How to Be Building Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Poor building management can lead to a number of issues, such as increased vacancy rates, decreased tenant retention, and a decrease in overall property value. Having an inadequate building manager can cause tenants to be dissatisfied with the property and its services, which can lead to higher turnover rates and a decrease in occupancy. In addition, an inefficient building manager can lead to higher operating costs due to insufficient maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

These costs can further impact the value of the property, often resulting in a decrease in the resale value. As a result, it is essential to have an experienced and competent building manager in order to ensure the success of a property.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most companies require building managers to have a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire building managers with at least two to five years of experience working in construction or property management.
Earn Certifications. Some employers may require building managers to obtain certifications in areas like building maintenance and safety.
Develop Leadership Skills. Building managers must be able to lead a team of workers and coordinate projects. It is important for them to have excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
Stay Up-to-Date on Laws and Regulations. Building managers must stay up-to-date on local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to building maintenance and safety.
Look for Job Opportunities. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin looking for job opportunities in the field of building management. You can search for jobs online or contact local construction and property management companies to inquire about open positions.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a building manager, it is important to stay informed and up to date on the latest trends in construction, engineering, and architecture. This can be accomplished by attending industry conferences, subscribing to industry publications, and networking with peers in the industry. it is important to stay informed of any changes in building codes and regulations, as well as safety standards.

By staying informed, a building manager can ensure that all projects are done in accordance with the latest codes and regulations and keep up with the latest industry standards. Furthermore, it is also important to stay current on any new technology or trends that may affect the design or construction of a building. By staying ahead of the curve on these topics, a building manager can provide their clients with the most up-to-date solutions for their projects.

You may want to check Building Technician, Building Custodian, and Building Maintenance Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Schedule and coordinate maintenance, repair, and installation of equipment and machinery.
Supervise and evaluate staff, contractors, and subcontractors.
Develop and maintain safety procedures, regulations, and standards.
Monitor building security and safety systems.
Oversee the completion of building projects, including construction, renovations, and repairs.
Prepare budgets, cost estimates, and reports on project status.
Inspect buildings for safety and compliance with building codes and regulations.
Respond to tenant complaints and requests for service or repairs.
Organize and attend meetings with tenants and contractors.
Review and approve invoices for services rendered.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication skills
Ability to multitask
Proficiency in budgeting and financial management
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to delegate effectively
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors
Strong project management skills
Ability to work under pressure
Knowledge of safety standards and procedures
Knowledge of construction techniques and equipment
Good organizational skills
Ability to prioritize tasks
Knowledge of building materials and supplies
Knowledge of maintenance and repair methods

Effective communication is essential for any Building Manager to be successful. Without the ability to effectively communicate with tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders, a Building Manager is unable to properly understand and meet the needs of their building. Good communication skills help ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, leading to fewer tenant complaints and a better reputation for the building.

strong communication skills allow a Building Manager to build relationships with tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders, which can lead to more efficient repairs and maintenance and a better overall functioning of the building. These relationships also promote trust and respect between the Building Manager and their stakeholders, which can help build a stronger sense of community in the building.

Building Control Technician, Building Construction Supervisor, and Building Operations Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a building manager?
How would you handle a difficult tenant?
Describe your approach to maintenance and repair?
What challenges have you faced as a building manager and how did you overcome them?
How do you ensure that all tenants are complying with building regulations?
What strategies do you use to reduce operating costs?
What customer service skills do you have that would make you an effective building manager?
How do you improve and maintain tenant satisfaction?
What methods do you use to stay organized and on top of tasks?
How do you handle conflict resolution with tenants and staff?

Common Tools in Industry

Project Management Software. A software that helps manage projects, tasks, and resources (eg. Asana, Trello)
Document Management Software. A software that helps store, manage, and share documents (eg. Dropbox, Google Drive)
Calendar Software. A software that helps to manage schedules and events (eg. Google Calendar, Outlook)
Scheduling Software. A software that helps to manage and assign tasks to multiple people (eg. TickTick, Microsoft Planner)
Business Intelligence Software. A software that helps to analyze and monitor performance (eg. Tableau, Looker)
Process Automation Software. A software that helps to automate repetitive tasks (eg. Zapier, IFTTT)
Maintenance Software. A software that helps to manage and track maintenance activities (eg. Maintenance Assistant, FacilityONE)
Security Software. A software that helps to protect data from unauthorized access (eg. McAfee, Symantec)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
American Planning Association (APA)
U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)
National Association of Professional Builders (NAPB)
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

We also have Building Maintenance Worker, Building Inspector Assistant, and Building Contractor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Construction Management. The process of planning, organizing, and controlling the construction of a project from start to finish.
Budgeting. The process of creating a plan to allocate resources for the completion of a project.
Scheduling. The process of creating a timeline for the completion of a project, including milestones and deadlines.
Supervision. The act of overseeing the progress of a project and ensuring that it is completed on time and within budget.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with a project.
Quality Assurance. The process of ensuring that a project meets its specifications and requirements.
Sustainability. The practice of building projects with materials and processes that are environmentally responsible and have minimal impact on the environment.
Code Compliance. The process of ensuring that a building meets all local, state, and federal building codes and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Building Manager?

Building Manager is a cloud-based property management system designed to help building owners and managers stay organized and efficient. It offers features such as tenant and unit management, work order management, financial tracking, and the ability to create custom reports.

What platforms does Building Manager support?

Building Manager is fully web-based, and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. It is also compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Does Building Manager have a mobile app?

Yes, Building Manager has a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to access their account from any device, and includes features such as work order assignment and tracking, tenant management, and financial tracking.

What types of payments does Building Manager accept?

Building Manager accepts payments via credit card, ACH transfer, PayPal, and Square.

How much does Building Manager cost?

Building Manager offers three subscription plans: Basic ($49/month), Professional ($99/month), and Enterprise ($199/month). All plans include unlimited users and access to all features.