The difference between project management and construction management The use of the two concepts in a construction project can be very subtle, sometimes even considered by some to be synonymous. However, although they can sometimes be used interchangeably, there are differences in the responsibilities and functions of both charges that must be taken into account.
In any case, the most important thing is that, when facing a project, whether it is a renovation or new construction, everyone is clear about what they have to do and how to do it, especially those who have to do it. set the guidelines of others. This is precisely the case of both the facultative director/s and the construction manager.
To guarantee the cohesion and coordination between the different agents involved in a project, among which is the project management (which includes the construction management), it can be very helpful to to have a Project Manager. This figure will serve as a liaison between the project management and the promoters, the administrations or the end client, among others.
What does project management consist of?
Among the aspects included in Law 38/1999 on Building Management (LOE), the following are included functions of the facultative direction of a work.
First of all, it is important to point out that, when talking about these functions, the Law difference between construction management and the management of the execution of the work. Thus, if we want to consider it in a hierarchical way, the facultative management would be above these two figures; both the person acting as construction manager and the executive construction manager. will be part of the project's project management.
The project management is defined as "the competent technician or technicians designated by the promoter, in charge of management and control of the execution of the work". The Law also establishes a series of obligations of the project management of the work, which we summarize in the following points:
- Coordinate the application of the general principles of prevention and safety in the works of the execution phase, as well as make technical and organizational decisions to plan them and estimate their duration.
- Coordinate activities so that self-employed workers, contractors or subcontractors apply the principles of preventive action.
- Review and approve or modify the health and safety plan prepared by the contractor.
- Coordinate business activities.
- Coordinate the correct application of work methods and ensure that only authorized persons have access to the site.
- Manage the incident book to be provided by the professional association of the person in charge of the health and safety plan.
- In the event of any incidents, send a copy to the Labor and Social Security Inspectorate (within 24 hours). In addition, if health and safety regulations are not complied with, the person in charge must warn the contractor and record this.
The functions covered by project management and those of the project manager can be confused; the key is that project management encompasses the technicians who direct and supervise the project. execution of a workand that the people in charge of it are usually the architect and the quantity surveyor. The figure of the Project Manager arises from the growing interdisciplinary nature of construction projects, and is also present both in phases before and after the execution of the work.
Project management vs. construction management
Even if only one person is primarily responsible for the project management, in practice, this figure includes different professionals. One of them would be the construction manager. Therefore, the main difference between project management and construction management is that one encompasses the other.
In any work, even if it is a remodeling or extension, there must be a project drawn up by the architect. Therefore, in general, there are usually three fundamental figures:
- Designer.
- Construction manager.
- Director of work execution.
Both the both the project manager and the project execution manager are part of the project management team.which is designated by the project developer.
Difference between construction management and construction execution management
Normally, the designer and the project manager are the same architect or engineerwhile in the The construction supervision is usually carried out by an architect or technical engineer. which, at times, may even be part of an outsourced contract.
However, the The qualifications required for each position vary depending on the type of work and, above all, depending on the use of the building. In fact, sometimes the same technician can assume both functions. Even so, a distinction must be made between construction management and execution management. in new construction works, in total interventions on pre-existing buildings and in partial interventions when they involve an essential variation in the composition of the building or in any part that is catalogued as protected.
In principle, the project management is responsible for the development management The company is responsible for ensuring that the work is carried out in accordance with the proposed project and the established contract, the technical and urban planning aspects in accordance with the regulations, and the type of building permit. While the direction of execution of the work directs the material execution, controls what is built and its quality.
At TALATWe can take on projects in a comprehensive manner as we did in the Rafa Nadal Tennis CenterIn our second intervention, we were in charge of the entire project management, both the construction management and the management of the material execution, including the coordination of the health and safety plan. But we also know how to work in coordination with other professionals, as we did in the construction management of the Live Acqua Punta Cana together with BBPA Architects.
We are specialists in adapting and contributing to each project, from the beginning to the end. Tell us what your idea is, by phone or email, and we will see together what is the best way to carry it out.