Complex construction sites function a little like large ocean liners: Crew members with a wide variety of functions from the engine room to the bridge ensure that the ship stays on course during the journey. In the end, however, it is always the captain who has to make the final decisions. It's no different on construction sites, except that here the site manager takes responsibility during the actual construction phase.
Construction management ensures that the approved plans are implemented properly and in accordance with the law and is mandatory - so without construction management there is no construction site.
But what do the tasks of a site manager look like in detail? And which legal principles are relevant in practice? In this article, we shed light on the most important aspects of correct construction site management.
The most important facts in brief
Construction management coordinates and controls the entire construction process.
It is largely responsible for the implementation of plans and compliance with legal requirements.
Digital tools facilitate construction site management in actual construction practice.
What does a site manager do?
As the linchpin between planning and implementation, the construction site manager bears enormous responsibility for the smooth running of a construction project. Essentially, their task is to monitor and control the execution of the project in accordance with the construction planning specifications, legal regulations and quality, cost and time requirements.
A key aspect of site management is coordinating the various trades on the construction site. It must ensure that all work is carried out professionally and on time. It is also responsible for continuously monitoring the progress of the construction project in order to be able to react to potential problems or delays at an early stage.
Communication and security
In addition to technical supervision, communication is also one of the main tasks of construction management. This includes communication with clients, architects, engineers, authorities and contractors. The construction site management acts as an interface and must ensure a constant flow of information.
In addition, site managers are largely responsible for compliance with safety regulations. They ensure that all regulations such as the Construction Site Ordinance are adhered to.
Are there differences between the client and the contractor?
The roles of client and contractor are fundamentally different during a construction project and site management plays a crucial role in the interaction between the two parties.
Client
He initiates the construction project, defines the project, secures financing and is responsible for approvals. He sets the objectives, budget and requirements. In this process, the construction site manager is an indispensable advisor and mediator for the client, ensuring technical feasibility and representing the client's interests on the construction site.
The site manager also confirms the proper completion of the construction work in accordance with the contract. This takes place through the process of acceptance of the construction work. Upon acceptance, the construction project is considered complete and completed in accordance with the contract.
Contractor
The contractor carrying out the construction work is responsible for implementing the plans, procuring materials and providing manpower. Here, the site management acts as a supervisor and coordinator, ensures that the work is carried out in accordance with the specifications and standards and acts as a link between the contractor and the client.
What is the legal situation?
Construction law is a complex web of national regulations, ordinances and directives. For construction management, this means always being up to date with the latest public law requirements and ensuring that all aspects of the construction project comply with them.
Building code and building regulations
In Germany, the Building Code (BauGB) forms the basis of construction planning law and thus describes the tasks of the construction manager. It regulates the use of land and defines how and where buildings may be constructed. It is supplemented by the respective state building codes, which contain detailed regulations on the technical requirements for buildings.
Site manager declaration
It is essential in the approval process for construction projects and lays down the requirements for construction site management. In it, the site manager confirms that he/she assumes responsibility for monitoring the execution in accordance with the applicable building regulations and laws:
Responsibility: The site manager declares that he/she is responsible for the proper execution of the construction project in accordance with the plans and building regulations.
Compliance with regulations: The site manager's declaration confirms that the construction project complies with and takes into account all relevant building regulations, standards and laws. This includes aspects such as fire protection, stability and energy efficiency.
Inspection obligations: The site manager declares that he/she will carry out the necessary checks to ensure that the construction work is carried out in accordance with the technical and legal requirements.
Communication with authorities: The site manager's declaration also serves as proof to the building authorities that a qualified specialist will take on the role of site manager and ensure that the construction work proceeds properly.
Construction management made easy - thanks to digital tools
Even modern ships no longer navigate with a sextant and simple compass, but rely on GPS and other digital tools that make it easier to stay on course. This is no different on construction sites, but the support here is primarily provided by practical software solutions.
Tools such as Viewpoint For Projects help site managers to maintain an overview in the turbulent daily construction site routine. This ISO 19650-compliant software makes it possible to effectively monitor and control all facets of a construction project. It provides a holistic overview and management of all project-relevant aspects.
Viewpoint Field View expands the usage options and transforms the overview and control directly into practical applications for site management on the construction site. As a cloud-based solution, this software represents the evolutionary development of traditional, analog data acquisition in the field - digital power instead of sextant.
