Description And Role Of Owners Rep

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.

The representative must be conversant with the jurisdiction where the project is being carried out. As such, he uses his knowledge and experience in the industry to watch over the entire construction process. A property owner or investor might have little or no knowledge of daily activities at a site. Most developers and investors do not have the time to watch over the work. This makes reps an important part of any project.

The representative is tasked with obtaining licenses and permits that will allow commencement of the project. To obtain these permits, he must know the local procedures and the offices where these permits and licenses are obtained. Such knowledge is important for planning purposes. Reliability requires knowledge of local policies and regulations to minimize the chances of rejection or delays due to conditions that are yet to be met.

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.

Representatives also perform due-diligence on behalf of project owners. This may involve verification of address, financial statements and other claims made during tendering. In other instances, the representative may be required to visit a site where the said contractor has completed a project in order to get a clear idea of the claims made in tender documents. Such background checks are meant to determine the credibility and reliability of all parties who will be welcome to undertake a project.

It is the work of representatives to monitor daily activities and progress at a contraction site. Monitoring requires the representative to push contractors in to delivering according to conditions set in the agreements. To fulfill this mandate, the representative must know the conditions set in the contract. They will be used to determine whether contractors are faithful to these requirements.

Reps carry a huge responsibility of ensuring that the site lives up to expected standards. This includes the availability of safety equipment to all workers. He is the person to show government and inspection officials around a site in case they need to inspect the facility. He should provide answers whenever they are demanded by any official or authority regarding the project.

Owner representatives act as relationship managers to link all stake holders involved in a project. This includes the investor or developer, suppliers and contractors. Relationship management involves organizing meetings and ensuring that all activities at the site are well coordinated. A bachelor degree in civil engineering or construction economics is sufficient for this role. Experience is crucial for successful handle these responsibilities.




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