Finding the right fit for your project can be difficult. By asking the right questions, you’ll ensure you find construction management that understands your project inside out. It is important that you find the perfect collaborator if you want operations to run smoothly. Here are 5 top questions to ask to get you started.
1. Have You Worked on a Project Like This?
It’s crucial to find out if their team have the experience you require. This is your niche, so you need to work with someone that understands the complexities of it. Remember, your clients are counting on you to deliver, so you need to hold your project management to the same standard. Find out if they’ve worked on projects that are similar to yours and if they have an in-depth understanding of your niche. You need to know that they can work to the same standard as you and follow the correct procedures and codes. Ask to see examples of their previous work if in doubt.
2. Why Should We Choose You?
You’ll likely have a selection of PM teams to choose from, so you want to know what each can offer over the competition. Assess their expertise and their ability to identify potential challenges that may occur and how they plan to overcome them. Teamwork is essential, you want to know how well they work together and how they assess risks and come up with solutions.
3. Can You Tell Us About Your Best Strategies and Practices?
Although there is no right answer to this question, it allows you to see whether you’re on the same page. This question gives you a chance to see whether your values align. Look out for their views on communication, planning, risk management and flexibility. Which documents do they use? Which software do they have and how do they work with budgets and auditing?
4. How Do You Monitor Progress?
You’ll likely be on a deadline, so you need a team that can communicate their progress effectively. You’ll want to know how they document and manage their progress. You want your project manager to have impeccable time management and the skills and experience to make sure everything stays on track. This question also gives you the opportunity to expand and learn about their processes regarding budget management. You need to be sure that they’ll be able to effectively communicate progress and areas of concern to you throughout the process.
You’ll also want to know that they can carry out the job effectively and not open a stream of unnecessary communication, leaving more work for you in the long run.
5. How Do You Motivate Your Team?
If their team isn’t motivated, then your project won’t go smoothly. Morale on-site is essential, so find out how they make sure morale is high. This question is also a great way to assess the interpersonal skills of the person you’re communicating with. The way that this person motivates their team will help you identify whether they believe in short or long-term motivation.
Summary
The questions above will give you a starting point when it comes to finding a project management team that’s right for you. These questions also allow you to expand and easily lead into secondary questions. Ask them to learn more about the team you may be working with. Don’t be shy and dig deeper if you need to. Remember that if you’re not on the same page, you’ll likely have more work on your hands than necessary.