What is Owner’s Representation when it comes to Construction Management?

owner representation

Overview

A construction project entails a long and detailed process in order to arrive at the final product. A construction contract must be legally abiding complete with the names, signatures, and addresses of the people involved. It should clearly show the scope of work including the schedule. In addition to that, the construction has to be executed within the confines of the law as prescribed by the national and local authorities.

With such an ambitious undertaking, it goes without saying that one needs a significant number of employees, contractors, and as far as possible, consultants. Most of the Americans are aware about the construction manager (otherwise known as the general contractor).

However, not many Americans are aware of what owner’s representation mean. This article will guide you on the position of an owner’s representation, the roles, the scope, and the mandate.

What is Owner’s Representation when it comes to Construction Management?

The terminology of an owner’s representative is subject to different interpretations, confusing, and could be miss-understood. The definition of an owner’s representative is fluid across different jurisdictions. Again, many readers are going to have different meanings on who an owner’s rep is.

Whereas there is no consensus so far, professionals have made an effort to give the definition. An owner’s representative is a professional who is hired by the owner in order to protect and advance the interest of the owner. Put differently, an owner’s representative is a person or group of persons, hired by the owner, in order to execute a specific construction project. Such a professional has the trust and confidence that enables him to represent the owner.

An owner’s representative has been likened to a conductor guiding an orchestra. Somebody has to think about how the parts can be coordinated in order to fit the whole, and thereby, realize a highly polished end product. Each party is assigned a role to execute, and there is no duplication of roles.

Most owners assume that this is a position they can assume and execute its roles. Whereas this is possible, it is not going to be done in the best way possible. Again, the owner may have very little knowledge on the construction industry, perhaps relying on the internet and relations in order to make decisions. By all means, one should consider hiring an owner’s representative.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Owner’s Representative

The modern owner’s rep is offering more services on behalf of the owner, and this comes with more risks and liabilities. However, at the minimum, the owner’s rep should carry the following functions:

-Provision of consultation as well as advice as pertains to the scope, value, cost estimating, and respecting the design and the construction

-Selection and negotiation of the contract

-Preparation of the desired schedules

-Maintenance of the control standards

-Project evaluation .

owner rep

Benefits of an Owner’s Representative

There are various benefits of hiring an owner’s representative. To start with, an owner’s representative is involved in overseeing the operations as described by the owner. This starts from the planning of the project and ends at the stage of occupancy. In addition to that, the owner’s representative plays a critical role in the coordination of the entire team. It could be said that he or she applies an oversight role as opposed to a management role. He is responsible for identifying the complex or little details that could compromise the quality of the project.

The owner’s representative plays a critical role in controlling a cost over-run of the project. Research shows that its only a meager 31 % of the American construction project that come close to the planned budget in the first place, and only a meager 10 % come close to the original deadline that was intended in the first place.

There are various ways of cutting down on the cost of a construction project, and the owner’s rep can help you in that. As a matter of fact, the cost of construction can be reduced, and at the same time, retaining the quality. One way through which one can reduce the construction of the project is through reducing wastage.

In such a scenario then, an owner’s representative comes in handy in controlling the amount of resources consumed and the time taken. However, in some cases, one cannot do much. For example, if a neighborhood experiences flooding, fast-paced construction is going to compromise on the safety of the project. Similarly, construction projects could be interrupted be high-intense political activities, rallies and riots for instance.

What the owner’s representative does is to be innovative and creative on the issues that he has some control of. However, the owner’s rep should not, solely, determine the direction of the project. When working as a team, collaboration is a matter of paramount importance.

During the process of construction, changes are bound to happen, and the project may be steered away from the course. An owner’s representative liaises with the owner of the project in order to approve such changes, and make the necessary modification. In some cases, the representative will have to justify why change is needed. For example, there may be a need to go green in order to contribute to the management of climate change and sustainability. That is an esteemed endeavor, and that can justify changes right in the middle of the project. Similarly, the government may give certain recommendations, and one should not defy the government.

A study that was carried out at the University of Wisconsin noted the important role of the owner’s representative in influencing the overall quality of the project. Because the owner may not have sufficient time to attend to the project, then the owner may delegate such a duty, and hence, the need for an owner’s representative.

