Construction Management Responsibilities During Design

For the last 10 years it has been increasingly recognized that the level of influence over costs is greatest during the design phase of a project, and that construction knowledge is necessary in this phase. The construction manager can provide this knowledge in many design and design‐related functions, listed in this paper. The construction manager is an advisor only on actual design, but takes a leadership role in many of the planning and control functions, such as contract packaging, schedules, site layouts, access, work rules, and labor and safety provisions. With the leadership role there is a potential liability in design review, cost and schedule estimates, and on‐site design‐related functions. All parties, especially owners, should recognize the use of construction expertise, but also the liability risks that accompany such responsibilities.