Understanding design-build contractors is essential for business owners looking to complete a commercial construction project. This construction delivery method offers speed, improved communication, and reduced costs.
It works by banding together different firms into one contract, making the contractor responsible for design and construction. It enables them to concentrate on your project’s overall success rather than simply their portion.
Accountability
Many owners fear that contractors will rip them off on large projects. It is a real concern and is only sometimes easily addressed with traditional design-bid-build or construction manager-at-risk project delivery methods. However, on design-build projects, all pricing is transparent throughout the process. It allows for educated, real-time decisions to be made during construction based on cost.
In addition, if the build comes in under budget, the owner is often allowed to share these savings. It incentivizes quality rather than cutting corners.
Ask for references from prior clients and browse through the design-build contractor’s portfolio of completed projects before selecting one. Make sure to inquire about their experiences working for the firm from persons who offered these references, whether they were satisfied with the results, or visit website to check further.
Single Point of Contact
Source: blog.allplan.com
Communication with your clients is made simpler by having a single point of contact. It helps to alleviate the potential for miscommunication and reduce the burden of coordinating between multiple contractors.
It doesn’t mean that the owner loses power or control of their project, but it shifts the tasks, such as negotiating with subcontractors and equipment vendors, to the design-build firm. It frees up the owner’s time and resources so that they may concentrate on more critical areas of their project.
Cost savings are achieved by avoiding cost overruns and developing innovations that deliver superior projects. The design-build firm is also responsible for budgeting and estimating, allowing more frequent cost evaluations during the design phase and construction. It helps to eliminate the possibility of overestimating costs and results in better-performing projects.
Flexibility
Design-build firms can be flexible and deliver a project faster and within budget than other methods. That flexibility comes from their extensive construction expertise and experience. They should be able to give you strong references and a portfolio of similar projects.
The project owner will sign one contract with the design-build contractor, which streamlines the legal process. It is a key benefit because it can save the owner significant time.
Having just one point of contact also means less time tracking down documentation and coordinating submittals, RFIs, and other details. It can be a massive advantage for owners wanting to complete their projects as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is why design-build has gained popularity as an alternative to more traditional construction delivery methods.
Risk Management
A risk management strategy should be in place to monitor risks throughout the project. It includes a process to update the list of risks, assess their likelihood, consequence, and acceptability thresholds regularly, and determine if any mitigation plans are needed.
While the design-build method offers many advantages, it also carries some risks. It can result in inequitable and unsustainable risk allocation to contractors, adversely affecting project outcomes.
It is crucial to have a thorough risk assessment approach that includes team brainstorming meetings and researching historical data on related building projects to prevent these problems. Then, create a risk assessment matrix that prioritizes the most significant risks. Transfer these risks away from the project with an insurance policy or agreement with a subcontractor to take on the responsibility.
Collaboration
People collaborate when they work together to accomplish a common objective. It is done by sharing resources, expertise, and skills to achieve a task.
In the design-build world, collaboration translates to more efficient projects for owners. It allows for open communication between contractors and designers, eliminating potential miscommunication—this efficiency in communication results in fewer disputes and delays in project completion.
This method also allows contractors to share in cost savings when they can complete a project under budget. This incentive to collaborate and save money will help ensure the build is high quality. It contrasts traditional large design-bid-build projects with the primary focus on price. It may encourage cutting corners by a contractor to meet the lowest bid.
Legal and Contractual Aspects
Source: forbes.com
Contract Formation:
The formation of a Design-Build contract typically involves an agreement between the owner/client and the Design-Build contractor. It is essential to clearly outline the scope of work, project objectives, performance criteria, project schedule, and financial arrangements. The contract should also address how changes, disputes, and unforeseen circumstances will be managed.
Design Responsibility:
In Design-Build contracts, the contractor assumes responsibility for both the design and construction aspects. The contract should explicitly define the contractor’s design obligations, including performance standards, design submittal requirements, and any professional liability associated with design errors or omissions.
Risk Allocation:
Proper risk allocation is crucial in Design-Build contracts. The contract should outline the allocation of various risks, such as unforeseen site conditions, design changes, delays, and cost overruns. Clear provisions should be included to address who bears responsibility for each risk and the mechanisms for addressing and resolving them.
Performance Guarantees:
Design Build contracts often include performance guarantees to ensure that the final product meets specified quality standards and performance requirements. These guarantees may encompass energy efficiency, durability, functionality, or any other project-specific criteria. The contract should establish the performance standards, testing protocols, and remedies in case of non-compliance.
Payment Terms:
Payment terms and conditions are critical aspects of any construction contract, including Design Build. The contract should specify the payment schedule, progress payment mechanisms, retainage, and any other financial considerations. It is important to establish clear procedures for approving and processing payment applications and addressing any payment disputes.
Change Orders and Modifications:
Design Build projects may encounter changes or modifications during the construction process. The contract should provide a mechanism for initiating, reviewing, and approving change orders. It should outline the process for pricing changes, adjusting project timelines, and addressing any impacts on the overall project scope, cost, and schedule.
Dispute Resolution:
Construction projects can sometimes face disputes and disagreements. Design Build contracts should include provisions for dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Clear procedures should be established to resolve conflicts efficiently and fairly, minimizing disruptions to the project.
