Construction Owner Representative

Construction Owner Representative
What is a Construction Owner’s Representative?
The construction owner’s representative is one of the stakeholders in the project. The
representative oversees the entire stages of the project including conception, design,
authority approvals, construction, completion, and closeout, and ensures the
successful completion of the project on behalf of the construction owner.
The construction owner’s representative helps an owner who does not have the in-
house capacity to oversee the project implementation.

Figure 1Construction scheduler

The representative signs a separate contract with the construction owner and reports
directly to the owner. Working in the construction owner’s interest, the representative
possesses technical expertise in all the areas of construction such as planning, design,
safety, quality, change orders, cost control, and execution of construction works.
The scope, goals, budget, and time schedules vary for the projects. Therefore, it is
important to choose a suitable owner’s representative that has technical expertise
and experience in similar projects.
Reasons to Hire an Owner’s Representative

If the construction owner’s primary business is not construction, it is a good option
for the owner to hire a representative.
The owner’s representative ensures the plans of the construction owner have been
accomplished with desired results. The owner’s representative also makes sure that
the project is completed on time as per the approved baseline and within the budget.
The owner’s representative ensures that the owner’s best interests are maintained in
the project.
The owner’s representative liaises with local Government Authorities on behalf of the
construction owner to obtain necessary approvals, permits, etc.

Figure 2Construction consulting firms

The construction owner representative helps the construction owner in the bidding
process to select a suitable contractor to carry out the project.
The construction owner representative renders her/his services as a connector
between the project manager and the construction owner to complete the
deliverables in the best interest of the owner.
The owner’s representative provides her/his technical support, project management
services, and dedicated time. The owner’s representative assigns a team of experts
to manage all aspects of construction work, such as civil, electromechanical, fit-out
works, landscaping, infrastructure, etc.

The construction owner’s representative liaises with the consultant and the contractor
on behalf of the construction owner. The representative interacts with the
construction owner frequently and expedites important decisions by the owner to
avoid any slowdown of procurement or construction activities.
If any dispute or conflict arises between the project stakeholders, the construction
owner’s representative can offer unbiased mediation to resolve the dispute and reach
an amicable solution.

Figure 3Primavera schedule

The construction owner representative will play a major role in the cost control of the
project by closely monitoring the actual cost and change orders. He/she forecasts the
possibility of any cost overrun and provides appropriate suggestions.
The construction owner’s representative monitors and tracks the progress of works
with respect to the baseline and suggests mitigation measures in case of any slippage
in the project’s progress.
The construction owner’s representative plays a proactive role by overseeing all the
stages of the construction work to complete the project on time within budget and
with the required quality as per contract specifications which is beneficial for all the
stakeholders in the project. Consult Leopard offers construction owner’s
representative services in New York.