Construction projects, large or small, require close attention and efficient management. Whether it’s renovating an existing structure, construction of a new bridge, or design of a pathway system, these projects require someone on hand who has knowledge in design practices, current specifications, permit requirements, and project scope and budget to closely monitor the project. This is where the owner’s representative comes in.

An owner’s representative, or someone hired as an extension of your team to facilitate the project, addresses project challenges such as progress, efficiency, schedule, budget, regulations, ordinances, and other aspects for the municipality. Often times, WLC is hired as an owner’s representative by a municipality or county to protect their best interest during the project as well as coordinate and communicate with the team throughout all phases of the project while performing other required duties. It is common for our team to also design a project and act as the owner’s representative for that project.

So, why hire an owner’s representative as a municipality? Municipality staff are often busy with several other projects and tasks and may also not have the required knowledge and expertise to effectively oversee the project. Enter WLC as the owner’s representative. By hiring WLC as the owner’s representative, a municipality receives benefits including improved risk mitigation, time and money savings, enhanced communication, decision making, and their best interests protected.

Improved Risk Mitigation

As experienced professionals in civil engineering project design, WLC is familiar with the risks, deadlines, regulations, specifications, and permits that come with large (or small) capital projects. As the owner’s representative, WLC provides peace of mind for the project owner by identifying risks and properly addressing and mitigating them.

Time and Money Savings

Delivering a project on time and within budget is the goal and responsibility of the owner’s representative. An experienced owner’s representative, like WLC, recognizes when costs or budget are exceeding project expectations and works to find solutions to bring them back in scope. By hiring an owner’s representative, municipality staff can continue their day-to-day operations without having to expend staff to additional projects.

Enhanced Communication

WLC believes communication can make or break the success of a project. Good communication is essential in municipal, and all, projects and as the owner’s representative, WLC will serve as the main point of contact between architects, contractors, engineers, utility providers, and other agencies or third parties involved in the project. WLC provides a streamlined process to ensure information is being communicated to all project team members in an efficient and timely matter.

Decision Making

To help address complex issues, conflicts, or matters outside of the project owner’s knowledge and expertise, an owner’s representative serves as the informed party for recommending decisions. With extensive experience and expertise in capital projects, a municipality can rely on WLC to make the best recommendations to the owner for the problem at hand, reducing the time expended by the project owner.

Best Interests are Protected

Ultimately, as the owner’s representative, WLC recommends decisions with the project owner’s best interest in mind. As an extension of municipality staff, WLC ensures the project goals and objectives are being met on behalf of the municipality. Our team ensures all project team members are aligned with the project owner’s objective and mission of the project and are working together to achieve project success.

A municipality looking for an owner’s representative should strive to select an experienced and qualified firm. When serving as an owner’s representative, WLC remains objective and unbiased, emphasizing that deliverables are being executed on time, the project is moving along efficiently, staying within scope and budget, and ultimately ensuring the entire project team is working in the best interest of the project owner.

Ready to hire a qualified and experienced firm as an owner’s representative? Contact our team today and learn how we can ensure the success of your next project.