Construction Management in Greater Montréal

A general contractor typically holds the subcontracts and prices the job as a lump sum, carrying the risk for cost, schedule, and quality. A construction manager coordinates trades, sequencing, and site oversight, often for a fee, with trade contracts held by or on behalf of the owner. Both roles manage the site; the difference is who holds the contracts and the risk.

A construction manager is usually paid a management fee — often a set percentage of the project's total cost — rather than a lump-sum price with built-in profit and overhead. This structure gives owners more transparency into trade costs. The exact model (fixed fee, percentage, or cost-plus) is defined in the contract before work begins.

The construction manager schedules and sequences the trades, coordinates their work, and oversees quality and safety on the job site. Under Quebec's Building Act, any party organizing or coordinating construction work must hold a valid RBQ licence. Managing multiple trades under one coordinator keeps the schedule aligned and gives the owner a single point of contact during construction.