Construction management is the planning, coordination and supervision of a building project so that it is built to the drawings, within the budget and to the programme. This page explains what a construction manager does, when you need one, and how it differs from a contractor.
Construction management is one of our services, led by founders with 20+ years of construction experience. To discuss how we could support your project, send us the details.
What construction management covers
- Planning. Breaking the project into stages, setting the programme and ordering the work.
- Procurement. Helping to choose the contractors and suppliers, and comparing their prices.
- Cost control. Tracking the budget against the BOQ and reporting changes.
- Site supervision. Checking the work against the drawings and the specification.
- Quality and safety. Inspecting each stage and keeping the site safe.
- Reporting. Keeping the owner informed of progress, costs and decisions.
Construction manager, contractor and general contractor
- A contractor builds the work under a contract with the owner.
- A general contractor takes the whole project, hires and manages the trades, and carries the risk of the price. See general contracting.
- A construction manager manages the process for the owner, usually for a fee, while the trades are contracted separately. The owner holds those contracts.
The right choice depends on how much you want to be involved and how much risk you want to hand to one company.
When you need construction management
- You are building a large or complex project with many trades.
- You are building away from where you live and cannot visit the site often.
- You want an independent person to check the work before you pay.
- You are managing the build yourself and want help planning and supervising it.
Smaller projects, such as a single house, are usually simpler under one builder and a written contract. See building contractors in Uganda.
What good site supervision looks like
- Drawings and the BOQ are on site, and the work follows them.
- Each stage is inspected before the next one covers it, for example the reinforcement before concrete is poured.
- Materials are checked on delivery.
- Changes are written down and priced before the work is done.
- Payments follow completed work, with the supervisor’s confirmation.
Read about the construction process in Uganda for what to check at each stage.
Related services
This is one of our construction services in Uganda. For larger buildings, see commercial construction and industrial construction. For earthworks and site works, see civil engineering. Browse our projects for photos of building work by our team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between construction management and general contracting?
A general contractor builds the project under one contract and carries the price risk. A construction manager manages the project for the owner, who contracts the trades separately.
Do I need a construction manager for a house?
Usually not, if you have a good contractor and a written contract. It helps on larger projects, or when you cannot supervise the site yourself.
What does site supervision cost?
It depends on the size and length of the project. Ask for the fee and what it covers in writing.
Can you supervise a project another company is building?
Tell us about the project and we will discuss what is possible.
How often should the site be inspected?
Often, and always at the key stages before work is covered, such as the foundation, the reinforcement and the roof structure.