What’s the Owner’s Role During a Construction Project?

The Owner’s Role during Construction can be summarized in the 5 main responsibilities that an Owner has during a construction Project:

1. Monitor the construction work with the Architect promptly. This means walking- through the project with the drawings in hand and evaluating what was designed against what is being built. Paying attention coupled with early intervention is very helpful in avoiding costly mistake later.
2. Review the construction schedule with the Contractor promptly and at regular intervals  (weekly is best). Often, a subcontractor cannot perform in a timely manner and the ripple effects of the laggard on the project can create chaos and out-of-sequence difficulties.  Either replace the laggard or instruct them of the consequences of non-performance.
3. Answer questions promptly.  Many issues surface during construction that may require clarification or adjusting. The ability to answer quickly helps keep the project on schedule. Get the information needed to respond or ask for help to help solve the issue. Don’t shoot yourself (and the project)  in the foot by procrastinating.

   

4. Pay promptly.  Do not be passive aggressive and try to rationalize a reason for tardy payment. Separate the payment from the dissatisfaction from other arenas.
5. Provide Owner-purchased items in a time manner.  Many saavy owners understand that by purchasing items themselves, they avoid the markup levied by the General Contractors.  For example, many Owners will buy a number of fixtures, tile and the like for installation by the contractors. But if those items do not arrive at the job site on time or are mis-ordered, the Contractor has every right to claim a delay on the Owner.

Since most construction contracts include language about “time is of the essence”,  or at least a construction schedule to meet, the owner needs to also be prompt in carrying out her 5 duties.  If not, the contractor may have cause for not delivering the project according to the schedule or citing owner-created-delays and obtain possible compensation.