CAI-NJ February 2021

Roles of Professionals and Consultants During a Construction Project By Steven J. Morris, P.E., R.S., NAFE, NJ-EIFS Special Inspector, Hot Mix Asphalt Construction Technologist, Principal - Morris Engineering, LLC

Bezvershenko and Владимир Мелентьев/istock/GettyImages Plus

W hen a community is embarking on a signifi- cant construction project, one of the first steps that should be taken is assembling a project team and defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Having a strong team in place will help ensure the success of the project. Typically, the association will engage a number of profes- sionals and consultants to assist in executing a project. The specific members required for, or beneficial to, a project will vary, depending on the scope and scale of the proj- ect. This article will provide some ideas and guidelines for understanding the roles of the team members hired by the association. Early in the planning phase of the project, the initial members of the project team should be established and recorded in a written document. Think of this as a “Team Roster”. The roster should include the following information for each team member:

• Name and contact information: This may include 24-hour emergency contact information. • Specific responsibilities for the project: This may be a bullet-point list or could reference their contract or an engagement letter. • Chain of communication: Define who can contact that person directly and through whom that team member directs their communications. The team may change over time and the roster should be updated as the project progresses. This roster will be huge- ly beneficial as the project proceeds, particularly if there are changes in management, the board or team members. Following is a list of common team members for a project. However, the team needed will vary for each different project. Property Manager The property manager’s role in any construction project is critical to success and his/her tasks are so vast and

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