Building a house – or any other building – is not an easy task. Behind every wall, foundation and roof stands a number of experts and institutions who jointly manage the project from an idea on paper to a finished object.
Whether you’re building your own home or just curious about how it all works, it’s important to know who the key players are in the process and what they’re responsible for. Below, we’ve outlined the most important players and their responsibilities, so you can better understand who’s doing what – and why their collaboration is crucial to the success of your construction project.
Investor (client)
The investor is the initiator of the entire project – it can be a private person, a company, an institution or the state. He invests the funds, makes the decisions and monitors the construction process from start to finish.
His main responsibilities include:
- Defining goals (budget, size, purpose of the facility)
- Selection of designer, contractor and supervision
- Obtaining the necessary documentation and permits
- Financing security
- Making important decisions at key stages
- Taking over the facility after completion of works
Designers (architects and engineers)
They are the visionaries and technical minds of the project. From the first sketch to the details of the execution, designers shape the appearance and functionality of the object, taking care of legality, safety and aesthetics.
Their tasks are:
- Preparation of conceptual design and main project for permits
- Preparation of detailed design with technical specifications
- Coordination with all professions (statics, electrical, mechanical installations)
- Consulting and support during construction
- Participation in obtaining a use permit
Main contractor
This is the team that “physically builds” the facility – a construction company or craftsman who carries out all the work on the ground according to the project.
His obligations are:
- Planning and management of all phases of work
- Compliance with project documentation and building regulations
- Procurement of materials, equipment and organization of labor
- Ensuring safety on the construction site
- Management of subcontractors and deadlines
- Communication with the investor
- Completion of the project within the agreed budget and deadline
- Liability for possible defects during the warranty period
Supervising engineer (professional supervision)
He is the investor’s “eye” on the construction site – he monitors the quality, safety and compliance of the work with the project.
His duties include:
- Monitoring the progress of work and comparison with project documentation
- Control of materials and technology used
- Keeping construction books and documentation
- Checking statics, energy efficiency and safety
- Warning of irregularities and request for corrections
- Regular reporting to investors
- Participation in technical inspection and usage permit
Surveyor
A surveyor is responsible for precise measurements and placing foundations in the right place – literally.
His roles are:
- Preparation of the geodetic project required for the permit
- Staking out (marking an object on the ground)
- Recording the condition after construction for registration in the cadastre
- Participation in legalization procedures, as needed
Institutions and public bodies
Without their permission, construction cannot begin or be completed.
The roles of institutions include:
Office of Urban Planning and Construction – issuing a building permit
Construction inspection – supervision of compliance with regulations
Occupational safety inspection – control of safety conditions on the construction site
Cadastre and land registry – recording new buildings
Inclusive
Construction is not only a technical challenge – it is a complex process that requires teamwork, trust and good communication. With the right team and clearly defined responsibilities, your investment will be not only high-quality, but also profitable in the long term.