Building a luxury custom home is a dream for many, but managing the process can be a daunting task.
In this episode, host Rick Bell sits down with Tom Koulouris—a seasoned builder, Owner’s Representative, and professor at the University of Miami—to explore the indispensable role of an Owner’s Rep in high-end residential projects.
Both alumni of the University of Florida’s School of Building Construction, Rick and Tom share lessons from working together on a 37,000-square-foot estate in Southwest Ranches, Florida.
Tom’s decades of experience in both commercial and residential construction, combined with his passion for education, make him one of the most respected voices in the industry.
Episode Highlights
- What an Owner’s Representative is—and why every homeowner should consider one.
- How to align vision, budget, and execution without losing sight of priorities.
- Why clear communication between owners, architects, and contractors is non-negotiable.
- How their shared background at the UF School of Building Construction shaped their approach to collaboration.
- The importance of having an advocate who understands both the technical and human sides of construction.
Glossary of Terms
- Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep): A consultant who represents the homeowner’s interests during the planning and construction process, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants.
- Delivery Models: Different methods for structuring construction contracts and responsibilities (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM-at-Risk). Each model affects risk, cost, and decision-making.
- RFQ (Request for Qualifications): A document used to shortlist firms based on experience and capability before requesting formal proposals.
- RFP (Request for Proposal): A formal document inviting firms to submit detailed proposals on how they would deliver a project, including scope, cost, and approach.
- GNM (Guaranteed Maximum Price): A contract structure where the contractor is reimbursed for costs but capped at a maximum price, protecting the owner from overruns.
- OAC Meeting: Regular project meetings between the Owner, Architect, and Contractor
- Change Order (CO): A formal amendment to the construction contract to account for changes in scope, cost,
Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo
🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH
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