Getting help
Do I actually need an owner's representative?
Not every project needs one. Here is the honest test, including the cases where the answer is no.
Short answer
You likely need an owner's representative when the project's cost exceeds what you could absorb losing, you cannot commit weekly time to decisions, or the project involves multiple contracts, a lender, or a board. Small, simple, fully designed projects with an experienced owner often do not.
Score your project
- Would a 15% cost overrun be materially painful? (+1)
- Are there multiple prime contracts or specialty consultants? (+1)
- Is a lender, board, or partner entitled to reporting? (+1)
- Is the site constrained — historic, flood, marsh, or dense urban? (+1)
- Have you managed a project of this type and size before? (−1)
- Are you available weekly, in writing, throughout? (−1)
Reading the score
| Score | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 2 or more | Engage an owner's representative for the full lifecycle |
| 1 | Milestone-based advisory: contract review, budget review, monthly check-in |
| 0 or less | You may not need one. A single pre-contract review is likely enough |
When we tell owners no
If the project is small, the design is complete, the contract is sound, and the owner has done it before, we say so. A consultant who never declines work is not giving advice.
Related services
Related reading
Tools you can use
Start with a conversation.
Tell us where the project stands. We'll respond within one business day — with next steps, or a candid reason it isn't the right fit.
Request a consultation