Role Of Owners Rep In Construction Projects

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By Deana Norton


Developers and project owners cannot be at a site throughout. They hire an owners rep to watch over their interest through the life the project. The role of the representative is to make sure that the interests of the developer or owner are taken care of. This will ensure that your project is completed successfully through coordination and regular monitoring. There are other duties carried out by the representatives towards the successful completion of any project.

A reliable representative understands and is thoroughly knowledgeable about the jurisdiction administering the area where a project is based. This knowledge and experience are crucial during administration of any project. He acts as the eye and ear of the developer or owner regarding daily activities at the site.

Part of responsibilities assigned to reps include obtaining permits and licenses for the project. This calls for a person with thorough knowledge of local procedures and offices. Such a person knows the time taken and the requirements for obtaining any permit. He is therefore at a better position to provide reliable dates for planning purposes. The representative must have thorough knowledge of local policies to avoid rejection.

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.

Representatives are tasked with monitoring the daily progress of any project. Monitoring entails evaluating the performance of service providers and contractors to ensure that they deliver based on contractual agreements. To deliver in this capacity, a representative must have full knowledge of standards set at the beginning of the project. Representatives ensure that these standards are adhered to at every stage in the construction process.

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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