One of Maya Angelou’s many brilliant insights includes, "You can't know where you're going until...
Using Owners Representation When Building Or Remodeling
In custom home design-build, I get to see all types of projects in various stages of development, and often think to myself, "How did these decisions get made in the first place?" Homeowners, builders, and architects would be well served by having an owner’s representative.
The Right Work in Custom Home Development: AECS and the Owner's Rep
In the high-stakes game of custom home development, doing the "right work" isn't just a buzzword—it's the North Star guiding every decision. Lee Benson, the mastermind behind Execute to Win, coined this concept, defining the "right work" as tasks that maximize value in both the short and long term. In the realms of architecture, engineering, construction, and supply chain (AECS), this principle is the bedrock of success. Enter the owner's representative (OR), the unsung hero ensuring every move is a value play, not a shot in the dark.
The OR: The QB of Custom Home Development
Picture this: You're planning to build your dream home. You're excited, but let's face it, you're also navigating a labyrinth. That's where the OR steps in. Think of the OR as the quarterback of your project—calling the shots, reading the defense, and ensuring every play brings you closer to the end zone.
Why the OR is a Game Changer
Early Decisions, Long-Term Wins:
In custom home development, the stakes of early decisions are sky-high. Miss the mark here, and you won't feel the pain for months—and then, your project needs to be put on hold because the framing estimates came in three times higher than expected. The OR ensures these critical decisions are made with a full view of the field, preventing unforced errors that cost time and money.
Big Picture Focus:
Instead of getting lost in the weeds of the next play, the OR keeps their eyes on the prize. This means strategic choices that boost the project's value now and lay a solid foundation for future gains. Each homeowner is unique, with specific requirements and sensitivities. We have engaged homeowners building a new home who want to start talking about their appliance packages or the air filtration systems. These are important details to be sure, and someone needs to capture them and reintroduce them to the project when the interior designer and mechanical engineers get involved. Who is making sure that those folks are doing the ‘right work’?
Team Coordination:
Custom home projects are a team sport, involving architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. The OR makes sure everyone’s on the same playbook, preventing miscommunications and ensuring every effort is aligned with the overall strategy. A good but unfortunate example: construction drawings being completed after two years and the customer is anxious to start building, only to find that because of stormwater drainage issues, the plan is not constructable and needs to be completely reworked. Having all needs and resources identified and coordinated early in the project prevents such costly delays.
Architecture: Designing for Value
In architecture, the "right work" means creating designs that are not just eye candy but functional, sustainable, and future-proof. Architects are the rock stars of the custom home world, and with an OR guiding them, they can ensure that every line drawn and every material chosen adds long-term value.
Engineering: Precision with Purpose
Engineering in custom home development isn’t just about meeting codes—it's about foresight and innovation. The OR ensures that engineering solutions are not only robust but anticipate future challenges, making the home a bastion of longevity and resilience.
Construction: Quality Over Quantity
Construction is where dreams turn into reality. The "right work" in construction means hitting the sweet spot between quality and efficiency. With the OR at the helm, construction practices are not only top-notch but also aligned with long-term goals, ensuring the home stands the test of time.
Supply Chain: Smart Sourcing
In the supply chain, value creation hinges on strategic sourcing and savvy resource management. The OR oversees this complex web, ensuring materials are high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainably sourced. This strategy not only enhances immediate build quality but also supports long-term durability and environmental responsibility.
AECS Integration: A Symphony of Value
When architecture, engineering, construction, and supply chain management come together under the stewardship of an OR, it’s like a perfectly orchestrated symphony. Each element complements the others, creating a harmonious project that delivers value at every turn. The OR’s holistic approach ensures that every decision, every action, and every dollar spent contributes to the homeowner’s vision of a perfect home.
The Net-Net
The "right work" is about making decisions that deliver value today and for years to come. In the world of custom home development, the owner's representative is steering the ship, ensuring alignment across AECS disciplines, and maintaining a laser focus on both immediate and future goals. Homeowners can build with confidence. This isn't just about constructing a house—it's about creating a legacy of value, one well-coordinated and sequenced move at a time. If you believe you can do a complex project without an experienced OR, I think you are setting yourself up to have a lot of people who at times will focus on the wrong work.
