Newsletter: Construction Observation: It’s more than just a good idea

What’s the value in having someone observe construction on your Indiana Town or City project? It could be priceless!

Having a construction technician, also referred to as a Resident Project Representative (RPR), on-site during the construction phase of a project is not only an invaluable asset to an Indiana project owner, but it can also make all the difference in the project’s outcome/success.

“It is very important for us to have an extra set of eyes and ears on all city projects,” said Jeff Thomas, Hartford City’s superintendent of the Department of Public Works. “They can save the city time and money.”

Construction administration starts and ends on-site when a contractor is doing work on a project, providing the owner with “eyes and ears.”

The construction technician’s job is quality assurance, serving as the liaison between the engineer(s), the city, the contractor and possibly a regulatory agency. The technician observes, documents, and monitors progress, and informs the contractor when work appears to not meet the intent of the plans and specifications.

The observer can also report who was there and what work was performed. Oftentimes the on-site observer can catch construction issues and provide a corrective course of action, saving the project owner and taxpayers lots of time and money.

“Having someone onsite constantly communicating with contractors and city officials is huge,” Thomas said.

Fleis & VandenBrink (F&V) assisted the City of Hartford City on its recent Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) ADA sidewalk project along Jefferson and Park streets.

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