The need for representatives is a response to the modern projects which are complex, technical, and multi-faceted. In addition to that, a modern construction project can come with a lot of risk. It is assumed that the professional will have an input in ensuring that the project becomes a success. In addition to that, it helps in bringing in a team which can help in solving complex problems should there be a crisis. For example, the injury of an employee, during the construction project, could slow down the pace of the project. Having a team is important for the project.

The owner should assist the owner’s representative in their work and provide the necessary resources. This is because the owner’s representative can face a lot of challenges at the workplace. It is therefore critical that sufficient time is assigned to the owner’s rep so that he can manage the various challenges facing them.

This article assumes that the owner is under-taking a construction project for private purposes, and it is discussed as such. However, when you are dealing with a construction project geared towards public use, the use of owner’s rep could be a matter of the law. This usually depends on the cost of the project. Again, the government seriously evaluates the safety of construction projects meant for public use. This is because, unlike a home or a small business, such projects are big in size, and upon the completion of the project, they are going to attract a lot of traffic.

owner representation

General Contractor vs Owner’s Representative: The Difference

The construction manager is concerned with the managerial and logistics component of the project. He is the person responsible for the construction project. He oversees portions of the entire building project. The owner’s rep is, generally, an independent contractor, and oversees the overall project. The owner’s rep is the conduit between the contractor and the owner and facilitates the communication thereon.

There is a difference in the time each professional takes on site. On one hand, general contractor is a highly active professional in the construction project, and he is on site often. As a matter of fact, every day, they ought to be a team on site. On the other hand, an owner’s representative takes a limited role in the project, and may only visit the project only once in a while.

The general contractor is more concerned about the tasks in any given day and not the challenges that are likely to arise in the course of the project. He assumes the fiduciary responsibility of the construction project. Simply put, the general contractor is more visible and takes a more pronounced role in the construction project while the owner’s rep works does not take a prominent construction mandate.

Factor’s to Consider When Hiring an Owner’s Representative

There are several factors that you should consider when choosing an owner’s representative. You should definitely consider the education and the skills of the professional. The professional should have some exposure in the construction industry. Otherwise, he is going to be inadequate in protecting your interest. The best place to source an owner’s representative is contacting the industry expert who is well versed with the field. In addition to that, building associations and boards can help you identify one based on their contacts and past interactions.

It is always good to request for a general interview and take note of critical points and information. For example, during the interview, you can note if the professional is contradicting himself on important matters. At this stage, you can ask about the licensing and the certification, as well as references. It is always important to request for the quote beforehand and check if there is a possibility of hidden fees.

An owner’s representative should possess a set of skills that will enable him to execute his duties in a professional way. These include solid communication skills, team building capabilities, expertise in the specific building, and responsiveness. In addition to that, one should be courteous when communicating with others.

There are two main types of owner’s representative: pro-active and re-active. A pro-active professional is able to anticipate possible challenges and employ the right intervention. A re-active professional acts after the challenge. It is better to choose a pro-active owner’s representative because he is going to save you resources and time.

The timing of hiring matters a lot. Now that this is a position of an owner’s representative, be sure to hire the professional early enough, at the beginning of the project. Through this strategy, you are going to gain insight at the early stages of the project. They are professionals in the field, they are experienced, and therefore, they can predict a problem early. This will help you employ the right intervention early enough.

Approximate Cost

Some owners may find that hiring an owner’s representative is a luxury, and may shy away from hiring one. If you decide to hire one, be sure that you can afford the charges. There are three main ways of paying an owner’s representative:

-Payment in a lump sum

-Hourly rate

-Percentage of the total cost of the project

Whichever option you take, avoid the hourly rate. This is because, in such a compensation plan, work is either going to be rushed or skipped all together. The owner should lay a stronger focus on quality and not time. Again, monitoring an hourly compensation plan is going to stress you in the long run. You are more at peace with a different compensation plan that is less stressful and more work-friendly.

Hiring an owner’s representative comes with a cost. That notwithstanding, the benefits surpass the cost of the project. By hiring an owner’s rep, you are going to delegate your duties to the professional, and by the end of it all, you are going to realize that it is worth it.

