If you want to build or renovate, you need to take various things into account when preparing. In order not to get lost in the flood of important and sustainable tasks, you should rely on competent construction project management. construction project management.
Oliver Girharz, Managing Director at Matrol Servicios y Peritajes SL, has been a construction project manager in Mallorca for 20 years, managing new build and renovation projects as well as refurbishments. With his team of around 15 architects, engineers and technical architects, he accompanies clients from the initial idea to moving in. He explained to us in an interview what is important in the individual phases and what future building owners should take into account.
What is meant by „construction project management“?
Colloquially, one also speaks of the „builder's representative“. Basically, however, it is much more than just representing the interests of the client. In construction project management, we pursue three objectives: quality, time and cost control. These project objectives are discussed and defined individually with each client, of course with the client's interests in mind. This begins with the purchase of the property, then continues with the planning of the design and the execution, right up to the handover, or even later maintenance work. What do I mean by the „planning of the planning“?
A project begins with the search for a suitable architect, a technical architect must also be found and, last but not least, the contractor(s). With architects, for example, it is important to know in advance whether they are also suitable for the building project in question. Contractors or building contractors are also generally not able to carry out all buildings equally or equally well. There are many construction companies that are very good in the finca-rustic sector, others specialize in commercial properties, apartment buildings or hotels. Still others have a high technical level. Basically, the project manager is someone who does everything and leaves nothing undone in order to coordinate and complete the project well for the client, and explicitly for the client.
Matrol accompanies new builds, but also refurbishments and renovations. From your experience: Is there more construction, more renovation,
or more refurbishment?
For us, it's actually a varied mix. We had a lot of renovations and refurbishments for a while. After 2017/2018, it was mainly new buildings that we realized. And now we are noticing that more renovations are being carried out again and more investment is being made in existing properties because, logically, there is often a lack of vacant plots.
As an expert, do you have any important advice for those who come to the island and want to realize their dream property
?
want to realize their dream property?
There are a few important points for new builds, old buildings and existing properties. In the case of existing properties, construction project management should always be involved before the purchase so that we can check the key data, or at least a lawyer who can check the necessary documents. Unfortunately, many properties are sold that are not completely legal or have already been reported to the building authorities. For this reason, many properties have already had to be demolished. This should be avoided. In the case of new builds, you should always check whether the property on offer can be built on at all and, if so, what conditions and requirements apply. The desire for a swimming pool poses similar problems. Nowadays, the building possibilities are very limited. Especially in these rural areas, it is sometimes only possible to build smaller pools.
If you have ten customers who come to Matrol with real estate projects, how many do you have to say: We can't implement their ideas because the conditions aren't right?Almost all customers come with fixed ideas, which we have to adapt in at least some areas. The work involved in the run-up to the project can sometimes be greater than expected, simply because of the tests, approvals, the search for the best partners and companies, the architecture and implementation. But many of the projects can be implemented after all. However, this may involve considerably more work than the customer expects. I can say that you can save a lot of time and money with us as your tree project management company.Construction project management is a very specialized area of construction. What should the customer look out for when choosing a company? That is quite simple. On the island, many construction project managers offer their services, and there are even project management companies. There are architects who have construction project managers, or construction companies that offer construction project management as well. In principle, the project manager should always be independent. A company that offers everything from a single source will inevitably lead to internal conflicts. An independent selection means that the best person for the project is chosen, and not the one who belongs to the company or is otherwise involved in nepotism. An important guiding principle is that a construction project manager should never be paid according to the cost of the construction project. Our job is to keep costs as low as possible and not be tied to construction costs. This can lead to a lack of cost optimization. So, cost and time optimization, but with the best solution for the customer. Sensible and sustainable construction project management delivers the best performance at the best price for the client.
More information from Oliver Girharz
German engineering &
Construction project management office
Puerto de Andratx and Llucmajor
www.matrol.es
