To project manage a self-build comes at a cost, but what exactly are you paying for? Before you dive in and decide to do the job yourself, take a look at the reasons why hiring one may save you time and money in the long run.

1. Knowledge and expertise

Project management is a multi-skilled job requiring an understanding of costs and construction methods. They have great organisational and people skills, an ability to home on the detail . They can also stand back and see the bigger picture. Broadly speaking, a project manager will make sure your house is being built to the design, and will deal with any problems before they develop into a bigger headache. Make sure you pick someone who has the relevant experience for your project and comes recommended.

2. Health and Safety role

Self-builders are required under the Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations to ensure health and safety is addressed on site. On a project with more than one contractor, the project manager can be appointed the principal contractor to manage site safety. In a single contractor project, then the obligation is on the main contractor.

3. Team organisation

A good project manager creates a ‘programme of works’ identifying every stage of the build project. This determines how long each stage will take to complete, and allocating the relevant trade(s). This means sourcing the trades, agreeing prices and setting-up contracts – as well as making sure everyone sticks to the timeline. If the project manager is local, they’ll have a good network of contacts they can rely on. Remember there’s a long list of trades to source for a house build. Including bricklayers, carpenters, joiners and an electrician. Other trades include plumber, window fitters, tiler, kitchen fitter, flooring contractor, decorators, plus any specialists that might be needed.

4. Schedules deliveries and trades

Nobody wants deliveries arriving too early (or too late) as there’s a danger they’ll be hanging about in bad weather or vulnerable to theft. A good project manager will organise the delivery of materials to tie in with when they’re actually needed on site. Plus have the trade(s) ready to use them. The project manager will have set-up a secure storage facility and thought about access for delivery lorries and how to move the materials around the site.

5. Keeps track of the budget

A quantity survey is the expert for putting together a detailed cost breakdown but this should be passed to your project manager to track and follow. They, too, have knowledge of costs and can advise you during the project if there’s room to spend a little bit more, or where to save, without compromising the build quality or your budget.

6. Advises on materials

There’ll be hundreds of materials and products that need choosing and buying and a project manager can help navigate this for you. They’ll have relationships with trusted suppliers they’ve used before and are likely to have clout to negotiate prices – particularly for bulk orders for bricks, tiles, cladding, cement etc. You may want to stay in control of decisions on your build. Especially or the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, tiles, and this can be agreed with the project manager.

7. Sorts out disputes

You’ll be dealing with a wide range of people on your project. The architect, structural engineer, trades and suppliers. A number of delivery drivers, hire companies, utility firms, building control, neighbours. It’s a project manager’s job to be the first point of contact. Even in the smoothest running of projects, you may run into a disagreement of some kind. This might be simple to settle – or not, and could leave you in the middle of a dispute that you’re unsure how to resolve. A project manager has a holistic view that can be backed up with facts and supported with diplomatic discussion. If necessary, they can refer to the terms of the perpetrator’s contract – and even fire them.

8. Talks the same language

There may be times when a trade, a builder or professional has a technical issue. This may go right over your head. A project manager understands the construction process and will act as the intermediary so that you’re fully aware of the implications of any problems/changes. If you’re using unusual materials or construction techniques, make sure the project manager has experience in this area.

9. Remains emotionally detached

A self-build is likely to be the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make, and so any kind of wobble in the project that threatens to add costs or time could cloud your judgement to make the right decision. A project manager will stick to the facts and explain your options, advising the best route for your project and expectations.

10. On site full-time

Not everyone has the luxury of time to be on site every day, but there’s no escaping the fact that building a house is a full-time job. Although you’ll be paying around 5-10% of the total build cost in fees to a project manager, consider the value this brings. A project manager will give you the best chance of getting the project finished on time and on budget – without the stresses that come with being immersed in the complexities of unfamiliar territory.