Conclusion

A construction project is a steep learning curve, and you should ensure that everything will falls in place. Hiring an owner’s representation company comes with a set of benefits which you can exploit for the sake of your project. Whereas hiring an owner’s representative is not a well-known practice, it is worth it and will lead to optimal outcomes. In fact, they could turn around the fortunes of the project for the better.

What Should you Look for When Hiring an Architect in Indianapolis?

architect in Indianapolis, Indiana

Let’s face it: construction and renovation projects are complicated. Whether you’re looking for a professional to design your private or commercial establishment, you need the right architect. But don’t fret, you’ve come to the right place.

Indianapolis architects are problem solvers – they will successfully maneuver the complexities of different projects. However, some people downplay the importance of hiring someone with extensive experience in the field. This isn’t a decision to take lightly. Here is what should you look for when hiring an architect in Indianapolis.

Experience

You should consider how long the architect has been on the job before you hire them. They will spend a great deal of time explaining ideas to their clients and contractors.

An experienced architect offers many benefits to make sure the project is successful. They work with a contractor to ensure the projects keep moving regardless of the setbacks. If an architect spots any problems, he or she knows how to handle it to prevent costly downtime. Also, you can be sure they will finish the project within the set timelines.

Besides that, an experienced architect knows how to do the job right the first time without missing a gap. Moreover, these people have the experience of working with other professionals in the field. Of course, hiring experienced Indianapolis architects means saving time and money.

If you have a problem with your Indiana office space and you don’t know how to resolve it, an experienced architect will help you come up with creative ideas. Similarly, if you’re in a squeezed house and you don’t want to construct another one, they will help you spot the underutilized areas. You never know – what may look like space shortage can be solved with a few alterations.

Think about it – some remodeling projects can be extensive and costly. A good architect works as an intermediary and will guide you throughout the project for the best possible results. If you’re building on a complicated site or remodeling a historic home, you want an experienced person in the field.

What if you’re on a tight budget? While this may sound counterintuitive, the best Indianapolis architects will help you save money. They can suggest using economical building materials through value engineering.

Most Indianapolis architects who have practiced for many years, and work with an association or on their own. Before you hire them, you can request for some of their work. You can also see their previous projects on websites.

How can you get experienced Indianapolis Architects?

  • Do your research – check with the neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.
  • Look for their reputation on review sites
  • Ask how many projects they completed last year
  • Ask for a list of references
  • Get a written contract

Only work with contractors with a clean bill of health.

Indiana architect

License

What sets Indianapolis architects apart from other professionals in construction is that they are licensed. For one to obtain a license in Indianapolis, you must earn a degree from an approved institution, pass an exam, and complete an internship program.

When it comes to designing a house, the cheapest routes are not always the best. You may save thousands of dollars only to put your family at risk. Hiring a licensed architect may cost you more, but will eventually save you the trouble.

Most unlicensed Indianapolis architects are real criminals, and they will take your money without doing any work. If they manage to lure you with cheap prices, they may eventually steal your property. Thankfully, Indianapolis has passed laws to protect you from dishonest architects. If you want to be on the safe side, you should:

  • Avoid door-to-door solicitors
  • Check out the credentials of the architects
  • Stay away from those who promise a special price
  • Avoid those who demand a large down payment
  • Hire an architect with a real office
  • Make sure the contract can be broken if they don’t fulfill part of the agreement

Generally, licensed Indianapolis architects have put in the time and effort to obtain a license from government offices. They will ensure your building meets all the requirements set by the city council. Although most of their work is in the office, architects will go to the site to ensure the work is done according to the plan.

Indianapolis architects are smart thinkers. Since they use a systematic approach to complete the project on time, they carefully plan and prioritize open communication. Furthermore, they will ensure you have both signed a legal contract.

Finally, a licensed Indianapolis architect will take responsibility if something goes wrong. If they run away from their mistakes, they can easily lose their license. This is a risk one may not be willing to take.

Most home construction projects in Indianapolis require a permit before they begin. If you work with an unlicensed architect, you could be violating local laws that can lead to hefty fines.

