What does the agency CM develop early in the design process?

The agency construction manager (CM) plays a critical role in the early phases of a project, particularly in developing a budget that accurately reflects their experience and insight into the project. This budget serves as a foundational element for the project, guiding decision-making and helping to align stakeholder expectations.

With their expertise, the agency CM assesses various project elements, including estimated costs for materials, labor, and other resources, based on prior experiences with similar projects. This historical knowledge allows them to anticipate potential issues, evaluate risks, and establish a realistic financial framework that can adapt as the design progresses. A well-formed budget is essential as it informs other aspects of project planning, such as schedule development and resource allocation.

The other options, while relevant in their own right, do not encapsulate the primary responsibility of the agency CM in the design phase as accurately as the development of a budget based on experience. The detailed construction schedule and cost-benefit analysis are created later in the process when more project specifics are established, and while a list of project stakeholders is important for communication and collaboration, it does not reflect the financial planning aspect that is crucial early in project design.