Design & build is the fastest growing and most popular method for construction project delivery in America. So what is design & build construction? And why is this considered to alter the traditional method (design bid build)? Keep reading this article, you will know 3 reasons why you need to choose the this method
What is design & build?
Design & Build is a construction delivery method. Different from the traditional method of awarding separate contracts for design and construction. Throughout this process, the builder and designer will work hand - in - hand to provide a unified project that meets or even exceeds the owner's expectations. Therefore, the owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility
5 phrases of the Design & Build process.
There are essentially five phases involved in the design & build process. While other construction methods often include several steps which are typically separated, the design & build are much more connective. The basic steps consist of:
1. Phase 1: Team selection:
Choosing a design & build team is the first step of the design & build process.
Owners have to carefully vet potential candidates to find the ones who have the skills and experience the design-builder offers. Besides, choosing people who are appropriate to the company’s vision, needs, and budget as well is extremely important which directly influences the following phases. This is the instrumental factor to receive a better quality project from start to finish.
2. Phase 2: Pre - Construction:
You may think this step is unnecessary because it may seem like a short phrase, but this is the most critical part of the process. Paying attention to this phrase is important, as this is when the brand new design & build team will learn about everything about the owner’s business including its visions, budget, goals, and so on. Therefore, the design-builder will get a solid picture of what the owner expects them to do.
In this phase, the design & build team will work together to give assessments of current structures, electrical systems, and more, then determine what needs to be done before construction can begin then maximize efficiency throughout the project.
3. Phase 3: Architectural Design:
During the architectural design process, the design-build team would now have coordinated to establish the project’s site, timeline, and budget. They also need to work as a cohesive unit from design to construction to implement an efficient project design in both time management and spending. At this point, the team will make a decision on choosing potential areas where productivity and cost savings can be optimized. The construction can begin once the owner reviews and agrees to all necessary permits, the construction agreement detailing specifics of the project provided by the design-build team.
4. Phase 4: Construction:
The communication between the project owner and the design-build team would be streamlined throughout the construction process. Once this process begins, there is typically just one point of contact for the project. Thanks to this, the clear accountability will be established for all the members involved as they are all working on the same team, toward one shared goal and same deadlines, hence all the issues and bumps in the road of the construction process will be handled much more quickly than the traditional design-bid-build.
5. Phase 5: Post-construction
When the project comes to an end, the design-build team will provide the owner with an overview of the project deliverables including a comprehensive document with all information and documented procedures that took place during the project. In this process, the owner will be able to ask any questions related to the project. If everything is all addressed, the projects will be completed
The benefits of the design & build method.
It can be said that design & build is considered an effective alternative to the design-bid-build. To begin, one of the most beneficial aspects of this method is the speed at which the project can be completed. Simplifying the process of the entire project not only helps the project owner take control of the project process more easily and more effectively but the owner also can occupy their facility sooner which helps save time considerably.
In addition, this method can reach 20% savings over the traditional one throughout the project. There will be fewer design changes, problems, or mistakes due to miscommunication. Having a good design-build team enables customization and innovation resulting in smoother, better quality deliverables, then leading to less time and fewer materials being wasted at each stage of the project.
And last but not least, because stakeholders pay full attention to the end goals of working together to deliver the project that meets the owner’s required goal, therefore, this project will be ensured to stay within the budget and on schedule.