info.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Being a project manager with no experience, will be a bad experience. You need to know how to set up each trades work schedule so they do not have to wait for other contractors to finish or be in the way. Example: You can't have the plumber working before the walls are installed. Same with the electrician. You also settle arguments over who has "the right of way" in enclosed spaces for duct work and conduit and piping.

Answer 6

Let me ask some questions.

Have you ever been involved with any type of building project? Do you have plans drawn up by an architect, or building from a visualization in you head? Are you knowledgeable about building, plumbing, electrical codes? Have you worked contractors of any sort before, in any capacity?

You can easily get in WAY OVER YOUR HEAD in a hurry. Bear in mind , you will be dealing with a whole lot of money, time, effort, and risk.  It sounds like you need to reconsider what you want to do, until you have some hands on experience. One option may be, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Build a house or two, or three to get a taste of the skills required. Then make a decision to proceed or not