Owner's representative in Somerville, MA
You have the plans, a sketch or just an idea. I manage the budget, permits, trades and schedule on your side until the project is 100% complete.
An owner's representative works for you, not for a supplier or a subcontractor. Mateus Magno (MA Construction Supervisor CS-123658, HIC #220484) turns your plans into a written scope, a line-item budget and a schedule, keeps every change in writing and reports to you every week until the final inspection. If he builds the job, he pulls the permit under his licenses and supervises the licensed trades. If you hire another registered contractor, that contractor pulls the permit and he oversees the work for you. Mateus founded Magno & Co in 2020 and has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
Owner's reps usually charge a flat fee for a defined scope, an hourly rate, or a percentage of construction cost. I don't quote a fee until I've seen the job: after a free walkthrough you get a written scope and fee, so you know exactly what I do and what it costs before you sign anything. How owner's rep fees work →
What's included
- Matterport 3D scan of your space, then a 3D design
- Plan review for buildability, cost and code
- Line-item budget and a realistic schedule
- Contractor bids leveled line by line
- Contract review against Massachusetts home-improvement rules
- Permits under my licenses when I build the job, or pulled by the registered contractor you hire
- Supervising licensed trades when I build, or overseeing the contractor you hire
- Coordination with your architect or designer
- Change orders in writing and weekly cost tracking
- Weekly photo updates
- Taking over stalled or half-finished projects
- Final inspections, punch list and handover
Why homeowners hire an owner's rep
On your side
I work for you, not for a supplier or a subcontractor. Bids, invoices and change orders are checked against your budget before you pay.
One licensed point of contact
A Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658) and registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) working for you from the first scan to the final inspection.
Old-house surprises, planned for
Triple-deckers and 1900–1930 homes hide old wiring, rot and out-of-level floors. I put a written allowance in the budget and price every change in writing before the work is done.
From first walkthrough to final inspection
Free consultation
I walk the house with you to understand the project, your budget and your goals.
Written scope and fee
You see exactly what I'll do and what it costs before you sign anything.
Bids and contract
Prices from registered contractors on one clear scope, leveled line by line, and a contract that follows Massachusetts rules. If I build the job, I pull the permit under my licenses. If you hire another registered contractor, that contractor pulls the permit and I oversee the work for you.
Build to 100% complete
Site visits, payment checks, change orders in writing and weekly photo updates through the final inspection.
Owner's rep or general contractor?
| Owner's rep | General contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Works for | You, the homeowner | The project: you pay them to build it |
| Main job | Scope, budget, bids, schedule and quality checks | Building the work with their crews and subcontractors |
| Bids and contract | Gets several bids and compares them line by line | Gives you their own price |
| Change orders | Checks every change before you approve it | Prices the change and builds it |
| Best for | Several trades, larger budgets, busy or out-of-town owners | A single, well-defined job with a builder you trust |
Not sure which you need? What an owner's rep does, and when you need one →
Projects planned, managed and finished
Frequently asked questions
What does an owner's representative do on a home renovation?
An owner's rep works only for the homeowner: writing the scope, getting and comparing contractor bids, reviewing the contract, tracking the budget and schedule, and checking the work before each payment.
Who pulls the building permit?
If I build the job, I pull the permit under my licenses. If you hire another registered contractor, that contractor pulls the permit and I oversee the work for you.
How much does an owner's representative cost?
Owner's reps usually charge a flat fee for a defined scope, an hourly rate, or a percentage of construction cost. I don't quote a fee until I've seen the job. After a free walkthrough you get a written scope and fee, so you know the cost before you sign.
Is an owner's representative worth it?
It's usually worth it when a mistake would cost more than the fee: older Greater Boston homes, larger renovations, additions or ADUs, or when you can't be on site. For a single-trade job with a contractor you already trust, you may not need one.
What's the difference between an owner's rep and a general contractor?
A general contractor builds the project and is paid to do the work. An owner's rep oversees the project on your behalf. With Magno & Co I can represent you on the whole job, or build the parts you need. Either way, you get one licensed point of contact.
Can you take over a stalled or half-finished project?
Yes. I review what's been done, what's been paid and what's left, then write a scope, budget and schedule to finish it, and I stay until it's 100% complete.
Do you work with my architect or designer?
Yes. Bring finished plans, a sketch or just an idea. I review plans for buildability, cost and code, and coordinate with your architect or designer through construction.
Which towns do you work in?
Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Arlington, Everett, Watertown, Belmont, Brookline and the rest of Greater Boston.
Service area: Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Arlington, Everett, Watertown, Belmont, Brookline and Boston, MA (all areas). Licensed: MA Construction Supervisor CS-123658 · HIC #220484 · Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor.
Other services: Services for contractors · Flooring in Somerville · Kitchen remodeling in Somerville · Bathroom remodeling in Somerville · All services
Read before you start
What an owner's representative does — and when you need one
You have plans — or a clear idea. Here's who turns them into a finished project, on budget, without you living on the job site.
How Much Does an Owner's Representative Cost? Fees Explained for Boston Homeowners
How much does an owner's representative cost? How owner's reps charge, what the fee buys, and when it pays off on a Somerville or Cambridge renovation.
Hiring a contractor in Massachusetts: 8 checks before you sign
Registration, licenses, the written contract, the deposit and who pulls the permit — what Massachusetts law expects, in plain English.
Planning a renovation?
Book a free consultation. After the walkthrough you'll get a written scope, a line-item budget and my fee, usually within 48 hours.
Worked with Magno & Co?
A 1-minute Google review helps Somerville neighbors find a builder they can trust, and it means a lot to a small local business.