Service 06 · Construction

Construction is communication.
With plans attached.

We steer modernizations, tenant fit-outs and revitalizations — as the owner's representative who translates between owner, architect, planner, authorities and tenants. On budget. On schedule.

What it is about

Construction projects rarely fail because of the building work. They fail because of the steering.

Every construction project on an operating asset is an intervention in live operations. Tenants expect open stores, visitors expect clear paths, authorities expect compliance with permits, owners expect adherence to budgets. Four expectations that contradict each other every day — and an owner's representative who resolves them every day.

We steer construction projects with the clarity that the building work is not the problem — the interface is. Anyone who fails to keep architects, general contractors, tenants, authorities and owners aligned pays the difference out of pocket — in cost overruns, schedule slips or lost tenants.

What helps us: we come from the property side, not from the construction side. We know the daily operations, the tenants, the weak points of the asset. That makes us an owner's representative who not only meets deadlines — but also knows why they matter.

What we deliver in concrete terms

Six phases. One responsibility: you stay in control.

From the first concept to final handover — we are the central steering of your construction project.

01

Needs planning and feasibility

Before the first line is drawn, we clarify goals, budget and room for maneuver. What is possible during live operations? Which permits do we need? Which tenants are affected? Clear answers at the start save expensive corrections at the end.

02

Selection of architects and planners

We know the firms that understand retail real estate — and the ones that only claim to. We tender, compare, negotiate and award. With contracts that define performance rather than just invoke it.

03

Steering permit processes

Building applications, fire protection, planning law, parking topics, signage: we lead authority communication, know local quirks and obtain permits before they become a scheduling risk.

04

General contractor award and steering

We tender construction services, compare bids, negotiate terms and close contracts. During construction: daily monitoring, weekly site meetings, monthly cost control.

05

Coordinating tenant fit-outs

When new tenants move into a property, fit-out works need to be done by opening day. We coordinate tenant architects, review plans for fire protection and structural integrity — and make sure that opening day actually is opening day.

06

Handover and defect management

Final acceptance, defect list, rectification, final payment. We hand the project over to operations only when the list is empty — not when the contractor would like to.

„A budget held is not magic. It is the consequence of 200 small, consistent decisions."

— Our position
Why CM

Three disciplines that define our construction management.

Owner representation with backbone

We represent you, not the general contractor. On change orders we say no when no is the right answer. On defects we say yes, even when it is uncomfortable.

Operational knowledge before construction plans

We know how tenants navigate a construction site, how safety is ensured, how footfall drops are minimized. Building on a live asset is a different discipline than greenfield construction.

Reporting that lets you steer

Weekly reports on cost, schedule and risk. In a language understood at investment committee — not just on the construction site.

Christian Assenmacher
Your contact

Christian Assenmacher

Head of Refurbishment & Construction Management · CM Immobilienmanagement GmbH
Schedule a call