Hiring a project manager for yourself locally isn’t as stressful in the sense that you can arrange multiple phone calls and discussions with agencies and individuals to ensure that the relationship is both mutually beneficial and that they can meet your expectations and requirements. Hiring a project manager abroad can come with its own very specific obstacles that make it difficult for people to understand where to begin with the hiring process of a project manager who works for them and can meet their needs.

Luckily, it isn’t the be-all and end-all, which is great to hear. There are ways in which you can ensure you are getting the right people for the job, even when hiring from outside of the country.

Local Expertise vs The Outsider 

One thing you can rest assured of is that they are well-adverse with the local legalities and have expertise within this country, so that in itself is reassuring that you are making the right decision in comparison to hiring an outsider. 

However, within that bracket itself, it’s deciding whether to choose a large company or a much smaller business, or even an independent (sole trader) that is a local specialist. They both have pros and cons, so it’s about establishing what you are most comfortable with.

A local specialist obviously is resourceful in the sense that they have a very unique amount of knowledge and experience within a specific area, which has its benefits when going through unwritten rules and regulations. As they aren’t handling several clients like a big firm, they can dedicate a large portion of their time to a single project, which means you are getting above and beyond the service a firm could offer or at least offer at a competitive price.

They can, however, be limited in communication styles if neither of you is fluent in the other’s language, but it could also mean a slight decrease in resources and connections compared to a large firm.

Overall, you want to trust somewhere that prevents the need of you from using your limited visa days/period time of the year, travelling back and forth to oversee the project.

Technical Proficiency

A project manager is much more than someone who walks around with a hard hat and a vest, but they need to understand construction, including the sequence of it. This can be your failsafe to avoid construction errors and act as a form of eyes and ears that are extremely valuable to the project.

You’d want to ensure your project manager can share the following information to keep you in the loop, but also to prove their worth to the project.

Mapped out a chart which shows work done, being completed and the strategy for the future of the construction project. This will keep you up to date with everything that is not done, but everything that should follow if there are no issues along the way.

To ensure they are prepared to speak on your behalf could include questions such as “Tell me about a time a subcontractor made a mistake and how you handled it.” You want someone firm and solution-oriented, not someone who avoids conflict.

Communication Infrastructure

Communciation especially while you are overseas, is extremely important. While you might not be there to make all of the decisions or to speak with contractors directly, you want to ensure your PM can speak on your behalf, but also to share over details of the project details proficiently.

Platforms

Establish a mutually beneficial platform to discuss everything, whether it’s via WhatsApp or via a video call, once a week.

Reporting

You want to ensure that during these weekly detailed catchups, it all makes sense and keeps you in the loop as much as you want to be. Therefore, ask how their reporting styles looks like and if you require anything alternative or along with it, as if that’s within their means.

Documentation

Ensure that there is a platform that is used to keep all documentation, contracts, receipts and images all in one place, safe from miscommunication and issues when it comes to payment or invoices. This is crucial; therefore, ensure that your PM understands that all and everything is to be added into this file.

The Fiduciary

In an overseas build, “kickbacks” can be a reality in some markets. You need a PM who is fiduciary, meaning they act solely in your financial interest.

Red Flags

• Insists on using only one specific supplier for everything.
• Is vague about their fee structure or “adds it to the materials”.
• Avoids written contracts for subcontractors.

Green Flags

• Provides three competitive quotes for major line items.
• Charges a flat fee or a transparent percentage of the build.
• Maintains a digital “paper trail” for every dollar spent.

Interview Question

Before you sign a contract, ask this question. “If I disappeared for two weeks and couldn’t be reached by phone, what decisions are you authorised to make, and which ones would you halt production for?”

Their answer would tell you everything you need to know with regards ot their knowledge and their understanding of your boundaries.

Ensuring You’re Ready

Once all has concluded, ensure that your indefinite leave to remain visa has gone through to enjoy your brand new home, or you adhere to the laws that don’t require a visa.