Developers and commercial real estate investors know that there are different ways to approach the construction of commercial buildings. However, most are familiar only with the traditional design-bid-build delivery system. This article will offer some insight into the increasingly popular alternative of design-build construction delivery, which is now used in just under half of all commercial construction projects across the United States.

What Is Design-Build Construction?

To understand the benefits of design-build construction, project managers first need to have a clear idea of how more traditional design-bid-build delivery systems work. With this type of system, a developer hires an architect for project design. The company then takes the completed architectural design to general contractors for bids. Once the bids are submitted, the company hires a general contracting company to manage the construction process. 

The design-bid-build construction methodology remains popular for some types of development projects, but forward-thinking firms like CCI Corporate Contractors are also beginning to offer simplified design-build services. This construction delivery method simplifies traditional design-bid-build processes by allowing the entire project to be completed by the same team. Instead of hiring a separate architect to draw up plans for the general contractor, developers who use design-bid contracting firms consult the same company from start to finish.

Why Design-Build Is Perfect for Commercial Construction

Commercial construction projects tend to be more complex than their residential counterparts. Designing and building a large, complicated, often highly specialized building requires careful attention to detail and collaboration between a range of parties. 

Working with the same company every step of the way from the initial design consultation to the final walkthrough helps to simplify the process and ensure clear communication. Developers can be assigned one specific liaison from the project management team who can keep them informed and assist with resolving any problems to minimize delays.

With design-build construction, every aspect of the project is planned from the beginning. This holistic approach allows the design and construction teams to work together from the very beginning. Everything from permitting and zoning to materials and labor will be a known factor, which means it’s easier to stay under budget and avoid unnecessary complications.

Design-Build Firms Take on Full Responsibility for Project Completion

Because commercial construction projects tend to be complicated, problems can easily arise over the course of the build. The traditional design-bid-build construction methodology allows contractors to pass the buck between each other. The architects blame the general contractors, the general contractors blame the architects, and the project grinds to a halt until the dispute can be resolved. With design-bid, the same company takes on full responsibility for project completion, encouraging transparency and collaboration.

This single point of responsibility also helps to prevent mismatches between what architects think can be accomplished and what contractors can achieve on a site. The simplified approach also reduces confusion regarding soliciting bids, which aren’t standardized and are thus difficult for developers to compare accurately. Design-build teams are always on the same page about how to move forward with a project, which means they can offer more accurate estimates of costs and time frames for completion.

Design-Build Streamlines Project Delivery

Working with a single company for everything from the initial building design to contracting out specialized work like plumbing and electrical installations helps to streamline project delivery. When an unrelated architectural firm and general contractor try to work together to complete a project, it almost always creates unnecessary problems. Design-build construction firms have teams of specialists who are used to working together to complete projects efficiently.

When developers work with design-build firms, they can expect their new facilities to be up and operational in less time. The improved collaboration between design and construction teams often means that the building process can begin before the design is completely finalized without causing unnecessary complications or delays later down the line. This close working relationship also fosters innovative solutions if unexpected challenges do occur as the project progresses.

Save Money Over the Course of the Project

Some developers assume that if they can shop around for both architects and general contractors, they’ll save money in the long run. However, that’s rarely the case. Design-build firms offer cost savings not just through increased efficiency and improved collaboration but also through the more prudent use of building materials and the potential for reduced labor costs. Plus, faster completion times can allow developers to begin using or renting the facilities faster than they would if they relied on a traditional design-bid-build method for project delivery.

When Is Design-Build Not the Better Option?

Not all projects are good candidates for design-build delivery. Public-sector construction projects, for example, are still best handled using a design-bid-build methodology. In many cases, increasing project size and complexity can be indicators that it’s best to work with third-party architects and engineers, as well. Finally, developers who want full control over how the project moves forward may find that design-bid-build allows them to play a more involved role.

There is a good solution for developers who want to guarantee efficient project completion and clear communication even when design-build project delivery does not seem like a good fit. Working with a company that can provide comprehensive design-bid services and general contracting services can offer the best of both worlds. These experts are used to collaborating effectively with both in-house and third-party architects and engineers.

Build Confidently With the Best Project Delivery System for the Job

As with most things in life, there is no one right answer when it comes to choosing between design-build and design-bid-build construction methodologies. When in doubt, developers should start by consulting design-build firms in the area to get an idea of how this delivery method differs from more traditional design-bid-build processes. From there, it will be easier to determine whether the project’s specific requirements will be best fulfilled by a full-service design-build firm or a combination of unrelated architectural firms, engineers, and general contractors. Either way, the developers should commit to working with industry experts with reputations for providing professional results.