Clear Signs Your Project is Blocked

A blocked project is one that’s not performing, is late, over budget. It’s the last thing you need. There are clear signs and symptoms that your project is blocked. Here’s what to look out for so you can get things back on track and under control: 1.  A heavy feeling. You know what I’m talking about! You don’t […]

Stepping into a Project Part Way Through

It’s never easy coming into a project when it’s already underway because there are normally two reasons why a project manager is being engaged late on a project: 1. Taking over from an existing project manager. 2. The role of project manager was underestimated and there’s a backlog of issues and challenges that are unresolved. […]

How to Build Your Confidence as a Project Manager

One of the main distinguishing factors from project managers who work on small vs large projects is their confidence level. The fastest way to progress in your career as a project manager is through building your confidence levels. The more confidence you have, the more you progress to work on bigger and more exciting projects, […]

Replacing a Builder and Finishing Incomplete Works

During the GFC there were countless instances of builders not completing projects and going into administration. Some of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on have involved coming in to pick up the pieces after a builder has gone under. Once you separate yourself from the stress, here’s the clear process forward to follow: 1.  Secure the […]

How to Build Confidence as a Project Manager

One of the main distinguishing factors from project managers who work on small vs large projects is their confidence level. The fastest way to progress in your career as a project manager is through building your confidence levels. The more confidence you have, the more you progress to work on bigger and more exciting projects, and to […]

What Does it Mean to ‘Hold The Energy’ as a Project Manager

Holding the energy isn’t a phrase used much in the industry. You won’t step on many sites—yet—where it’s being spoken about. Yet it may be one of the most quintessential aspects of becoming a highly regarded project manager. If you’re holding the energy as a project manager, it doesn’t mean everything is running smoothly on your project. It […]

The Upside Of Your Costs Blowing Out

The $64 million question—literally—now with everyone I talk to in the industry is how to move forward from their current position, given they are probably having budget issues.   The way I’m handling that is by changing the way we source our construction pricing and also the way my team and I look at cost […]

The Six Steps to Take Now to Develop a Successful Project

There’s a lot of frustration and chaos in the property development industry now. So many moving parts that are affecting how builders, buyers, stakeholders, developers are acting and reacting. I’m choosing not to hit the panic button. Here’s why—and the practical steps to take to develop a project successfully in this market. First, here’s your […]

The Hardest Stage of Any Project for Most Clients

During my career, one thing I’ve discovered is that the toughest time for any client on their project is that period in the project timeline before committing to builder and the funder. It’s the leap of faith before you sign the construction contract and the funding contract and pour your remaining equity into literally a […]

What To Expect During a Negotiation

Construction contract negotiations have always played an important role in the property development process and are significant in resolving the divergent interests of stakeholders. I use the same checklist to make sure that I prioritize the right issues in the negotiation.   Cost: What is the likely cost implication of this clause, or if I agree […]