The Library

What an owner’s representative does — and does not do.

During a significant renovation, the owner is the least-informed party at the table — and the only one paying. An owner’s representative exists to correct that imbalance.

What the role is.

The representative sits on the owner’s side of the table for the length of the project: reviewing bids and contracts before signature, attending the site, tracking schedule and budget against what was promised, verifying the work as it proceeds, reporting to the owner in writing, and seeing the project through closeout. The owner makes every decision — informed, in advance, and on the record.

What the role is not — and why the line protects you.

An owner’s representative does not contract for, perform, manage, or direct construction. The general contractor directs the means, methods, and safety of the work. That line is not modesty; it is the point — and it keeps every role where the law places it: the licensed contractor answerable for the work, the representative answerable to you.

The incentive question.

Many representatives charge a percentage of construction cost — an arrangement that quietly rewards the project growing. Our fee for this work is never a percentage. We have no stake in the budget except your side of it.

When to bring one in.

Before the contract is signed, not after the first dispute. The greatest part of the value is set early: the contract reviewed before it binds, the schedule and budget recorded before they move, the conditions documented before the walls close. A representative brought in mid-project can still steady it; one present from the start prevents the wobble.

Dimora Estates serves as owner’s representative for renovation and construction at the residences in its care.