Project Management Tasks
Every project is unique in scope and size.
But administratively, they all require the same categories of oversight.
These tasks don’t disappear just because a contractor is hired.
They are either handled deliberately — or they are handled poorly.
In Overview – Project Teams, you’ll see how different delivery models assign these responsibilities.
For now, focus on this:
Each phase carries real management work.
Planning Phase
Managing the Planning Phase typically includes:
- Interview designer(s)
- Bid designer(s)
- Contract with designer(s)
- Create the scope of work
- Define the budget
- Plan the schedule
- Sketch project plans
- Manage designer(s)
- Make design changes
- Approve scope of work changes
- Process pay requests and changes
- Respond to requests for information
- Ensure adherence to building code
- Ensure adherence to applicable laws
- Attend design meetings
- Write and issue meeting minutes
- Contract enforcement
- Document control
These responsibilities shape every downstream outcome.
Detailed guidance appears in the Planning Phase section.
Bidding Phase
Managing the Bidding Phase typically includes:
- Prepare the bid package
- Locate and invite bidders
- Manage pre-bid meeting(s)
- Bid the project
- Communicate with bidders
- Respond to bid questions
- Issue bid addenda as-needed
- Verify bid details
- Review, evaluate bids
- Bid negotiation and award
- Contract negotiation
- Contract preparation and issue
Clarity here protects leverage later.
Detailed guidance appears in the Bidding Phase section.
Construction Phase
Managing the Construction Phase typically includes:
- Write and issue contracts
- Monitor construction
- Contract enforcement
- Review change orders/pay requests
- Approve pay requests and changes
- Respond to requests for information
- Review and approve submittals
- Review/approve shop drawings
- Attend construction meetings
- Write and issue meeting minutes
- Document control
- Issue payments
Construction reveals whether Planning and Bidding were complete.
Detailed guidance appears in the Construction Phase section.
What Comes Next
These activities exist on every renovation — regardless of size.
The question is not whether they occur.
The question is who manages them, and under what structure.
Understanding the people involved clarifies how these responsibilities are assigned — and where authority must remain.