Cost Benefit Analysis: Construction Consultants Versus Flying Solo
If you’re managing an arena construction project, and the owner demands a new staircase and entryway added to the plans as construction is underway that can cause major delays. Those delays carry big dollar signs and serious risk with them. A solo project manager may not be adequately equipped to deal with every potential problem that delay could cause. Construction consulting is always an option, but concerns on cost might lead some project managers astray. Don’t let yourself get into this situation.
Before you consider going solo, run this quick analysis to find out if you know everything you need to know to navigate a crisis like this.
Permits
Inspection is a must during a situation like this. Will you have time to get city inspectors out to the job site, and can you work around their needs? Those aren’t easy tasks when you try to make safety the number one priority. If you decide to skip the inspection, you’re breaking the law. That can carry significant consequences if you’re working on a project like an arena.
Personnel
Does your project manager have room in his schedule for the overtime needed to complete the change. If not, you’ll need to hire a secondary crew to come in and work that job. They’ll have foremen on the ground, but no one to manage their efforts. Construction consulting services handle some of that work on the ground, so you can focus your efforts on navigating the immediate scenario.
Delays
Consultants are better equipped to handle delays, and can be of great benefit even when things are running smoothly. Consultants achieve their status because they are growth hackers. They understand how to maximize down time and improve production.
Accountability
Another benefit to consultants is accountability, which is really a benefit to manager and building owner. Both sides are protected when every transaction is properly documented. This is one of those services you don’t know you need until you’re facing litigation. That’s when you’ll be glad that your consultant took the time to file all paperwork and verify materials shipped. If your consultant is an expert in materials, like structural steel, they may even help cut costs on ordering from different suppliers.
Final Verdict
If you have all of these situations handled, then a consultant isn’t necessary. It’s just not likely that a crew is prepared for every potential problem that may crop up. If delays are making your project challenging, a consultant can help you.
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Lyle Charles Consulting offers construction advisory services and consulting on commercial construction projects. Lyle Charles is an experienced structural steel expert and a certified expert witness.