Design-build is a project delivery system where the owner contracts directly with one design-build contractor (or master builder) who will handle all other project related contracts (engineering, architecture, construction trades, etc.). The design-builder collaborates with the owner throughout the project, providing one main point of contact for both the design and construction phases. Raffin Construction uses design-build for projects that need tightened schedules, can involve many complex parties, and require exact owner input and collaboration. Compared to traditional project delivery systems, it offers several advantages.
What are the Advantages of Design-Build?
Fast-Tracked Schedule
Design-build allows the owner to fast track the design and construction schedule because he doesn’t have to wait until drawings are finalized in order to go through a bid and award process before you can start any construction:
- Get your project delivery up and running quickly and efficiently because you engage with a design-build team that is experienced working together.
- Get long lead time items ordered such as steel, precast, windows, etc. while the design is being completed.
- Get started on awarding construction trades that can get your building schedule such as site preparation, demolition, excavation, foundations, etc. started while the design is being finalized. You don’t have to wait for finalized drawings in order to bid and award.
Tighter Budget Control
Design-build allows the owner to better control the project budget by integrating the design and construction processes. This approach fosters collaboration between the owner and the contractor, ensuring that costs are managed efficiently from the outset. An experienced design-build contractor understands what drives cost and can guide the design to be more cost-efficient. By identifying potential cost-saving opportunities early in the project, they help create a streamlined and budget-conscious design plan. This proactive approach minimizes unexpected expenses while maintaining quality and functionality.
Increased Collaboration
Design-build brings together the contractor and the designers into a cohesive team, often leveraging their existing working relationship from previous collaborations. This synergy fosters an environment where both parties are well-acquainted with each other's methodologies, communication styles, and expectations, creating a seamless integration of design and construction phases. This allows the owner to take advantage of all the benefits of a finely oiled machine working together toward one goal from the onset. By mitigating conflicts and enhancing collaboration, the design-build model ensures a smoother progression from concept to completion, ultimately delivering a higher quality outcome that aligns with the owner's vision and goals.
Clear Accountability
Design-build simplifies the project process for the owner by ensuring there is a single point of responsibility: the design-build contractor. This approach eliminates any gaps in liability and prevents finger-pointing, as one company is wholly accountable for project success. The design-build contractor is happy to take that responsibility because he knows from previous experience that the design-build team he assembles can get the job done.
Is Design-Build Right for You?
1. What is Your Time Worth?
Design-build has been proven to save time from planning to completion. If your project needs to be fast tracked through the design and construction then this is the project delivery system for you.
2. Is Cost-Control Important?
Design-build may not always be the cheapest option to deliver your project, but it offers the best control of your budget. Budget overruns are less common in design build because of the collaborative approach to design and construction. This approach avoids costly change orders relative to other forms of project delivery. If controlling your budgeted cost over the course of the construction is imperative then design-build is for you.
3. Does Managing All the Details of a Project Seem Overwhelming?
Design-build allows you the owner to save valuable resources that you would otherwise spend managing designers (architects, engineers, and consultants) and contractors. This can leave you feeling like you need to be the one driving the project. Because the design-build contractor facilitates a team mind set and is used to being accountable for meeting project schedules, budgets, and solving problems the project team together is self-motivated to deliver a positive project outcome. If your resources are valuable and you don’t want to feel overwhelmed managing your project then design-build is the project delivery system for you.
It All Comes Down to Trust!
No project delivery system can deliver success without trust between the owner and the construction professionals. The same trust that exists for Raffin Construction between design consultants, sub-contractors, and us is the same trust that will existing between you the owner and Raffin. Let Raffin deliver your next project from planning to completion.