When it comes to commercial property construction, you are likely to encounter the term Employer’s Agent on a daily basis. Traditionally speaking, the term is used to describe an agent that is acting on behalf of the client as the contract administrator for the works being carried out on design and build projects.
The agent in question is most commonly going be to any of the following:
- The Lead Consultant
- The Architect
- The Cost Consultant
On occasion, the duty can be given to a professional from a client organisation, such as an in-house project manager or even an independent project manager who has been appointed personally by the client.
Furthermore, alongside their position as contract administrator, the employer’s agent can also look to conduct other tasks on the client’s or company’s behalf prior to the award of a contract, including but not limited to the following:
- Co-ordinating the tender
- Co-ordinating the innovation of consultants
- Collating contract documents for execution
- Carrying out Control Procedures
Once the contract has been awarded, the employer’s agent’s role may include:
- Issuing instructions
- Co-ordinating the review of information prepared by the contractor
- Considering items submitted by the contractor for ‘approval’ as required by the employers’ requirements
- Handling change control procedures
- Reviewing work progress and preparing client reports
- Validating or certifying payments
- Considering claims
- Monitoring commissioning and inspections
- Certifying practical completion
- Bringing defects to the attention of the contractor
- Issuing the certificate of making good defects
- Agreeing the final account
Here at Roger Hannah & Co., we have a specialist building consultancy team that is on hand to act as a lead consultant for a project team. Whenever work is being conducted for a design and build project, you will need an Employer’s Agent to ensure that budgets are met, the work is completed on time, safety procedures are followed and the desired quality standards are achieved.
If you’re looking for a professional to take responsibility for the project, why not get in touch with our team today. Whatever the complexity of the task, we have a wealth of experience in properly managing commercial or residential projects.