What comes to mind when you think of the proper system for completing a construction project? Perhaps a system that fosters productive relationships between contractors and engineers while still optimizing productivity? Is this the case? What you often times get is secretive behaviors, individual strategies, project turf battles, distrust, finger-pointing, and grudging dialogue between the engineering and construction teams, while the property owner or manager is caught in the middle. The reason why integrated design-build firms have become so appealing is the ability to solve a lot of the issues mentioned above. Main Causes of Concrete Spalling
The term “design-build” refers to a construction project whereby one company handles both the construction and engineering functions. One contract, one entity, and collaboration throughout. However, a “true integrated design-build” firm is where the construction and engineering functions are really performed in-house, under one roof, so to speak. Many design-build firms are actually construction companies that subcontract their “design” services to an outside firm. Here at G. Batista Engineering & Construction, we are a true integrated design-build firm where both engineering and construction services are performed in-house, under one roof. This allows for a unified flow of work from initial concept through completion.
The Design-Build concept is one of the most innovative project execution approaches available, and it may soon become the industry norm just as it is the favored project delivery method of the Federal Government. Owners and property managers can expect quicker project execution rates, more precise budget projections, and better overall end results. Although it has oftentimes been seen as an “alternative approach,” design-build is likely to become the industry standard for project execution.
More Advantages of a Design-Build Project
The building location, the owner, the team, and the finished product all benefit from design-build. By streamlining coordination and separating levels of process and bureaucracy from the process, this approach promotes productivity. As a result, it is built to be an efficient process dependent on a single primary partnership.
- Cost Savings
When it comes to project completion, the initial cost is still a major consideration. A complete project budget is defined at the start of the design-build project, which often requires a set design fee and a strict implementation budget or a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). Having a precise budget in place at the start of the project removes last-minute surprises.
- Acceleration of the project
Owners often cite “delivery schedule” as the most important factor in choosing a project delivery system, which explains why design-build is fast catching up to its conventional relative. Owners want work to be completed on schedule, and the faster the better.
The procurement process, as well as the development and administration of various contracts for each of the companies involved, takes up a lot of time in traditional projects. There is usually no procurement procedure for design-build, and the process is greatly simplified with just one contract.
Construction time is reduced for design-build when all developers, architects, and contractors are on the same team. As a result, construction on one part of the project will begin while the engineers and architects work out the specifics of another part.
- Efficient Collaborative Process
Because of the collaborative atmosphere inherent in design-build projects, everybody is focused on achieving a single project objective. In a conventional system (design and build are separate), independent trades and teams are more likely to focus on what is in their best interests. Although it’s impossible to fault them because the separate contract paradigm makes working any other way difficult, the evidence shows that this leads to disconnect, miscommunication, and mistakes.
The design-build strategy, on the other hand, employs and promotes collaboration, cultivates deeper levels of cooperation, facilitates knowledge exchange, improves transparent coordination among project participants, and improvements overall efficiency and project execution.
Since everybody is on the same page, there are far fewer “nooks and crannies” during the building period. It gives people more ways to voice their complaints and make changes to their schedules on a regular basis. A more productive and welcoming working experience is created by a better workflow and stronger connection.
Design-build has been found to be reliable and cost-effective for the many projects for which it is suitable, as well as to minimize construction lawsuits and reimbursement conflicts.
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