The role of a Project Manager - Commercial Restoration Part 1

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial property manager and you’re researching vendors, whether preemptively or in response to a property damage incident, we’ve gathered valuable information to reference here so that you can know what to expect from a thorough Commercial Project Manager. Here at SERVPRO of Tigard/Tualatin/Lake Oswego/West Linn and Beaverton, our Commercial Large Loss Division members are experts at working with customers so that they are thoroughly informed for each step of the process.

A Project Manager (PM) is critical to the successful completion of a commercial project. They are responsible for the project’s execution and completion, and they oversee day-to-day operations and working personnel. Project Managers can even be considered as the “general manager” of the project since they are responsible for such a variety of the outcomes such as profit and loss, production, safety, communication, completion timelines, and maintaining excellent customer service. 

Each day during a commercial project, a Project Manager will begin the day by walking the worksite and observing the quality and amount of work performed. They note details such as what work is not complete, if a change order is necessary, if an addition to the scope is needed, or if work practices should be altered going forward. A site walk like this is crucial to determining the direction of work for each day during the project.

The site walk also reveals the necessary goals and individual tasks that will be accomplished on that day of work. The Project Manager works with their Assistant Project Manager (APM) to discuss project goals and break down each task necessary to stay on track for the completion. Input from the Assistant Project Manager is extremely valuable since it will be the APM’s responsibility to ensure the work stays on track and tasks are completed by the end of day.

Next, a Pre-Production meeting is held with the Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, and the Resource Coordinator. This is where the Project Manager communicates to the Resource Coordinator the current state of the project and what resources are expected to be needed through completion. This step is important so that the Project Manager is aware of any issues with acquisition of labor, consumables, equipment, or subcontracted services. 

Line-up and Safety Meeting. The line-up is the Project Manager’s opportunity to deliver information and project progress to all site staff.  Typically it is short and to the point, but is a crucial part of daily operations. Most importantly, it’s a time to conduct a safety meeting - ensuring everyone has all necessary PPE available, that they are aware of hazard conditions on the work site, and more. 

These steps are the just the first section of the daily role and responsibilities a Project Manager has on commercial restoration projects. To continue learning about the role a Project Manager has on your commercial restoration, stay tuned to our blog here where we will continue the discussion. 

SERVPRO of Tigard/Tualatin/Lake Oswego/West Linn and Beaverton has an exemplary Commercial Large Loss Division (CLLD) that handles commercial restoration needs every day. If your commercial property needs the expertise of a qualified restoration company, trust that we are ready to get you back to business.