No, a construction manager and a general contractor are not the same. A construction manager oversees and coordinates all aspects of a construction project on behalf of the owner, focusing on the project’s planning, coordination, and owner’s interests. In contrast, a general contractor is responsible for executing the physical construction work, typically hired by the owner or construction manager to manage day-to-day operations, subcontractors, and construction tasks. These roles have distinct responsibilities, with construction managers emphasizing project management, while general contractors specialize in construction execution.

A construction project manager plays a pivotal role in the successful execution of construction projects. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks and duties, including:

1. Project Planning: They develop comprehensive project plans, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
2. Team Management: Construction project managers assemble and lead project teams, which may include architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.
3. Budget Management: They monitor project costs, control expenses, and ensure that the project stays within budgetary constraints.
4. Schedule Management: Construction project managers create and maintain project schedules, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within deadlines.
5. Quality Control: They enforce quality standards and ensure that the work meets design specifications and industry regulations.
6. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks and issues that may arise during construction, such as weather delays or supply chain disruptions.
7. Communication: Maintaining clear and effective communication between all stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and team members.
8. Permitting and Compliance: Managing the necessary permits and ensuring that the project complies with local building codes and regulations.
9. Safety: Promoting and enforcing safety protocols to protect workers and ensure a safe work environment.
10. Problem Solving: Addressing unexpected challenges and finding solutions to keep the project on track.

Construction management is a specialized field within the construction industry that focuses on the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects. It involves overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from the initial concept and design phase to the final construction and project closeout. Construction managers play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to the specified quality and safety standards. They are responsible for managing resources, scheduling tasks, and addressing any issues that may arise during the construction process to ensure a successful and efficient project delivery.

General contractors take on more responsibility for delivering the entire project within a guaranteed budget and timeline. Construction managers act more as advisors, with the homeowner retaining overall control.

Their fees are usually 10-20% of the total construction budget. The exact rate depends on the scope of work and services provided. Expect to pay more for larger or more complicated projects.

It works well on larger, more complex renovations and custom projects where the homeowner wants to be very hands-on with decision making. It may be overkill on smaller jobs.

The main benefits are having more control over contractor selection, scheduling, and project decisions, while still getting oversight and coordination from a construction expert. This can result in greater efficiency and potentially some cost savings.