Owner's Representative
An Owner's Representative for Luxury Home Construction.
Independent construction oversight for owners, from team selection through closeout.
The role
The builder has a representative. The architect has a representative. The homeowner deserves one too.
A custom home brings design, budget, schedule, and field decisions together. Owners need a clear account of each.
An owner's representative in construction is hired by the homeowner to review the work and advise on decisions independently of the builder.
When to bring us in
The earlier our judgment enters the project, the more useful it becomes.
Before the team is assembled
We help define the brief, test the budget, and evaluate architects and builders before commitments narrow your options.
During design and pricing
We review scope, constructability, allowances, and proposals before pricing is settled.
When the project needs a reset
We can join an active project to identify open issues and establish a decision process.
What an owner's rep does
Where our judgment goes to work.
Builder selection & contract negotiation
We vet builders on the credentials that matter — financial stability, trade relationships, and portfolio depth — and structure contracts that protect the owner rather than the contractor.
Budget & schedule oversight
Line-by-line review of estimates, allowances, and change orders. We compare bids apples-to-apples and flag the soft numbers before they become hard overruns.
Design & constructability review
We work alongside the architect during design development to catch what will be expensive to build, hard to detail, or a maintenance headache in year five.
Trade coordination
Foundation to finish, we speak the language of the people doing the work. Fluency in every trade means fewer surprises and cleaner handoffs.
Site presence matched to the project
Site visits, punch lists, and progress meetings at a cadence agreed for the project, with concise reporting to the owner.
Owner advocacy at key decisions
We review decisions affecting the home, budget, and schedule from the owner's side of the table.
Who we represent
Clear decisions for owners with demanding schedules.
Owners of significant homes need experienced judgment on design, cost, schedule, and work in the field.
We prepare decisions and explain their implications; the owner remains in control.
Why Private Build Group
Experience brought directly to your project.
- I've sat on both sides of the table — I know how builders think, and how to protect the owner.
- Experience on luxury residential projects exceeding $200 million in combined value.
- Construction experience from structural work through demanding finishes.
- Experience coordinating complex assemblies and specialized trades.
- Kenneth stays personally involved in site reviews and key decisions.
Common questions
What owners ask before they hire an owner's rep.
What is an owner's representative in construction?
An owner's representative is an independent advisor hired directly by the homeowner to manage a construction project on their behalf. Unlike the general contractor — who represents the builder's interests — the owner's rep sits exclusively on the owner's side of the table, overseeing budget, schedule, quality, contracts, and communication between architects, builders, designers, and trades.
How is an owner's representative different from a general contractor?
The builder delivers work under the construction contract. An owner's representative is engaged by the owner to review proposals, budgets, changes, and progress independently of the builder. Our scope and fees are set out in our agreement with the owner.
When should I hire an owner's rep?
The earlier the better. Bringing an owner's rep in before you sign an architect or builder gives us the most leverage — we can vet the team, structure the contracts, and set the budget and schedule guardrails from day one. It is still worth hiring one mid-project when things go sideways, but preventing problems is far cheaper than untangling them.
How much does an owner's representative cost?
Fees depend on the project's scope, duration, and level of involvement. We discuss the proposed work and fee structure before an engagement begins.
Do you only work in St. Louis?
No. We represent owners across the Midwest and South Florida, including St. Louis and Naples. Our direct home building work is focused on St. Louis.
Private Consultation
Tell us about your project.