Cost

Designing a home can be an expensive undertaking. An architect will help you visualize a project before it begins, and see the designs from different angles. The actual cost of hiring a professional architect will depend on many factors. Some will charge a percentage of the total cost of the project while others will charge per square foot. For example, an architect can charge 10-15% for every $10,000. The price will also vary based on location.

Each pricing structure has its pros and cons. So, before you hire the next person to work on your project, you should evaluate the architectural fees.

Cost per hour

Most Indianapolis architects will charge an average of $100-$150 per hour. If you hire an experienced person, you should expect the price to be on the higher side. Junior Indianapolis architects will always charge lower. If you can stick to a specific design, the cost per hour may be the way to go. But if you have a hard time making the right decision the hourly basis may not be the best option.

The longer the design process takes, the more you should expect to pay. A smart homeowner will always add a cap. For example, if the project takes 50 hours, you won’t pay for more than what you agreed in the contract. Do you get the picture?

Cost as a percentage of the project

If you decide to pay the architect as a percentage of the overall cost, you should first communicate the budget before the process begins. For this option, you must choose factors that count towards the success of the project. Everyone should be on the same page when it comes to the total cost. Some Indianapolis architects may help in overseeing the contractors and subcontractors.

Cost per square foot

If you’re worried about negotiating with contractors, you should go for those who charge an hourly rate. The only way the cost can go up is if you decide to add more than what was originally agreed. And depending on the complexity of the project, Indianapolis architects can charge somewhere between $2 and $5 per square feet.

Other factors that can contribute to the actual price are where you live and the services offered – construction documents, draft plans, full plans, project administration, etc.

Architectural fees for residential projects

Most homeowners in Indianapolis spend about $3000 to $10000 to hire an architect. When it comes to residential projects, Indianapolis architects charge 8-15% for their services. But this price only reflects small projects and initial plans. Since an architect is an asset for any building structure, they will bring their skillsets like:

  • Creating plans or blueprints
  • Understanding the applicable zoning regulations and building codes
  • Can help in selecting a contractor and bid valuation

That’s not all. The best Indianapolis architects will help you know your payment options upfront. Even if you’re undertaking a small project, you should never pay cash. Instead, use a credit card. Another cautionary measure is trying to limit your down payment.

Indianapolis construction laws limit the amount of money an architect can request as a down payment. To be on the safe side, you should try to make payments during the project or after completion. So, if the work is don’t going to schedule, the payment can be delayed.

Before you get everything into writing, you should get an estimate that includes:

  • A complete description of what is to be done
  • The start and completion date of the project
  • Itemized costs
  • The required payment method

Just like any other sector, we are all looking for value. Those who offer a very low cost than the industry average could be cutting corners. Others will start the project and then start to give stories down the line. Don’t just go for the least expensive- you could be inviting trouble.

hiring an Indianapolis architect

Listening is key

Once you’ve made your choice, you should present your wishes comprehensively. This is where listening skills come in. As you create a catalog of the requirements, the best Indianapolis architects will take notes and optimize your wishes with ideas. If you want to bring your dream to life, the professional should be a team player.

A competent architect creates a stronger design, cultivates teamwork, and makes clients happy. So, how can teamwork exist without listening? You’ll get the best design if your Indianapolis architects listen to your problem and then gives a solution that suits you best.

You may not be interested in award-winning designs. Maybe you’re just looking for someone who understands your constraints and gives your goals as a priority. An architect who listens keeps the clients happy and fosters teamwork. Did you know that listening is more than just nodding the head? The most competent Indianapolis architects will:

  • Listen and ask questions
  • Take notes
  • Give undivided attention
  • Summarize what you’ve talked about
  • Do a follow-up

Before you break from the meeting, an architect will discuss the main points and summarize the conversation. This is a sign that everyone is on the same page. The follow-up could be the actual execution of the work.

So, what questions should you ask Indianapolis architects?

When you set up the initial meeting, you should ask questions that help you to fully understand what you should expect from the partnership. By now, you must have done your research, and you want to bring your vision to life. The point here is that you should know their design philosophy.

What is your process? While each project may vary from one firm to another, a typical case will include a consultation, preliminary design, documentation, bidding, and negotiation.

