Do I Need an Owner's Representative?
The process of building a custom home is almost always some mix of exciting and overwhelming, and when it comes to large-scale, high-end projects, clients can be faced with an even greater frequency (and intensity) of complex decisions. From early design phases to scheduling and managing communication across the construction team, even experienced homebuilders and industry professionals can run into challenges. If you haven't gone through the process of building a custom home before, it can feel like trying to learn an entirely new language—while still being responsible for paying the bills!
Since you're reading this article, you most likely have some idea of what's involved in owner's representation services, but you might be wondering if you really need someone to be a dedicated ally on your team. Keep reading for our tips on who should consider hiring an owner's representative, when to bring them on board, and more.
What does an owner’s rep do?
An owner's representative, also known as an owner's rep, is a professional who provides oversight and coordination for construction projects. They act as a liaison between the homeowner and the rest of the project team—from architects to builders and even jurisdictional agencies—making sure that the project stays on track, addresses any challenges, and meets the homeowner's expectations.
If you're already familiar with project managers, that description might sound familiar—and it's true: When hired by the client, there is little difference between owner's representation and project management services. The primary difference is that while project managers are typically aligned with the priorities and interests of the builders and contractors, owner's reps are focused first on serving the client's best interests, not other teams’.
Like construction project managers, owner's reps typically have a deep understanding of the building process, as well as strong time management skills. This combination of knowledge and experience means they can often anticipate and solve problems before they become major issues, working to save time and money for the homeowner whenever possible.
Do I need an owner’s representative on my team?
Even though owner's representatives are not required for all projects, they can be extremely helpful when teams are faced with the complex challenges that often accompany a large-scale project (commercial or residential!). Complicated designs, unique job sites, remote team members, and certain interpersonal dynamics can all contribute to a project's logistical, financial, and emotional journey.
Although the client ultimately decides who makes up their team, there are a few important factors that strongly influence our recommendation for an owner's rep.
Inexperience: In general, high-end single-family homes tend to be more emotionally driven than commercial projects. Residential projects usually involve more unique designs or construction techniques, and since clients and builders may have limited (or zero) experience designing or building a home of this type, they often require more nuanced guidance throughout the process. If you're looking for an ally who can help navigate uncharted territory, an owner's rep can help close the gap.
Proximity to the job site: If you, the client, expect to be remote from your job site, an owner's representative is usually a good idea. Not only will they be on the ground to monitor the details and logistics of the project, but they also provide peace of mind by being a consistent and reliable point of contact.
Lack of time: If you find yourself saying, "there aren't enough hours in the day," or have more pressing issues like a business to run, an owner's rep can help take some of the weight off your shoulders. In addition to attending project meetings, they can also monitor paperwork and schedules, coordinate important details, and serve as a point of contact for filtering communication from the rest of your design and construction team. And if the owner's representatives are doing their job effectively, they should not only keep the team on task but also you (the owner), too.
Project size: At Ally Project Management, our minimum project size is $6 million in construction costs. In the years that we've worked with both commercial and residential clients, we've found that this number usually translates to a project being complex enough to benefit from professional stewardship, while also having the budget to support investing in a dedicated liaison.
Conclusion
If you're still wondering if you need an owner's representative on your team, the candid and honest answer is that it depends. No two projects are alike, and the best way to determine whether or not an owner's rep is right for your project is to consult with a professional who can offer insights based on their experience.
That being said, if you—or your team—have limited (or zero) experience building a high-end single-family home, you should strongly consider bringing an ally on board. An owner's representative is also a good idea if you or one of your key team members is remote from the job site, if the project is over $6 million, and if you're worried about having the time to dedicate to a complex project that will oftentimes have many moving parts.
The bottom line is when it comes to choosing an owner's representative, it's important to find someone who you can trust and who has the experience and knowledge necessary to help your project succeed. The team at Ally Project Management has over 60 years of combined experience working with clients on both commercial and residential projects, and we would be happy to chat with you about your specific needs. Get in touch to schedule a call with our team.