What's the difference between prime contractor and owner?

The project manager and the owner are the two key players in a construction or renovation project. Although the two are often confused, their roles and missions are very different, albeit complementary. To avoid any further confusion, here are the main differences between prime contractor and owner.

The project manager, or MOE, is the professional responsible for the smooth running of a construction, renovation or fitting-out project, and for carrying out the work on site. He works on behalf of the project owner, who is his client.. He is the client's privileged contact and right-hand man. He translates the client's needs and expectations into concrete technical solutions, and his job is to make the client's job easier. He may be an architect, an engineer, a design office, a site manager appointed by a construction company, etc.

The project owner or MOA is the project sponsor. He or she defines the project's objectives, needs and constraints. He or she determines the specifications and is responsible for financing the project.

Depending on the case, it is more or less easy to define the MOA. For example, if you're having your house built, it's not complicated - you're the project owner. On the other hand, if you're buying an apartment off-plan, during the entire construction period up to the handover of your home, the MOA will be the developer.

• Designing the project : He is responsible for designing the project, in collaboration with the client. He analyzes the client's needs, expectations and constraints, and draws up plans for the construction or renovation to be undertaken. They specify the details of the structure's appearance and dimensions, its construction system, recommended materials, technical solutions and so on.
• Technical studies :
  To ensure the project's feasibility, quality, safety and sustainability, the MOE carries out technical studies. These may include
  • Soil surveys : these analyze the nature of the soil on the site to define the most suitable foundations.
  • Thermal studies are carried out to optimize the insulation and energy performance of the future building.
  • Acoustic studies will enable us to design buildings acoustic comfort for its occupants.
• Estimating costs : Labor, equipment, materials, etc. Everything you need toestimate construction costs.
• Select companies : The EPC selects the companies that will be working on the site. He issues invitations to tender, analyzes the responses and selects the various subcontractors.
• Coordinating and monitoring work: Once the contractors have been selected, the project manager coordinates the work, ensuring that all parties meet their deadlines and assignments. He also monitors progress.
• Managing the unexpected: If problems arise during the project, the MOE finds solutions.
• Comply with current standards and regulations
• Acceptance of work: When the work is finished, the MOE will take delivery and check that everything conforms to the MOA's expectations.
• Monitoring the project after acceptance: The EPC's work doesn't necessarily stop when the project is handed over. He makes sure that warranties are respected, and solves any post-construction problems.

• Drawing up specifications : The project owner defines the project's needs and requirements in the specifications. This invaluable document will serve as a reference throughout the project.
• Choosing a contractor : Following a call for tenders or a rigorous selection process
• Approve studies and plans by MOE 
• Drawing up a budget: The project owner seeks out the financing needed to complete the project. This may come from the company's own funds or from external sources, including public subsidies.
• Site supervision: He can also monitor the site to ensure that everything is in line with the specifications.
• Accepting the work : At this stage too, he checks that all the work complies with the specifications, and can express any reservations.

To sum up, here are the main differences between the two:

• Lhe role of decision-maker : The project owner is the decision-maker throughout the project. He or she makes the final decisionsThey are responsible for final decisions, such as the choice of craftsmen, plans, materials and construction systems. While the Owner assists him at all times, it is he who signs the acceptance report or notes any reservations.
• Expertise: However, the MOE is the expert. The MOA has no technical skills.
• Obligation of means and results:
  The EPC has an obligation of means and results towards the Owner. If the latter considers that the service provider has not fulfilled its mission, it may incur liability.

The project manager and the owner play distinct and complementary roles throughout a construction project. Their collaboration is essential to its success. For this to happen, communication between them must be clear and constant, roles and responsibilities well defined, and trust mutual. Both must be transparent, flexible and adaptable.