Construction is one of the largest industries in the US right now. Incredibly lucrative and vital to our overall economy. Construction statistics and key metrics are changing the way suppliers, subcontractors and even homeowners approach a project. Why? The business isn’t as closed off as it used to be. Thanks to modern tech and design-bid companies, today it’s never been easier for a person to have more control over their architectural project, whether they have experience in the field or not. Yearly indicators, and KPIs, have shown that the industry is booming. Permit solicitation is up, investing is at an all-time high, and mortgage rates are low — a perfect storm. These factors plus modern contraction approaches like Design-Build have really given the industry a jolt to the heart. In this article, we’re going to tell you what Design-Build actually is, and its benefits.
What is Design-Build?
There are two primary methods consumers can undertake when facing the challenges of either building or renovating a property.
Design-Build
Design-Bid-Build
The latter, Design-Bid-Build, is also called design tender or D/B/B. It is a strategy in which an individual tries to negotiate each instance of their project with different firms. Each one only assumes the responsibility of the phase they are involved in. It is an incredibly complex process, and the main goal is to save a buck or two.
For example, you’re renovating your backyard - let’s say you want to install a gazebo and a comfy swimming pool. In a D/B/B strategy, you would go out and hire a studio to design the blueprints. After they deliver, you’d start a bidding war with contractors. Wait for them to file in their tenders - their estimates. Pick one, and finally hope they deliver what they promise and start constructing. Each phase is utterly disconnected from the former. Different companies, different approaches.
Design- Build (D/B) on the other hand is when you find one firm that does all the lifts — heavy, or otherwise. One contractor, one work crew, one design team all working under the supervision and contract stipulations of a project manager. There is only one head-honcho, one focal point of responsibility. You’re paying for a company that is in charge, and at fault, for the whole project — they can’t pass the blame or find a scapegoat if something goes wrong. This in turn produces delays, risks, and sometimes even costs.
It is a comprehensive, integrated approach that's far more optimized, and efficient in the long run.
Amongst its many benefits, when compared to passing out tasks, responsibilities and contracting different vendors, is that since the construction has one leader, the client can seek out legal remedies in the case there is a faux-pass. This is a bit harder to do in D/B/B because crews will try to shirk responsibilities and lay the claim on the other team’s doorstep.
Benefits of Design-Build
In a Design Bid Build approach, the design team might not be up-to-date with construction costs or current equipment available. This does not occur in a Design-build model.
In Design-Build, contractors, and design teams work together, giving each other precious input, which will in turn lower cost and help clients obtain a better quality product.
There is open transparent communication between all team members. Another communication perk is that you will only have to talk to one person, the project manager. You won’t be the link between teams as is most often the case in D/B/B
Faster delivery method since it’s likely that the team has been working in unison for some time.
It is the most effective method for large projects. The more complex a project the more chance it has of experiencing challenges and issues. This is one of the great benefits of D/B crews, they have faster reaction times.
Studies have shown that in the long run, this model is actually cheaper and can save clients up to 43% in project costs.
One team, one accountability. They simply can’t pass the blame off to someone else if something hits a snag.
It is a one-stop buy whose primary ideal is to let clients sleep easy, save them headaches, and deliver a professional well-rounded project.
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