The role of a Project Manager - Commercial Restoration Part 2

2/11/2021 (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.

If you haven’t read our first blog on The Role of a Project Manager, we encourage you to review the content included in that post.

After a Line-up and Safety Meeting, a Project Manager will spend some time observing the way that the production day or shift begins. The PM is looking for any potential issues like inadequate labor assignments, bottle necks getting supplies, or any other issues that may hinder productivity. 

When the Project Manager is away from the worksite, they are focused on Management, Document and Billing Review. This is a moment for the PM to check on the financial health of the project by reviewing the finances of the project with accounting to ensure it is operating within budget. At this point, the data from the prior day has been entered into the job financing software. 

Conduct stakeholder walk-throughs and provide updates. This is a valuable moment where a Project Manager has the opportunity to educate the stakeholders (property owners, insurance adjusters, property managers, etc.). During these meetings, the PM will also review any details that need stakeholder input or decision making. For example, if an adjuster is on site they may need to approve adjustments in the scope of work for funds to be mobilized. 

While on site, the Project Manager also makes a point to communicate with each subcontractor and document any issues. 

At the end of every workday on the project site, the Project Manager oversees an End-of-Shift Meeting. This is where all supervisors, resource personnel, safety officers, and other management personnel discuss the day’s progress. This is a chance to identify issues, celebrate winds, and discuss opportunities for improvement. It also serves to set up their workflow for the next day on site. 

The last thing a Project Manager will confirm at the end of day is that the worksite is secure until the next day. This is incredibly important as theft and vandalism are a risk for any restoration or construction project. Depending on the property and location, the Project Manager ensures that proper safety and security measures are taken - even if that means having a security officer on site during off time. That is something that we have had to do before!

A Project Manager will finish their day by wrapping up any remaining paperwork and setting up the project for success on the next day of work.

The variables and complexities on a commercial restoration project are often tremendous. If you need a restoration vendor that you can trust on a complicated commercial project, you can rely on SERVPRO of Tigard/Tualatin/Lake Oswego/West Linn and Beaverton.