Are you doing the construction project management for your self build?

Construction project management can be carried out by a number of parties depending on your chosen build route. As you've arrived at this section you may have chosen to take it on yourself, in which case, let's have a look at the elements of a self build project and the techniques you can use to control it.

Objective

Complete the house of your dreams!

Resources

Everything required to make it happen including:

• People
  • Design team.
  • Other consultants.
  • Main contractor.
  • Builders.
  • Tradesmen.

• Materials

• Equipment

• Information
  • Plans and specification.
  • Programme of work.
  • Contracts.

• Money

Parameters

Project constraints include:

• Design - Completing the build to plans and specification.

• Cost - Completing within budget.

• Time - Completing within the designated time frame.

• Quality - Ensuring a satisfactory quality of workmanship.

• Legal - Complying with regulations.
  • Planning Permission.
  • Building Regulations.
  • Health and Safety.
  • Party Wall Act (If applicable).

• Other Requirements.
  • Structural warranty conditions.
  • Conditions of your insurance provider.
  • The Code for Sustainable Homes.
  • Site security.

To control your resources within the project parameters and ultimately complete your build, you should follow this simple project management process:

PLAN - IMPLEMENT - MONITOR - CONTROL - COMPLETE - REVIEW

Click on each of the above for more detail.

To assist with the process and the overall management of your self build there are a few useful methods available:

• Project management tools.

• Itemised set of building costs.

• Project management software.

By using these techniques you can get your self build project running like a well oiled machine and see it through to a successful completion.

You might even consider taking a Project Management Course.

Or, if you do get in a pickle, you could contact an independent project manager for some assistance.