Anyone ever used a project manager for a building project?

[wilbur]

Following on from zippitippitoes thread about her housebuild, I was wondering if anyone had experience of using a project manager for extensions etc? To keep the project running smoothly, make sure builders don't overcharge or overrun (within reason). We are planning an extension this summer and are thinking of going this route. If you know anything about this, how did you find someone and did it work out well?

We had our cellar converted recently - we engaged an architect who project-managed for us. It has gone pretty smoothly although it did over-run by 13 weeks and we are still arguing with builders about cost overruns!

Dinosaur if it overran by 13 weeks how long has it taken?

I did hear or read that ex building inspectors are good project managers if you can ind one...

It started in June and finished last month.

We used an architect to project manage a big job a few yeasr ago and it didn't work out well, which is why I'm thinking about a stand-alone project manager (they are often quantity surveyors too). We were obv unlucky with our architect, but he seemed utterly unconcerned with budget overruns which is understandable as his fee was 10% of entire build spend so he had no incentive to keep it smaller as he got more money when we overspent . I want to get a fixed fee person who will then get a bonus if the work is done on time and on budget.

bump