Project Management in Southampton (50)

Starting a big home project can be a bit of a minefield. There are many essential legal, financial and logistical things to consider so the process can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re feeling out of your depth, this is the perfect time to think about hiring a project manager.

The project manager's role is to stay on top of every part of your renovations. Managing tradespeople, checking legal requirements and sticking to a budget are all examples of project manager roles.

What project management consultancy services are available?

Project managers are experts at bringing together plans, drawings, budgets and workers to successfully complete your renovations. They offer project management consultancy services for as much or as little support as you need. For example, you could just ask them to manage the different contractors working on your project.

Is it worth hiring a project manager?

Not every project requires a project manager to take control. Smaller jobs like painting your home or fitting a new door can be easily dealt with by the tradesperson you hire. However, for large scale projects there are so many variables that a project manager is essential to the success of the job.

Other benefits of hiring a project manager include:

• Reducing your stress levels
• Saving you hours of juggling different tradespeople
• Making sure your project stays within your budget
• Helping your project stick to its projected timescale
• Providing advice on legal issues

In a lot of cases, a project manager isn’t essential but the bigger your project, the greater the need for an experienced professional. Different jobs that may require a project manager include:

• Extensions

• Conversions

• Building a new house

• Building an annexe or outbuilding

• Large scale layout changes

Do I need a project manager for a renovation?

This depends on the type and complexity of your renovations. A project manager is vital in ensuring the success of large scale renovations, however for small renovation jobs, you probably won’t need a project manager.

In many cases it’s completely feasible to manage your own projects. However, for big projects like extensions or conversions you’ll need the services of many different tradespeople. A project manager can help to create a schedule of works, coordinate tradespeople, and ensure the job stays within your budget.

Of course you could take on the role of project manager yourself, but be aware this is skilled job. Project managing requires a big commitment in terms of time and energy as well as dealing with a lot of stressful situations. So, if you’re busy or have no experience running projects this may not be the role for you.

The amount you need to budget for your project manager will vary from job to job. In order to work out the average project manager cost, consider the following factors:

• The scale of your renovations

• How much you’re spending on your project

• The project manager’s experience level

• What kind of support you need

• The amount of time the project manager puts into the job

• Your location

• How often the project manager needs to visit your home

Project manager cost

Taking the above variables into account will help you to estimate how much your project manager will charge. Each project will be priced differently but the average amount people spend on hiring a project manager is £6,000. Looking at it a different way, the average project manager cost is £150 per hour.

You can find more prices and advice in our house renovation project manager cost guide.

While finding a project manager quickly is important to ensure your job gets started as soon as possible, we’d say it’s more important to find the right project manager.

So, how do you find a great project manager? Well, you can start by inviting a few professionals over to discuss your project and give you a quote. Then ask yourself if the project manager:

• Is happy to explain the entire process to you

• Has positive reviews on Checkatrade

• Is friendly and professional

• Is experienced

• Is recommended by anyone you know

• Has examples of their past work

• Is open to answering your questions

• Is happy to provide references

• Provides a fair quote

If your project manager has the above qualities, the chances are they’re perfect for your job.

Want to speak to project management consultants in Southampton?

Looking for a project management company in Southampton? We can help you find the right professional to make your project a success. Our members are thoroughly checked so you can be sure you’re hiring a trustworthy, qualified tradesperson every time. They’re also recommended by your neighbours.

Try our online search feature to find project management consultancy services near you. Simply enter your postcode to see local professionals instantly.

Or, try our request a quote feature to save time. We’ll do the legwork, just send us the details of your job and we’ll pass these on to three project management consultants in Southampton. They’ll then offer you a quote. It really is that easy!