The owner hires the Construction Manager (CM) at risk early in the programming or design phase to manage every preconstruction contract. These contracts are based on an agreed price, schedule, scope, and cost to help projects run smoothly, on time, and on budget. The CM then works with the owner and architect through the design development and construction document phases, validating the program, cost, and schedule at the end of each phase, and amends the preliminary GMP as needed.

After a successful preconstruction phase, the owner will issue the CM at risk a construction contract for the final GMP amount. The CM at risk starts construction, taking on all cost, schedule, and scope risk through completion and activation to maximize contract efficiency and control costs.