Role Of Owners Rep In Construction Projects

By Deana Norton


It is impossible for a project owner to be present at a site throughout the construction period. This makes it necessary to hire owners rep. The person represents the interests of such an owner during the construction period. The position comes with a number of responsibilities that are crucial in the successful completion of any project.

Any representative must understand the jurisdiction responsible for the area where a project is situated. This ensures that all regulations required of projects in that area are met. It takes knowledge and experience to successfully administer a project. The representative watches over a site on behalf of the owner or developer. He ensures that daily activities are carried out as envisaged.

It is the rep who facilitates the acquisition of necessary permits and licenses. This calls for reasonable knowledge of the relevant offices and procedures to be followed in obtaining the licenses and permits. Failure to understand these procedures or meet the required conditions may lead to delays or denial of permits. This will affect the commencement of your project.

Owner representatives form a crucial part of proposal evaluation processes. Participation ensures that the project remains within the budgetary limits envisaged at the initial stages. The representative will ensure that all proposals are within a reasonable amount. The details to be scrutinized in every proposal include prices of materials, labor cost and post-construction services.

Contractors and other partners in a project are a crucial part of the successful completion of any project. Representatives are tasked with conducting background checks to verify all information provided in tender documents. Conducting due-diligence on contractors may also involve visiting their physical addresses and verifying their financial statements with banks and other institutions. Representatives are also required to visit sites where these contractors have active projects or have successfully completed a project.

The responsibility to monitor the daily progress any project lies with the assigned representative. Monitoring involves evaluation of the performance of other service providers who are minor players in the construction process. This is his primary and most important role. Since he understands the standards set at the beginning of the process, he must ensure that all the rules and regulations are adhered to.

There are standards expected of every construction site by regulators. It is upon an owner representative to ensure that these standards are maintained. The standards include the safety of employees and general health conditions at the site. The equipment must be safe for use. In case inspection officials visit the site, it is upon the owner representative to guide them and provide answers based on questions by the officials.

An owner representative is charged with maintaining a good relationship between the investor, suppliers, builders and all other stakeholders involved in the project. He organizes meetings and ensures that information flows smoothly from one party to the other. To facilitate these responsibilities, the representative should possess a bachelor degree in construction economics, civil engineering or a related field. Experience is also highly valued in this field.




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