What authority does the owner have in relation to project management during construction?

The owner's authority in project management during construction includes the right to terminate the project at any time. This decision is typically guided by the contractual agreements in place, which outline the owner’s rights concerning project progression and the conditions under which they can decide to cease work.

When an owner exercises this authority, it is often based on factors such as budget constraints, project delays, or dissatisfaction with the contractor's performance. It is a significant power that can impact timelines, costs, and overall project resolution, emphasizing the owner's critical role in project oversight and decision-making.

The other choices involve actions that generally require more specific contractual provisions or collaboration with the project team. For example, implementing changes without consulting may breach the terms of agreements that necessitate communication and consensus, while approving final designs typically requires collaborative input from various stakeholders, including project managers and architects. Managing subcontractors directly is often not the owner's responsibility, as the contractor usually handles subcontractor relationships and management. Therefore, understanding these dynamics highlights why the owner's authority to terminate the project stands out as a distinct and impactful right.