Roles

Owner's Representative

Also known as: Owner's Rep

A person or firm that represents the owner's interests in managing the project, separate from the general contractor.

An owner's representative acts on the owner's behalf to oversee a project — reviewing budgets and schedules, attending meetings, approving pay applications and change orders, and generally protecting the owner's interests. Owners hire a rep when they lack in-house construction expertise or want a dedicated advocate.

For a GC's project manager, the owner's rep is a key relationship: they're often the one approving your billings and changes and carrying your message back to the owner. It's also a common career destination for experienced PMs who want to sit on the owner's side of the table.

Related terms

General Contractor

The company the owner hires to build the project and manage the subcontractors who perform the trade work.

Prime Contract

The agreement between the project owner and the general contractor that defines the total scope, price, and terms.

Change Order

A formal, signed modification to a contract that adjusts its scope, price, or schedule after it's been executed.

From term to skill

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