Professional Construction Consultants.
O
R I G I N A L A R T I C L E S
The Owner's Duties in Construction:
The
Owner's Duties in Construction,
Continued
<<<BACK TO PRE-DESIGN DUTIES<<<
DESIGN PHASE
- Design approval. As the architect proceeds with the plans and specifications for the project, the owner must review and approve them at different stages of completion. At least four formal approvals are typical.
- Budget approval. With each formal review of the plans and specifications, the owner needs to have a professional cost estimate prepared to ascertain whether the proposed design will be within the original budget.
- Development of an F.F.&E. plan. Once the building is constructed, to be functional it will have to have Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. This includes desks, chairs, artwork, process equipment, and computers. An F.F.&E. plan must include selection, space coordination, pricing, procurement, storage, and installation.
- Construction delivery plan. The owner must determine how he wants to have the building constructed and how he will select the entity to do the work.
- Pre-qualification and selection of the constructor. There are 200,000 construction firms in the United States. Picking the right one can be complicated, but it is extremely important.
- Making decisions on design options. The architect will provide design options to the owner for final determination. This includes selecting colors and textures, as well as making tough value engineering decisions.
- Coordination with governmental authorities. Only the owner can represent himself in coordinating with, and obtaining approvals from, the governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the property.
- Creation of a project communications system. Many individuals are involved in every project. Timely communications among the parties is necessary for a successful project.
- Development of project financing and insurance programs. The owner must be able to pay for the work and make sure the proper insurance coverages are in place before construction begins.
- Establishment of allowances. For items of work that are not clearly defined at the start of the work, the owner must establish cost allowances to be included in the construction contract.
©2000 John A. Jones, PE, CBO
