Does the duty of the professional CM extend beyond the Owner-CM contract?

The professional construction manager (CM) has a defined scope of duties that primarily stems from the contract with the owner. While the contract outlines specific obligations, the duties of a CM do not extend beyond what is expressly detailed in the contract without the agreement of both parties. This means that any tasks or responsibilities that are not included in the contractual agreement would not be considered the professional CM's responsibility.

However, it’s important to recognize that while an owner may expect certain industry standards and practices to be followed, these expectations do not legally bind a CM unless they are specified in the contract. The CM's role is largely determined by the contractual agreement; therefore, adherence to that contract ensures clarity in roles and responsibilities.

Understanding that the primary guiding document for a CM’s duties is the owner-CM contract helps establish accountability and protects both parties involved in the construction project. Thus, the implications of the answer highlight the significance of contract specificity in defining professional responsibilities.