Construction Project Management - Who Does What?

Do you know the difference between an Owner’s Representative, Property Manager, and Construction Manager?

There are three distinct roles that often work together but are not interchangeable. When facing a large capital improvement project or disaster recovery situation, being confused about who the cast of players are can cause greater frustration, or worse, increased risk and expense for your project. This simple guide will hopefully help you when approaching your next construction project:

An Owner’s Representative is a professional with construction experience who is responsible for representing and safeguarding the owner’s interests and investment throughout the entire project - from defining the scope of work through successful construction completion. They ensure that all aspects of the project align with the owner’s requirements, make sure the right team is in place, monitor progress to ensure that deadlines are met, manage the budget and project expenditures, and oversee the various parties (architects, engineers, contractors etc.) involved in order to facilitate a successful outcome.

A property manager in a condominium building is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the building. They are responsible for ensuring that the building is well maintained and that all residents are following the rules and regulations or bylaws set by the condominium board. They also handle complaints, coordinate repairs and maintenance, collect rent or HOA payments, and manage financial records. Property managers must also ensure that all safety regulations are met and that any necessary insurance policies are in place. In addition, in some cases, they may be responsible for marketing vacant units to potential tenants or buyers.

Lastly, a Construction Manager is often the General Contractor or a member of the company hired to execute the project scope of work. Along with technical oversight they are responsible for overseeing the construction process and making sure that it progresses smoothly, is completed within the stipulated timeline, and stays within budget. They also take on the responsibility of making sure that all safety regulations are followed and that the project abides by local laws.

All three positions require varying levels of knowledge, expertise, and experience and work together to ensure a successful project outcome.