Design-Build
Five Generations of Design-Build Experience
Design-build is a project delivery system. A project delivery system is the means by which a project goes through the process of planning, design, and construction. It defines the relationship between the owner, contractor, architect, engineer, and design consultants. There are a few basic types of project delivery systems: Design-Bid-Build, Construction Management at Risk, Multiple Prime Contractors, and Design-Build. Design-build is when the owner uses a design-build contractor (or Master Builder) who is contracted to design and construct the building. Raffin Construction has been doing design-build work for generations
What is the advantage to building with a design-build contractor?
Design-build construction has a number of distinct advantages over other forms of project delivery systems.
Schedule
Design-build allows the owner to fast track the design and construction schedule.
- Get your project delivery up and running quickly and efficiently because the design-build team 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 such as site preparation, demolition, excavation, foundations, etc. before designs are finalized.
Budget
Design-build allows the owner to better control the project budget. An experienced design-build contractor understands what drives cost and can guide the project design to be more cost-efficient if necessary. It also leads to less change orders during the project because the design-build process encourages collaboration between all parties involved.
Teamwork
Teamwork is an actions-focused attitude toward a common goal. Design-build brings together a contractor and designers who already have a working relationship established from previous projects. This allows the owner to take advantage of all the benefits of a finely oiled machine working together toward one goal right off the bat. This avoids confrontational relationships between the design professionals and the contractor.
Accountability
Design-build makes it easier on the owner because there is one point of responsibility: the design-build contractor. This means no gaps in liability and no pointing of fingers. Accountability rests solely on the design-build contractor. The design-build contractor is happy to take that responsibility because he knows from previous experience that the design-build team he assembled can get the job done.
How Do You Decide If Design-Build Is 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 look like the cheapest option up front, but it offers the best control of your budget throughout the project. 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 important then design-build is for you.
3. Does Managing All the Details of a Project Seem Overwhelming?
Design-build allows 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. In contrast, design-build contractors facilitate a team mind set and are accountable for meeting project schedules, staying on budget, and solving problems as they arise. They coordinate all pieces and parts of your project for you. 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 a level of trust between the owner and the construction professionals. We build this trust through open and honest communication. Our extensive experience informs us so that we can make the best decisions for our clients, keeping their projects on schedule and on budget.
