Owner Involvement In The Construction Process: Interference Or Responsibility?
Some builders and owners misconstrue their involvement in the building process as an unnecessary interference which may inhibit or undermine the work of the contractor. Therefore, some builders are reluctant to involve themselves in the building process of their homes. However, the owner’s role during the construction stage of building a dream house is very critical and important. After the hassle of finding a location, conducting a feasibility study, designing architectural drawings, drawing a budget, getting a building permit, etc., a lot of people take a long break relaxing while the construction of their homes is in progress.Source: zillow
This attitude is very detrimental to the budget, resources and the quality of work to be delivered by the contractor. It is important to understand that the significance of the builder or owner’s role begins the moment the building starts. It implies that the builder or owner will have the most influence over the construction process. In effect, you, as the builder/owner, have certain duties and responsibilities towards the successful development of your home building project.
The following are ways builders/owners can be part of the construction/building process of their homes: This attitude is very detrimental to the budget, resources and the quality of work to be delivered by the contractor. It is important to understand that the significance of the builder or owner’s role begins the moment the building starts. It implies that the builder or owner will have the most influence over the construction process. In effect, you, as the builder/owner, have certain duties and responsibilities towards the successful development of your home building project. The following are ways builders or owners can be part of the construction and building process of their homes:
Receive Progress Reports
It is your duty to have full knowledge and understanding about the progress of the project under construction. You must ensure that the building process is comprehensive and consistent. This means that you must establish lines of communication at all levels of the construction process with the contractor. You must demand from the contractor, if he or she is not forthcoming with one, progress reports on your building. This will ensure that the contractor builds for you exactly what you have planned.Site Visits
You must frequently visit the construction site. It allows you have first-hand information on the progress of the building project. You must continually inspect and approve of the work of the contractor during the construction process. Monitoring the construction process helps the owner ensure that the contractor is keeping up with the schedule, is within time and is complying with the contract of construction. Also, you are able to ensure that the contractor observes any on-site safety measures or precautions. It helps resolve quickly any unforeseen events that may arise during the building process.Approval of amendments
Any modification and addition to or subtraction from the initial building plan needs your approval. You must be informed about and be part of any changes made to the construction contract since you are the financier of the project. This means that additional expenses that may arise due to the change will easily be catered for. This will dispel any form of suspicion, unwarranted fears and friction between you and the contractor.Source: zillow.
Consequently, you are not being asked to take over the job of the contractor or frustrate the building process with unreasonable demands. You are only being asked to coordinate with the contractor to ensure that quality work is delivered to you. In conclusion, it is your responsibility as a builder/owner to be involved in the construction process of your home.
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