Owner's Representative and inexpensive Designer

Hello – I have 2 questions 1) has anyone ever worked with an Owner’s Representative in a renovation project? We are planning a decent sized renovation and are trying to avoid architect fees since our work doesnt require a construction permit and the contractor’s electrician and plumber are both self certifying. Someone recommended using an Owner’s Representative because we are fairly green when it comes to construction. I am waiting for more info from one Rep but wondering if anyone has experience / what’s the cost of working with one? We are looking for someone who will deal with paperwork, check the progress of the renovation, and be an adviser when issues and surprises pop up. 2) Looking for an interior designer. Someone not too expensive who can help design bathrooms and maybe a kitchen, but will really help us think about the flow of the house and how to use each room. We’re interested in using a lot of salvaged and antique items and want to keep the house comfortable but cool. Any ideas?

shnarkie

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 11 months ago

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talock | 13 years and 11 months ago

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To Shnarkie – Please keep in mind that owner’s reps and CMs do not serve the same purpose. An owner’s rep is someone who can take over the Owner’s responsibilities during the project.  Think of it as a proxy for yourself.  While you can hire a CM as third party to monitor the GCs delivery of the agreed upon scope of work, even in this role they are not speaking FOR YOU, but are a 3rd party.  More commonly, the CM can take the place of a GC in an arrangement where rather than bidding out the construction, the CM establishes a scope of work and each trade is bid; this provides the owner with greater control over the subcontractors doing the work, but typically ends up being a bit more costly than straight bidding with a GC.  in a bid job, the GC is not required to “open the books” which usually lead to more competitive pricing, but less control.  I’ve found that CM jobs do tend to produce higher quality work since you and the design team have greater control, but again, that’s a generalization and i’ve seen a lot of excellent work done on straight GC jobs as well.All that said, i’d still consider hiring an owner’s rep as well as they have the knowledge to speak FOR you and will take the day to day off your pate.Lastly, the scope you are talking about seems to require an architect not an interior designer.  An architect can help you with space planning and also file things that need to be filed, which an interior designer cannot.

AnArchitect | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Hi.We recently worked as Owner Representatives for a municipality building a Performing Arts Center and a Library.  It was a terrific experience for us as we assisted the vested parties (and there were many) on each phase of the project from pre-design (program and budget development), to selection of the design professionals consultants, through request for proposals, selection and negotiation with the construcion management professionals.  I do think believe having an Owner Rep on board can take much of the heat off the sometimes challenging issues that arise with design professionals and trade persons.  Clearly a PAC and Library are much larger than a family residence, but the skills and tasks are certainly applicable.  We would welcome an opportunity to be considered:Agencie Group LLC New Yorkwww.agenciegroup.com

rh | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Hey Shnarkie, I’m working on a plan to branch out into some of these services you mention….particularly a “salvage liaison” if you will. Please contact me if you would like to have a chat. http://www.reclaimedhome.com

shnarkie | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Thank you everybody!and architect66 – The permit question is something the CM will help us on

allans | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Hi Shnarkie,Look into All Renovation Construction’s Coaching Service (http://www.allrenovationllc.com/services/coaching-service) They initiated this service after they finished my Brownstone Gut Renovation project in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn.  It seems like their services may help your needs.  Also look into House by We (http://www.housebywe.com/pages/renovate.php), they also seem to offer the service you seek!Good Luck,Allan S.

landlord | 13 years and 11 months ago

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IMHO hiring an owner’s rep is a good idea, especially if you don’t have much experience. A good owner’s rep will cost you nothing because of the money he can save you thanks to his/her experience. The owner’s rep is the only person involved in the process who is truly 100% “on your team” and can guide you through the tough process of renovating.

danoconnell | 13 years and 11 months ago

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I had a great experience with a owner representative and i would always highly recommend to anyone doing a project to do so. If you need some contact info on the company I used just let me know. A very very good experience..

pigthree | 13 years and 11 months ago

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glad to see more people exploring this option.  GC relationship is contentious fro the start.  open book with CM is the better way to go.  Most architects are disconnected from the cost reality of production and construction. Architects are rarely on site as well.

architect66 | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Be careful shnarkie – if there is plumbing work involved, you may need to get a permit.

steam_man | 13 years and 11 months ago

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This is something I did in a past life. What you are looking for is commonly called a construction manager. Owner’s representative is another way of saying the same thing. There are many ways for the CM to be compensated, Cost+Fixed Fee, Cost+Percentage are common when the CM is holding the contracts, Lump Sum is common if the Owner holds the contracts.