Project Managing the Build Phase
Construction is where the project is executed.
The emphasis shifts from planning to delivery, with a clear focus on maintaining control of quality, programme and cost.
My role is to manage that process, administering the contract, coordinating the team and ensuring the project is delivered in line with the agreed brief.
Managing the build
The construction phase requires consistent, informed oversight.
I act as the central point of coordination between contractor, consultants and specialist suppliers ensuring information flows clearly and decisions are implemented correctly on site.
This includes:
managing, reporting and advising on programme and risk management
co-ordinating client suppliers with main contractor programme
addressing issues as they arise
Regular site attendance and structured meetings ensure the project progresses with momentum and aligned with programme
Quality and site control
Maintaining quality is fundamental to the success of the build.
I review workmanship and materials as construction progresses, ensuring alignment with the design, specification and agreed standards.
This is supported by:
regular site visits, planned and ad-hoc
coordinated input from the design team
early identification of issues, providing solutions, snagging management
The objective is to ensure quality is managed continuously, and dovetails with regulatory compliance.
Contract Management
The building contract provides the framework for delivery, and financial structure.
I agree on and administer the contract on behalf of my clients, ensuring obligations are met and the project remains commercially controlled.
This includes:
issuing and managing instructions
reviewing and agreeing variations of work, assessing and agreeing time and cost impact
assessing and certifying contractor payment applications
maintaining a live financial tracker
monitoring contractual compliance and certifying practical completion
This process ensures that changes are properly managed and financial control is maintained throughout.
Programme management
The construction programme is actively managed, not simply monitored.
I work closely with the contractor to ensure the programme remains realistic, up to date and aligned with site progress.
This involves:
reviewing progress against the agreed programme
identifying risks that could affect completion (the critical path).
coordinating sequencing and dependencies
managing lead times and supply chain for long lead works packages or materials
Where adjustments are required, these are assessed and addressed in a structured way to protect the overall delivery strategy.
Financial management
Cost control is maintained as a continuous process, carried forward from the agreed budgets and procurement strategy established during pre-construction.
I retain full oversight of the project’s financial position throughout the build, ensuring that all elements remain aligned.
This includes:
financial management of specialist suppliers, coordinated alongside programme sequencing
commercial management of the main contractor
maintaining a live, consolidated project cost tracker, incorporating professional fees, client supply items, specialist packages and the main contract sum
valuing and managing variations to the works
firming up provisional sums as design information is developed
All changes are reviewed and clearly presented before commitment, ensuring decisions are informed, measured and fully controlled.
Compliance and coordination
Construction involves a range of statutory and regulatory requirements.
I coordinate the process to ensure compliance is maintained throughout, including:
Building Control inspections
structural warranty requirements
health and safety obligations
any project-specific conditions or constraints, such as temporary structure licences, build over licences, services alterations, upgrades or new infrastructure supplies
This ensures the project progresses without disruption and is positioned for successful certification at completion.
Completion
The final stage of construction requires careful coordination.
I manage the process to ensure the project is properly concluded, including:
coordinating completion and snagging
overseeing final inspections and certification
managing commissioning of systems
confirming readiness for handover
This ensures the project reaches completion in a controlled and organised manner.
Construction is the controlled delivery of a defined project.
Maintained properly, it ensures the design intent is realised, risks are managed and the project is predictably delivered.
Oliver Steele-Perkins MCIOB
Initial consultation provided without charge
Steele-Perkins Contracting (an option)
On selected projects, Steele-Perkins may take a more direct role in delivery, acting as Principal Contractor.
In these cases, I lead the construction process while maintaining the same structured approach to programme, cost and quality control.
This role is undertaken selectively and does not alter my primary responsibility to represent my clients’ interests.