Construction Basics: Roles and Relationships

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of the key roles and relationships on a construction job site, as well as how Procore's project management tools facilitate these processes. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone involved in construction management or project oversight.

Step 1: Identify Key Roles in Construction

Recognizing the distinct roles involved in a construction project is essential for effective collaboration.

• Owner:

  • Represents the entity funding the project.
  • Responsible for finding funding, site location, and engaging engineers and architects.

• Engineer:

  • Focuses on the technical aspects, including structural integrity and specifications for materials.

• Architect:

  • Handles design elements, such as layout and aesthetics.
  • Often serves as the primary contact for the engineering team.

• Contractor:

  • Manages the construction process and oversees subcontractors.
  • Ultimately accountable for completing the project on time and within budget.

Step 2: Understand Contractual Relationships

Contracts define the relationships and responsibilities among the different roles.

• Prime Contract:

  • The main agreement between the owner and the contractor.

• Subcontracts and Purchase Orders:

  • These represent agreements with subcontractors and vendors, crucial for managing costs.
  • In Procore, they are collectively referred to as commitments.

Step 3: Explore the Importance of Subcontractors and Vendors

Subcontractors and vendors play vital roles on job sites for several reasons:

• Cost Efficiency:

  • Hiring local contractors may reduce travel and accommodation costs.

• Licensing Requirements:

  • Various licenses may be mandated by local authorities, ensuring compliance and safety.

• Logistical and Safety Considerations:

  • Local contractors are often more familiar with regional challenges, such as weather conditions and local regulations.

Step 4: Navigate the Bidding Process

The bidding process is critical for selecting contractors and managing costs.

• Key Considerations in Bidding:

  • Cost: How cheap can the project be completed?
  • Time: How quickly can it be finished?
  • Quality: What level of quality will be delivered?

• Decision Making:

  • Typically, project managers must balance two out of these three factors to meet project goals.

Step 5: Leverage Scheduling Tools

Effective scheduling is essential for project success.

• Manpower Management:

  • Schedule manpower in phases to ensure efficiency.
  • Track when different teams (e.g., plumbers, electricians) are on-site and their activities.

• Planning for Delays:

  • Anticipate issues that may arise, such as material delivery delays or weather impacts.

• Integration with Procore:

  • Use Procore to visualize schedules in real-time, allowing for better communication and tracking.

Step 6: Manage Requests for Information and Change Orders

Handling unexpected issues is part of the construction process.

• Requests for Information (RFIs):

  • Use RFIs to seek clarification on issues that arise on-site, such as unanticipated obstacles.

• Change Orders:

  • Document changes in scope or cost due to RFIs to keep all parties informed and accountable.

Step 7: Utilize Budgeting and Cost Management Tools

Effective budget management is crucial for project managers.

• Key Budgeting Tools in Procore:
  • Track main contracts, subcontracts, and large purchase orders.
  • Monitor payment applications and retainage to ensure financial accountability.

Step 8: Implement Submittals and Punch Lists

Ensure quality control and compliance with project specifications.

• Submittals:

  • Manage specifications and approvals for all project materials, ensuring they meet design requirements.

• Punch Lists:

  • Use punch lists to identify and track outstanding tasks or issues before project completion.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles, relationships, and tools involved in construction management is crucial for success on any project. By leveraging Procore's features, teams can streamline communication, manage costs, and maintain quality throughout the construction process. Consider exploring Procore further to enhance your project management capabilities and improve overall efficiency.