Owners often hire their own IT, security or furniture vendors. Here's how to keep control of the site.
In this article
Why it's tricky
Owners often bring their own vendors for data cabling, security, furniture, signage or equipment. They don't report to you, but they work on your site, under your safety program and around your schedule. Without rules, they cause delays, damage and safety risks.
Contract language
Define who is responsible for coordination, safety and damage.
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Insurance
Require certificates from owner vendors before access.
Safety orientation
Every worker on site goes through your orientation.
Schedule coordination
Put owner vendors on the schedule and invite them to coordination meetings.
Access
Badge or sign-in rules apply to everyone.
Damage
Document conditions before and after their work.
Communication
Route issues through the owner's representative.
Delays
Document impacts from owner vendors for possible schedule relief.
A message to the owner
"To keep everyone safe and on schedule, we'll need insurance certificates from your vendors and a start date for each one. We'll add them to our coordination meeting."
Where to start
Add an owner-direct contractor section to your preconstruction meeting agenda.
Common mistakes
No insurance on file, vendors skipping orientation and not documenting delays they caused.
Know your numbers
Track days of delay caused by owner vendors, incidents involving them and damage claims. Numbers turn a frustrating conversation into a fair one at closeout.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GC responsible for owner-direct contractors?
It depends on the contract. The GC may control site safety and access, while the owner is responsible for the vendor's work and schedule. Clarify it in writing.