Frequently Asked Questions on Project Management
Project Management can sometimes be a catch-all term and is used widely throughout various industries. When a prospective client is deciding on using our service, we typically get the following questions .
Why should I use a third-party project manager rather than my real estate broker’s PM?
Using Oval Project Management has several advantages including;
Conflict-free advice - Oval Project Management has one goal: to protect the client’s interest. A broker’s PM cannot provide conflict-free guidance, as they are constantly weighing the effects of their decisions against that of their broker partner, especially during the negotiation of a lease transaction. The broker has a tremendous amount of influence over their project manager because they can also choose to not recommend them for future business.
Core Competency - Oval Project Management is 100% focused on construction & move management services - it’s our core business, whereas a brokerage firm uses project management services simply to support lease transactions. They reinvest and train their brokers because brokerage services is the source of their revenue, their primary business function. Oval Project Management is fully committed to providing best-in-class service. It is the source of 100% of revenue generation. We’re also committed to establishing a long-term relationship. We want you to call on us as your needs change.
Level of Service - We believe that the workplace is the most important physical space in a person’s life, after home. It affects people’s well-being, perspective and performance. We work hard to shape this important environment, plan for the investment and execute as effectively and efficiently as possible. We become an integrated member of your staff. We ask thoughtful questions and try to understand how you interact within your work space. A brokerage that has a PM on staff, is primarily focused on sales and attaching more services to the transaction.
When should I hire a project manager / owner’s representative?
The earlier, the better. An owner’s representative / project manager hired in the beginning stages of a project’s conception can more efficiently save you time and money down the road. 80% of cost savings occur before construction starts. Your project manager / owner’s representative can also provide conflict-free advice to make sure you make the right decision, even if that decision is not to move forward with a particular building or space. No other vendor on your project team is designated to protect your interests and to make sure the decision to proceed with a project is in line with your organization’s goals. For example, Oval Project Management is skilled to look for field conditions that a broker will miss during a tour of potential spaces. We report back to the client the aspects of a space that affect the final design and use.
Why would I need a project manager for a turnkey project when my landlord is handling the schedule and procurement of vendors?
Engaging Oval Project Management for a turnkey project ensures the landlord’s adherence to the project’s original budget and schedule. There is an economic conflict of interests in a turnkey deal because the landlord is trying to deliver the project as cost effective as possible to increase their own profits. However, poor workmanship or not delivering what is promised is at the tenant’s expense. Hiring Oval Project Management ensures that the landlord is delivering what was promised during the lease negotiations and that the work is to the client’s satisfaction. Oval Project Management also increases the level of accountability by verifying and monitoring the level of work to ensure corners aren’t being cut at the client’s expense.
Our Office Manager will handle the project, why should we use you?
Oval Project Management will save you time and energy in many different ways. Our staff performs this work every day, we have the experience to forecast problems and situations that others don’t. We help you avoid cost mistakes and time-consuming tasks that will be a distraction to your in-house personnel. We remove that burden and allow your staff to focus on their day-to-day duties. We are also your single point of contact and direct the architect, engineer, landlord, furniture sales rep and other project team members and vendors on your behalf to mitigate miscommunication and hold everyone accountable.
Our General Contractor will manage the project for us.
Project Management differs from Construction Management. The GC’s construction manager is only concerned with the build-out of the space, specifically their sub-contractors scope of work. Oval Project Management deals in all aspects of the real estate process; from assessment to closeout. We are your advocate and assist in site selection, vendor procurement, budget development, schedule creation AND construction activity oversight.