Do you foresee problems with this project? If you’re on a tight budget, you want to limit complications where possible. An architect will react to challenges upfront and tell you whether you’re best suited to tackle the project.

Have you done similar projects to this? You will have peace of mind when you know that the contractor understands the size of the project. Besides being business-oriented, Indianapolis architects are creative minds, so you should ensure that the contract is in full detail. Once everything is in writing, the work can begin.

Customer reviews

Before you settle for a specific architect, you should look at what the past clients say. Look for online reviews on Google to understand those you should hire and the ones you shouldn’t work with. This is where you find if the architect has screwed countless people or whether he’s truly legitimate.

More often than not, someone will always leave a negative review if they are not happy with the job done.

While you shouldn’t just use reviews to make your final decision, it’s merely a checkup on the company you want to work with. A reputable company will have multiple review platforms and large outreach of customers. Only work with Indianapolis architects that show the highest level of professionalism. And as you read the reviews, look for someone with:

  • Genuine enthusiasm for your project
  • A strong portfolio
  • The ability to handle the scope of the project
  • Ability to work with the rest of the team

You’re going to spend a lot of time with an architect. So, as you make the final decision make sure you feel comfortable working with the person. Be sure to check their background, personality, and communication skills. If you’re not on the same page, you could be disappointed and possibly spend more than you budget for.

Final thoughts

There are many reasons why you should consider hiring Indianapolis architects. Whether you’re planning for a whole house remodel or redoing your office, you need the right team for your project. The professional you choose will have a huge impact on how your building will look.

If you follow the above tips, finding the right architect can be a sure bet. The team should be ready to transform your desires into a functional vision that aligns with your budget.

What is a Spray Foam Insulation Machine and How Does it Work?

spray foam insulation machine

Spray foam is a powerful substance. It combines two components, namely: polyol resin and isocyanate. When these elements mix, they produce a product that not only stays in place when sprayed but which expands several dozen times its volume.

People use spray foam for insulation and packaging purposes. However, to use spray foam, you require a suitable means of distributing it. This is where the spray foam insulation machine enters the picture.

Spray foam machines transport polyol resin and isocyanate from drum sets. They combine the components into polyurethane foam which you can spray from a hose onto the relevant surface. If you have never seen a spray foam insulation machine in action, this is how it works:

1). As was noted above, a spray foam machine requires polyol resin and isocyanate.

These materials are kept in 55-gallon drums. The machine uses air-powered transfer pumps to access them. But the materials have to flow through a Y filter to ensure that they are free of contaminants.

spray foam rig

2). The Y filter is found on the main proportioner pumps which are double-acting.

They work in tandem with an electric motor and a hydraulic pump to pressurize the materials.

3). In an ideal situation, the pressurized materials will move from the filter to the pre-heaters via a hose.

The materials cannot function as required unless they are maintained at the right temperatures. This is where the pre-heaters come into play. They will raise the temperature to either 120 or 130 F depending on whether you are dealing with closed cell or open cell foam.

4). The hose has a red side and a blue side.

The materials will emerge from different sides of the hose. The hose will maintain the temperature of the materials. A gauge in the vicinity will reveal the pressure settings. You can monitor the temperature using the temperature sensor unit which is also found on the hose.

5). Starting from the drum sets all the way to the hose, the materials will travel separately, only combining when they reach the spray tip of the gun.

Once you pull the trigger, the materials will explode from the tip as a single product.

spray foam equipment

6). The materials must be shipped and stored as instructed by the manufacturers.

Once they are added to the drums and transferred through the spray foam machine, they must be combined at a ratio of 1:1.

You can choose between mechanical, solvent, and air purge guns. The different types of spray guns are categorized according to the functions they perform.

7). Spray foam machines are typically part of a spray rig, a mobile set up that can be transported from place to place.

It has a spray foam insulation machine along with all the utilities you need to operate it, including a generator and a compressor. Contractors that use spray foam prefer to use mobile spray rigs because they are flexible.

Spray rigs are just as important as the spray machines they house. You need a solid spray rig whose configuration is compatible with the job sites and tasks you intend to accomplish.