In any building project, the correct execution of the work depends not only on the builder or the developer. There are key technical figures who guarantee that the construction process is carried out in accordance with the project, the regulations, and the established quality conditions. One of them is the construction management.
In this article, we explain what it consists of, who its members are, what its main functions are, and what current legislation in Spain says about its role in the work.
What is construction management?
The construction management of a work is the group of technicians who are responsible for supervising, controlling, and verifying that the execution of the construction project is carried out in accordance with the approved technical documentation, the applicable regulations, and the conditions agreed with the developer.
It is composed, at a minimum, of:
- Project management (DO): architect or technical architect responsible for the design and its correct execution.
- Construction execution management (DEO): technician who controls the material execution (usually a technical architect or quantity surveyor).
In some cases, it may also include other figures, such as the coordination of safety and health, if required by law or the type of work.
What are the functions of the construction management?
The construction management has a series of technical and legal responsibilities, as established by the Building Management Act (LOE). These are some of the most relevant:
1. Project supervision
- Ensure that the work is executed in accordance with the approved project.
- Verify that the plans, construction details, and technical specifications are respected.
2. Quality control
- Verify that the materials, techniques, and finishes comply with the required standards.
- Approve or reject work units based on their conformity.
3. Work certifications
- Issue partial or final work certifications for the economic control of the project.
- Validate certifications from the builder or subcontractors.
4. Control of deadlines and modifications
- Evaluate and authorize possible changes in the project.
- Supervise compliance with the work schedule.
5. Final documentation
- Issue the final work certificate, necessary for the first occupancy license.
- Participate in the drafting of the Building Book and delivery to the developer.
Who makes up the construction management?
The composition may vary depending on the type of project, but in residential building works, the usual structure is:
| Role | Responsible technician |
|---|---|
| Project management (DO) | Architect |
| Execution management (DEO) | Technical architect or quantity surveyor |
| Safety coordination | Competent technician designated by the developer (architect or quantity surveyor) |
In engineering or civil works projects, the profiles may change, and include civil engineers, industrial engineers, etc.
Legal framework: what does the Law say?
Law 38/1999, on Building Management (LOE) regulates the role of the construction management. Article 13 establishes the obligations and responsibilities of the agents involved in the building process.
Also, the Technical Building Code (CTE) and the regional regulations complement this regulation.
Professional civil liability: The members of the construction management must have mandatory civil liability insurance, as they are liable to the developer and third parties for damages arising from errors in the technical management.
Differences between construction management and project management
Although often used as synonyms, it is necessary to distinguish:
- Project management (DO): embodies the author of the project (architect), who supervises its correct technical execution.
- Construction management: includes the DO and the rest of the technical team that supervises the material execution and quality control.
Why is construction management important?
Having a professional and qualified construction management is essential to:
- Guarantee the constructive quality of the building.
- Comply with urban and technical regulations.
- Avoid legal, technical, or safety problems in the use phase.
- Obtain the final work certificate and the necessary licenses without problems.
A work without construction management lacks technical control and may incur serious irregularities that affect the developer, the builder, and the future user.
The construction management is a fundamental pillar in any work. Its technical, supervisory, and control work is key to ensuring that the project is built as it was conceived, complying with regulations, quality, and safety. In the hands of qualified professionals, it is a guarantee of success for the developer and for the durability of the building.
Do you need construction management for your project?
We have architects and technical architects with extensive experience in project and execution management. We advise you in all phases of the project and take care of the integral technical control.
