Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Management FAQs

What is construction management?

Construction management is a professional service that uses specialized project management techniques to oversee the planning, coordinating, monitoring and controlling of a construction project from beginning to end. Construction management may be provided by a general contracting firm as part of the services offered. There are also construction management firms that provide management services.

What is a construction manager?

A construction manager is someone who plans, coordinates, budgets and supervises construction projects from development to completion. They may be employed by a general contractor or a construction management firm..

Often, they meet with architects, trade employees, engineers and other members of the project team during an active project. They regularly address emergencies, work delays, or other problems that affect the construction project they are managing. A construction manager maintains a wide focus on the project. They set schedules, monitor finances, and are responsible for keeping the project on schedule, within budget, and executed as determined by the project plans.

We believe the value of trust far outweighs the profit of a short-term relationship. Before we look at a project, we get to know the people behind it to best understand their needs and goals. Our goal is to earn your trust before we earn your business.

What are the 5 stages of building construction?

The five stages of construction are:

  • Initiation
  • Planning
  • Execution
  • Monitoring
  • Completion

To optimize the investment in your construction management services, it is best to get your construction management provider involved as early in the process as possible. Your construction management provider has technical expertise in the field of construction and can offer additional value to your project the sooner they are a part of your project team.

What is preconstruction?

General contractors supervise part or all of a construction project. General contractors may specialize in all or some types of construction. Usually, a construction project specializes in one or many types of building like commercial, residential, or industrial. General contractors manage and hire subcontractors while acting as the primary contractor with construction clients. General contractors can be hired by business and property owners, construction management firms, and other construction companies.

What are the steps to manage a construction project?

The steps in managing a construction project may vary drastically depending on the type of project, its general conditions, and on the general contractor or construction manager’s methodology.

  • Typically, the first step is to establish a project plan which is essentially a game plan for your construction project.
  • Following the project plan, a detailed schedule will be created.
  • Once a plan and schedule are established, execution and monitoring take place and continue through project turnover.

How much does it cost to build a hotel?

The short answer is that it depends. Costs are dictated by the project plans and at times the schedule. To determine construction costs and schedule, it is best to work with a licensed and experienced general contractor to develop a detailed estimate.

What are hard costs in construction?

Hard costs in construction are tangible costs that can be quantified and are related to the physical construction, to include labor and material, whereas soft costs are expenses that are not directly related to construction costs.

Included in hard costs are all of the costs for the visible improvements like grading, excavation, concrete, framing, electrical, carpentry, roofing, and landscaping. Hard costs contrast to soft costs which are those related to non-physical elements.

Construction Management FAQs

How is PWI Construction’s process different from others in the industry?

PWI Construction uses a people-first approach to construction. We are systematic in our approach to construction management.

First, we set forth to build trust with our clients. We want our clients to select PWI Construction for their project because they believe we are the best for their project. That means we take time to get to know our clients, their needs, and what’s important to them. If we believe we are the right fit for your project, we’ll be excited to work with you. If we’re not, we are not afraid to say so and will gladly point you in the right direction of another firm that’s more suitable for your needs.

Once we’ve determined that your project is a good fit, we build value by using our experience and passion to find ways to enhance the construction experience. We are value generators and are always looking for ways to ‘wow’ our clients.

Finally, we commit to building together. Construction is a team sport and therefore we need a strong team to realize project success. That is why we use a seven-point personal inventory assessment to assemble our project teams. Since every project has different needs and challenges, this assessment ensures we select the best people for the project.

What can I expect when working with PWI Construction?

When you work with PWI Construction you can expect best-in-class service, candid conversations, and a trusted source for all of your construction needs. We live by a code of honor at PWI Construction. That code is to put people first, act with integrity, and strive for excellence. Simply put, we love what we do and seek to be a value-partner for our clients.

Do I have to use all of PWI Construction's services, or can I use them for different parts of my project?

Our services are available in-total or in-part. For us to be most effective, we like to be involved with your project as early in the planning stage as possible. This gives us the ability to leverage our expertise to locate time and cost-savings and other value-added opportunities. The best way to determine what services are most useful for your project is to speak to one of our construction experts.

Construction Subcontractor FAQs

How do I get on PWI Construction’s vendor list?

To get on our vendor list, you must first complete a Subcontractor/Vendor Interest Form. Our Vendor Relations Specialist will review the form and if there’s a match, they will guide you through our subcontractor/vendor onboarding process.

How much work can my company expect to get from PWI Construction if we're approved?

Once qualified as a PWI Construction subcontractor, you will be added to our subcontractor database. Based on your trade, location, and specialty, you will receive an Invitation To Bid when there’s a match.

What types of subcontractors are you looking for?

We are looking for subcontractor whose values align with ours and the needs of our clients.

What sort of projects can subcontractors expect to work on?

PWI Construction works coast to coast and specializes in hospitality, restaurant, and retail construction. From new construction to interior improvements, we have many opportunities for our network of qualified subcontractors.

 

About PWI Construction FAQs

How long has PWI Construction been around?

PWI Construction was founded in 1985 as a local homebuilder and over the years has expanded into a nationwide general contractor.

What sets PWI Construction apart?

PWI Construction’s dedication to client service sets us apart from all other general contractors. We care more about gaining a long-term relationship than we do about securing a one-time project.

What industries does PWI Construction have experience in?

PWI Construction is experienced in single and multi-family, luxury residential building and commercial construction with expertise in high-end hospitality, restaurant, and retail construction.

What's the deal with the pies?

If you haven’t noticed by now, pies are sort of our thing. What started as an office tradition has become a way of life for us at PWI Construction. In the early days, pies were our go-to break or meeting indulgence. Whether it was a stressful day, a celebration, or an encounter with a new employee or client, pie seemed to always be the perfect accompaniment.

 

As the ritual grew, we began shipping pies nationwide through locally sourced bakeshops to our clients and partners. Thirty years later, pie has become much more than an indulgence. It’s become a representation of our core values of People, Integrity, and Excellence. It’s become a way of life for us at PWI Construction. Plus, what better excuse to gather around a table?