Clients Role | Fitzpatrick Team
What is the client’s role in a construction project?
‘Unless there are clear lines of accountability, as in who is responsible for doing what, no-one is accountable’.
-Dr Martin Parkinson.
How involved should clients be in the construction of their new commercial space?
You need to have someone who thinks this is an important endeavour and is prepared to infect others with a sense of value and urgency. As client (or client’s representative) you have to have a sense of where you fit in and what you should do.
The first thing to get clear on is the structure of who shall be responsible for the project. Often a consultant (usually the architect) is selected as contract administrator and advises on the engagement of other consultants and the appointment of a builder.
It does not have to be this way and you could have the designers, design and appoint a project manager to manage.
Or you can appoint a builder on a design and build contract and work with them directly.
There are many ways that it can be arranged but what is crucial that it is understood who is responsible for what.
Every project needs a champion – a key ingredient of success in all building projects is having someone prepared to stand up and take responsibility. Someone who sees the big and getting bigger picture and leads on everything from the very beginning to the very end.
As client you can be that person or you can appoint that person and interact with them regularly so that you have an overview of cost and progress. To this end the three most important documents on any construction project are:
- The design drawings.
- The budget.
- The programme of works.
These are key information points and if you review these aspects on a set and regular basis you will know how the works are progressing and if targets are being met.
Fitzpatrick Team understand project delivery. Why not give Mark a call to discuss your project?
