Owners who contribute input throughout the process, however, are more likely to get a project that fulfills their expectations. Owners should become educated about their role as involved players who participate in the design process, agrees Peterson. From the first meeting to project completion, owners must ask questions and insist on answers they understand. He recommends that owners first determine a clear project definition and try to decide how todays needs might evolve over the life of the project. Jones recommends that owners insist that their design professionals explain project components as design progresses.
Subsequent changes can be costly to the project owner.
Bonczyk says owners must also understand their budget limitations. If their requirements are below budget, owners may consider adding items. These may be bid as alternates or designed for future construction. However, owners must have realistic expectations to avoid a project in which costs exceed the budget and everyone is disappointed. Project funding and bill paying are critical owner responsibilities.