Building a house, renovating an apartment, starting works in a co-ownership: in Luxembourg, a project quickly mobilises around ten stakeholders, authorisations and a significant budget. The project manager is there to ensure that the client — you — retains control of the whole process. Here, without jargon, is what they do, what they do not do, and when they are useful.

Who does what on a project?

• The architect designs the project, draws up the plans and the building permit application.
• The engineers and consulting firms dimension the structure, the building services and the energy performance.
• The contractors carry out the works and are responsible for them under their contract.
• The project manager stands by your side: they organise, coordinate, verify, alert you and help you make decisions.

They do not replace the architect or the contractors. At PGR Habitat, we do not design and we do not build: you sign directly with each contractor, and we exclusively defend your interests.

What a project manager does in practice

• Before the works: verification of feasibility, realistic budget, schedule, specifications.
• During the tender process: several quotes per trade, item-by-item comparison, identification of omissions, negotiation.
• During the construction phase: meetings and minutes, schedule and budget monitoring, verification of variations and progress invoices before payment.
• At the end: handover of the works, snagging list and monitoring of their resolution.

When is it useful?

• You have neither the time nor the knowledge to follow a construction site on a daily basis.
• You are using several contractors directly rather than a general contractor.
• You are a managing agent and must present comparable quotes at the general meeting, then inform the co-owners during the works.
• You are a property developer and wish to delegate the technical management.
• A construction site is blocked or abandoned and must be taken over.

What a project manager cannot promise

They do not eliminate unforeseeable events: weather, discoveries during demolition, failure of a contractor. Their role is to anticipate them, to alert you early and to offer you solutions, so that every decision is made with full knowledge of the facts. Beware of anyone who promises you "zero cost overruns".

The right questions before choosing

• Are you independent from the contractors you recommend?
• Who signs the works contracts?
• What will I receive during the works: minutes, budget monitoring?
• How is your assignment defined and remunerated?
• Can you show me projects comparable to mine?

Do you have a project for construction, renovation, or works in a co-ownership? Book a free 30-minute call: we will see together if, and how, we can help you.