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Why The Design-Build Approach Saves You Time, Money & Headache

Kelly Newbold • Dec 31, 2020

The "design-build" approach, as opposed to conventional bidding methods, involves David Company from the beginning design phase through completion. David Company accepts single-source accountability, keeping the owner informed through all phases while protecting the customer's investment. This approach benefits the customer in time, money, and peace of mind. Most of all... NO HEADACHE!

design-build vs design-bid-build info grahpic

With that said, let us dive into the conventional bidding method AKA the design-bid-build approach. This approach is the most typical method when building any commercial or residential building. The process can be a handful and typically increases miss-communication and costly repairs to mistakes; however, it is standard. Most people accept the extra cost as part of doing business.

Traditional Design-Bid-Build Methods

APPROACH- Plans may change, resulting in the owner paying for unforeseen conditions resulting in change orders.

PREPARATION OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANS- Architect designs plans without value engineering from a builder or impute from builder's trade subcontractors—no accountability for the budget.

BIDDING AND REVIEW- Project is bid out to General contractors with no assurance that prices will be consistent with the project budget.

TEAMWORK- No Team established. There is often friction between architect, builder, and owner as each work too protect their interests.

David Company's Design-Build Methods

APPROACH- Accepts responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of architectural plans. The project is designed per budget.

BUDGETING- Creates a budget upfront based on experience, current cost information, and owners' desired budget—no change order expenses.

PREPARATION OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANS- Value engineering for better use of materials. With building experience in mind, we can explore multiple design options. With this, we are continuously verifying that plans meeting the owner's budget and needs.

BIDDING AND REVIEW- Accepts single-source responsibility for the project costs established upfront with the owner.

TEAMWORK- The design-build team works together from the beginning in the best interest of the owner.

Design-Build Advantages

APPROACH- Minimizes change orders and improved project schedule duration. It is resulting in time and money savings.

BUDGETING- The owner receives an accurate budget upfront and expedites the decision approval process. Single source controls the complete design and build plans. Therefore a proper budget is created.

PREPARATION OF ARCHITECTURAL PLANS- Single Source Accountability: Schedule of construction documents completion. Meeting the project budget avoids unnecessary change orders.

BIDDING AND REVIEW- Reduces design and engineering expenses by eliminating change orders. In the end, the owner saves time and money.

TEAMWORK- The owner benefits from the experience and cooperation of the design-build team that has a handle on all aspects of the owner's construction project.

While the construction industry is under intense pressure to cut costs, the need for renovation and new construction increases. Design-build is a construction approach that promises to save time and money at a guaranteed price upfront. The design-build process offers single-source accountability, full-service design, and construction as a package deal as an alternative to the traditional design-bid-build construction methods. One party is responsible for the project and resolving any problems that should occur. Using our techniques and construction professionals, our design-build firm will have all the team members involved. This not only helps an established firm price within the client's budget early on, but it also facilitates the total coordination of the project with faster project duration time. After all, time is money.

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