Which phase does a CM at-risk method impact most significantly?

The construction manager at-risk (CM at-risk) delivery method significantly impacts the construction phase because this is when the CM takes on the financial risk associated with the project. In this method, the construction manager is responsible for delivering the project within a guaranteed maximum price (GMP), which means that they must manage costs effectively during the execution of the construction activities.

This method allows for greater collaboration between the construction manager, the design team, and stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle, but it is the construction phase where their role in overseeing the construction process becomes crucial. The CM is tasked with managing site logistics, subcontractors, quality control, and scheduling, all while ensuring that they do not exceed the GMP. Their active involvement during this phase helps to mitigate risks, resolve issues as they arise, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

The pre-construction phase is also influenced by the CM at-risk method, as it involves significant planning and coordination to establish the GMP and finalize designs, but the tangible impacts are most evident during the actual construction activities. Thus, the construction phase stands out as the part of the process that is most significantly shaped by the CM at-risk approach.