Design-build is a project delivery technique used in the construction industry. The design-build team works with the project owner under a single contract to deliver specialized design and construction solutions. Most businesses that haven’t experienced this particular method of project delivery have misconceptions about how it works.
Here, we will provide answers to some commonly asked questions about the design-build project delivery system to understand this concept better.
What Is The Design-Build Method?
Design-build is a specific project delivery method where a general contractor operates under a single contract with the project owner to provide custom design and construction services. The commercial construction company acts as the project owner’s only go-to contact, coordinating all the essential aspects of the project on the owner’s behalf. This, in turn, helps in reducing the administrative burden on the part of the commercial client.
During the design-build process, the commercial contractor is supposed to step up as the project’s leader, bringing together a high-performing team of experts from each essential discipline. The design-build method is generally marked by timely and efficient planning, a streamlined collaboration between service providers and customers, open communication, and increasingly reduced risks for the project owner.
How Does The Design-Build Method Differ From Other Project Delivery Techniques?
The design-build technique offers some unique advantages that cannot be achieved with other construction methods. The primary difference between these methods lies in the risk and responsibility for achieving a particular project’s objectives. Increased risk and accountability on behalf of the design-build service provider can significantly affect the overall schedule, cost, quality, and preconstruction efficiency.
What Are The Advantages Of Design-Build?
Some of the benefits of utilizing the design-build method of project management include faster project delivery, reduced administrative burden, improved quality, decreased risk, open-book/transparent communication, shared cost-savings, single-point of responsibility, guaranteed maximum price, project not being restricted to building types, elimination of adversarial conditions, and increased teamwork for greater synergy.
What Is The Main Difference Between Design-Build And Design Bid Build?
The significant difference between design-build and design bid build project delivery methods is that the former includes both design and construction services under one contract. In contrast, the latter includes separate agreements to the developer.
Isn’t Design-Build Method More Costly To Execute Than Traditional Techniques?
No, design-build is not an expensive project delivery technique as compared to traditional methods. The enhanced collaborative nature of the design-build provides increased opportunities for cost-savings because the project teams are created early who design the project together.
The project owner’s expenses are reduced through efficient and economic decision-making, faster design process, and timely purchase of long-lead materials, creating a streamlined construction work schedule and saving time and money from start to finish of the project.
Will I Lose Choices And Control Of My Project By Selecting Design-Build?
No. This is one of the major misunderstandings about the design-build method of project delivery, which stems from 3 significant concerns, including subcontractor selection, competitive pricing, and material specifications. Usually, a minimum of 3 to 5 prequalified subcontractors bid each trade package, ensuring increased competitive pricing and quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Many professional design-build service providers welcome project owners to include their preferred subcontractors in the design process. Then, both parties compare and evaluate subcontractor bids and other relevant information for improved decision making. The most reliable construction companies always include project owners during the design process and act as experts for material selection, value enhancement, and necessary information providers.
BelVan Construction is a leading commercial builder that provides its business clients with the most exceptional quality construction solutions across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Visit our website to know about our professional contracting services or contact us for customized care.
