Home Improvement Project Manager vs. Consultant: Who Do You Need?
Homes are sanctuaries where most of our memories are formed. It provides us shelter, a place to live, love, laugh, and cry. Sometimes these structures need to be renovated to fill color in your lives and maintain their structural integrity. However, when it comes to improving these structures, homeowners often wonder whether they need a project manager to design the entire project, or would guidance from a professional consultant be enough. It is important to make an appropriate decision based on your needs. This blog is broken down into two sections. In the first section, we will explore the roles of a project manager and consultant. In the latter part, we will provide you with some basic tips on how to select a professional. Part 1: Understanding the Roles What Does a Home Improvement Project Manager Do? Home improvement project managers have plenty of roles when it comes to renovating your home. As the word project manager implies, they have to tackle the project from the very start to the finish. They ensure the proper running of the projects without any hindrance. They structure the project and work hard to finish on time and within budget without compromising on quality. They also hire contractors and work with the team to ensure that the work flows seamlessly and smoothly. Homeowners can avail several advantages if they hire a project manager. By addressing the logistical issues of their project, they can reduce time and save any additional costs. Certified project managers always ensure that work meets quality standards. They design the project in a way that it adheres to local building codes and minimizes the risk of regulatory issues. Even if you have large-scale renovations involving multiple contractors, a project manager is the best option to manage it all in an efficient manner. What Does a Home Improvement Consultant Do? A home improvement consultant provides expert advice without taking on the role of manager. They are dedicated to providing us with professional advice on how to plan out the renovation project, what materials we should buy, and the expected budget as well. They help us in making informed decisions so that we know what we are getting into. Acting as counselors, they help us in choosing the right project manager and team of contractors but never directly manage them. Hiring a consultant comes with a lot of benefits. You can manage your project and get professional advice at the same time. Consultants ensure homeowners know the optimized budgets and trends in the market so that they can boost the aesthetic appeal of their properties without breaking the bank. Consultants are mostly for those who opt for the DIY style but want to align their work process with experts who can prove useful for guidance so that nothing goes wrong. They make one achieve his/her vision without wasting money unnecessarily. Key Differences Between a Project Manager and Consultant Aspect Project Manager Consultant Role Execute the entire project from start to finish Provides professional advice related to the project only Involvement Level High – oversees everything Low – helps only in planning projects Cost Charges for full project management (Percentage of total cost about 5-20%) Charges per hour ($40-$150/hr) Ideal for Large-scale projects Small-scale projects or DIY homeowners Contractor Coordination Yes No Budgeting Guidance Yes Yes, but advisory only Time Commitment Full-time until completion 2-3 hours depending on the amount of advice required Part 2: Choosing the Right Professional for Your Project When to Hire a Project Manager? A project manager is the ideal choice for homeowners who do not have time to supervise their own renovation. If you have hired multiple contractors for different purposes and have a complicated schedule, you should hire a manager. They will organize everything between them and ensure proper coordination. Additionally, they ensure that everything is carried out within the budget. Another pro is that DIYers can avoid the hassle that they have to go through to get permits and get approval from regulatory bodies. All of these can be easily tackled through a certified project manager. So, choose a project manager if you want full cooperation and coordination in their project from start to finish. This would be easy and a care free option to go for. When Should You Hire a Home Improvement Consultant? If you’re a DIY enthusiast and wish to improve your home on your own, you should hire a consultant. They not only provide professional advice but also tell you whether you can get it done. Having years of experience, they can help you choose the right materials within your budget. They do not take control of your project but they do help you out by hiring important contractors for the specific tasks required. So, even if you have no prior experience in a home improvement project and need some input from experts, pitch consultants. This is a user-friendly and flexible option for small-scale projects. Cost Comparison: Project Manager vs. Consultant There are differences between the costing plans between the project manager and a consultant. The fee of a complete home improvement project when you hire a project manager is about 10-20% of the total project cost. The consultants work out their service charges typically on an hourly basis. Depending on their qualifications and agency, their hourly fees would be different ranging from $50-$200. The final verdict It is important to consider the size of the project, budget, and other factors before you hire a project manager or consultant. Typically, you can opt for a consultant for a small project whereas a project manager would be preferable if the renovation is large and complicated, thereby easing your processes. If you are to make adjustments to your projects, consider using Superior Tech Solutions to attend to your needs. We guide our clients in choosing the best professionals to upgrade their homes to always ensure the topmost standards of quality.
What Does a Home Improvement Contractor Do
To ensure a successful renovation project, one must understand the kinds of responsibilities of home improvement contractors deal with.
