ᐅ First Meeting with the Construction Manager – Any Tips?

Andre77 schrieb:

Hey,

tomorrow is the first meeting with the construction manager. How does such a meeting usually go, and what topics are typically discussed?

I would really appreciate any feedback on this. Is there anything important to keep in mind? Any tips for the meeting?

Thanks!

And don’t forget to bring your own expert inspector with you….

Tassimat schrieb:

Ask him how many construction projects he is handling simultaneously

Yes, I have wondered about that too. I will ask them.

What other questions do people usually ask or should ask?

nightdancer schrieb:

and don’t forget to bring your own expert.....

He won’t be there. But they already know each other. Both are currently working together on another project.

Hello,

Bring your documents! During our meeting, many points of the construction process were already discussed. Also topics like:

• Floor screed recess for the chimney
• Who will take care of the earthworks and disposal of the excavation material?
• How and when will you carry out your own work contributions?
• Scheduling: when will construction start, when can detailed discussions on site take place, will you possibly be on holiday and unreachable?
• etc...

So, for us this was not just a casual coffee meeting (there was coffee and cookies anyway...), but a serious project meeting.

In general; be kind and polite to each other—there will still be time for disagreements later.
Remember, the site manager basically has the same interest as you: to get the construction done quickly and smoothly, although from the general contractor’s perspective, while you represent the client’s side. You should therefore see the site manager as a professional partner; he is not necessarily your friend! (But also not your enemy...)

Best regards and good luck,

Andreas

First meeting where? At the office over coffee or...?

For us, the first meeting with the site manager was on site at the construction area to determine the elevation level.

Are the final roads already in place? If not, for new developments, obtain the final road elevation levels from the civil engineering team.

If building without a concrete slab foundation and the excavation remains on site to be redistributed later, it is advisable to add about 30 cm (12 inches) of additional fill sand (this is usually the first extra order to the general contractor out of many). This compensates for the excavation. Otherwise, the building often ends up too low—especially if the excavation is spread back again afterward.

If you discuss the groundwork with the building inspector during the appointment, something is wrong.