A new construction project can be an exciting yet challenging journey for any developer. There are many different voices in the room, and each will have their own priorities to ensure the project’s success.
Unfortunately, facility management is sometimes seen as an afterthought in the design and construction phases, which could be problematic if things need to be added or changed at the end of the project.
A facility manager can contribute significantly in the early stages of a development project and minimize issues related to operations and maintenance.
Most importantly, having a voice for facility management throughout a project can help developers reduce costs and ensure the project is completed on time and ready for occupancy.
Who are the stakeholders in a development project?
Consider an actual table where you have all of the critical stakeholders of a development project there. These are some of the people who should be seated at the table:
Owner/Asset Manager
The owner/asset manager will be the ultimate decision-maker on the project, but they will likely defer many of the decisions to others at the table. Their primary focus is on budget and completion schedule. Although the owner/asset manager may not be involved in the day-to-day parts of the project, they will certainly keep track of all high-level milestone outcomes to ensure the project stays on track.
Architect
Architects are focused on design intent and ensuring the building fits the owner’s vision for the project. While an architect will consult others about how their design will affect operations once construction is complete, it is not their primary focus.
Engineer
If architects are the creative part of the team, engineers are the technical experts who specialize in building systems scopes and structural stability. They want to ensure all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are aligned with the design intent and building operations.
Construction Manager
The construction manager will be responsible for field management and handling any safety issues. They may need to wear many hats as they will be scheduling and supervising all onsite trades, which could include plumbing, HVAC, electrical, drywall, carpentry, and metalwork. The construction manager is the leader at the table focused on quality construction outcomes.
Facility Manager
The facility manager is the project leader responsible for ensuring the final finishes are in “show ready” condition and all systems are compatible for daily operations. As the expert in operations and maintenance practices, the facility manager will be focused on finished product outcomes and quality.
What does a facility management team bring to the table?
A facility manager and their team will be the eyes and ears of the project when it comes to evaluating how any decision on design or construction will affect long-term building operations and maintenance.
They will also work closely with other stakeholders to conduct site inspections and ensure the quality of work. When performing a site inspection, they will review all finish schedules, door & hardware schedules, and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing schedules.
Building Layout
In the design phase, a facility manager can provide invaluable input on the layout. For example, something seemingly innocuous as storage space can be a nightmare later on if the project must be extended because the design layout didn’t include enough janitorial closets.
A facility manager and their team would be able to spot that early on before it gets to the construction phase because they focus on operations and the people who will carry out those daily tasks. They will be asking questions about design and layout that address what happens when the building is occupied by tenants.
While something may look fine on paper, a facility manager will be wondering how it will look when the doors are opened for business.
Building Systems
New technology is emerging all of the time, transforming how we interact with our facilities. There is a wide range of building systems and technologies, from security and access control systems to HVAC systems and smart, automated components.
A facility management team can help developers and their team choose building systems and components that will serve the people who need them now and in the future. They can determine which systems are required and how to approach sourcing and installing them most cost-effectively.
Speaking of costs, one typical problem developers face is realizing they have disparate building systems post-construction. This means they have to spend more on operational costs to monitor their systems on multiple platforms, or they need to overhaul their existing systems to integrate them.
In both cases, they would have saved significant money if they had consulted with their facility management team in the design and pre-construction phases to ensure they had the suitable building systems and components for their specific operations.
Transitioning from Construction to Operations
Besides conducting construction quality checks and assessing compliance with specifications that have an operational impact, a facility manager can help the construction manager understand all local code requirements and ensure all systems are accessible and don’t negatively affect surrounding areas.
As many of the stakeholders we’ve mentioned are primarily focused on the design and construction phases of a project, a facility manager can be the point of contact for transitioning the project to operations.
They will be engaged in setting up new contracts for facility services once the building turns over and will help ensure tenants are familiar with the building systems and operational items. They will also create all training materials for maintenance staff in preparation for building occupancy.
Does facility management have a seat at your table?
While facility managers play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of a building, they can also contribute significantly to a building in the design and construction phases.
Having a facility management team early on will save time and money on the project and help you choose the best finishes and equipment to maintain the highest level of operational efficiency when the building opens.
If you are looking for a partner to help you realize your vision, Berman is ready to be part of your team. Learn how we help real estate developers succeed at every stage of the project.
