Frequently Asked Questions

Construction manager, project manager, what’s the difference?

As it turns out, quite a bit, and understanding those differences is crucial to any construction firm hoping to make it to the next level.

Small firms tend to have one person who serves as both the project and construction manager. That could be holding the firm back, as those are very different roles that require unique talents. Construction managers and project managers have their own tasks, their own responsibilities, and their own project management or construction management software.

Project management is broader

The main difference between project managers and construction managers is the scope. Project managers typically are higher up the food chain in an organization and have broader responsibilities.

For example, a construction manager may only oversee the construction of the building itself, whereas a project manager will run all aspects of the project, from selecting the site to land procurement to, well, hiring the construction manager.

A project manager’s job is to give the construction manager and everyone else on the project the tools and support they need to get the work done.

Common project manager activities include:

• Site analysis
• Land procurement
• Marketing and public relations
• Budget management
• Timeline and deadline management
• Staffing (including the construction manager)

Construction managers are more involved in the details

Project managers typically don’t deal with construction workers, equipment, and materials, except to sign off on them. It’s the construction manager’s job to determine what their needs are in those areas, develop a proposal, and submit it to the project manager for approval.

The project manager will weigh the costs against the budget and may ask the construction manager for justification of the expenses, but ultimately they rely on the construction manager to figure those things out.

Common construction manager activities include:

• Managing subcontractors
• Managing workers
• Supervising day-to-day construction operations
• Ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations
• Ordering materials
• Maintaining equipment
• Planning work schedules
• Preparing estimates

Project management involves more direct contact with the client

Because the project manager oversees a large portion of the operation, they will have more direct contact with the client, who will want to know how construction is going as well as other things, such as land procurement and site analysis.

The project manager also has a greater understanding of the client’s needs because they have been there since the beginning of the project and have already worked closely with the client in a variety of areas.

Construction managers will certainly have plenty of communication with the client, but project managers have more responsibility.

How They’re Made

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are similarly manufactured from baking clays, however what really separates them is their density and durability.

• Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures for a longer time than ceramic, which makes them more durable and denser—practically completely water-resistant
• Ceramic tiles are more delicate and less porous, meaning they can easily absorb water.

Appearance of Porcelain vs. Ceramic

Another factor that sets these types of tiles apart is their appearance. With today’s technology and ever changing trends, both tiles can be any color or pattern imaginable.

• Porcelain’s color or design is carried through its entire body. So if they happen to get chipped, it’s not as obvious.
• Ceramic tile designs and colors are printed on the surface and protected with a type of glaze. So if these tiles get chipped, it’ll be more noticeable since the body of the tile is a different color than the surface.