Who is responsible for ensuring that the site is ready for construction?

The owner is responsible for ensuring that the site is ready for construction, which includes obtaining necessary permits, securing property and zoning approvals, and providing access to utilities. The owner's role typically encompasses the overall preparation of the site, which may involve clearing, grading, and addressing any legal or logistical issues that could hinder construction. This foundational responsibility sets the stage for all subsequent activities in the construction process and must be completed before the contractor can begin work.

The project manager, contractor, and architect all play significant roles in the construction process, but their responsibilities generally follow the owner's preparations. The project manager coordinates the project, ensuring that timelines and budgets are met; the contractor is focused on the actual construction tasks and labor; and the architect designs the project and may oversee its adherence to design specifications. However, the initiation of construction fundamentally depends on the owner completing site readiness tasks.