CM At Risk (CMAR): Pros & Cons of Construction Management At Risk Delivery Method

CM At Risk (CMAR): Pros & Cons of Construction Management At Risk Delivery Method

Construction management at risk, also known as CM at Risk or CMAR, is an innovative construction management approach that has been gaining popularity. It differs from other traditional project delivery approaches in that the design and construction are two separate contracts and the consideration for final selection is based on more than just the lowest total construction cost. The construction manager is committed to delivering the project within a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and acts as a consultant to the project owner during the development and design phases or preconstruction services. Even before the project design is complete, the construction manager is involved in estimating project costs and can change the design to balance the costs, schedule, quality and scope of the project. This approach saves time, effort and money by not having to modify or redesign any completed construction documents.

CM at risk is an alternative delivery system that is cost-effective and time-conscious to traditional construction delivery methods, but it still benefits from construction project management software. ProjectManager is an all-in-one tool that gives the construction manager the tools to plan the project's schedule and budget. The advantage of using CM at risk is that it reduces the owner's overall potential risks because each of the contracts for the owner, designer and construction manager outlines the GMP. However, there are some issues with CM at risk that need to be considered before making a decision. The CM at risk relationship benefits both the owner and the client by providing a predictable budget and a strong allegiance to the construction manager.

It also increases project speed by avoiding construction delays, as design modifications are usually done before any drawings are finalized. Construction managers also have more responsibilities that allow them to connect the owner and designer to the actual build, strengthening coordination between parties and providing an efficient communication channel to foster collaboration. Additionally, it affords a high level of cost control as there's more transparency and accountability, saving time and effort.