Now is the Perfect Time for Design/Build

Wow, we knew a new normal was going to take place, but little did we know that the word “normal” would be almost obliterated!

If you are in business, you know how the disruptions in the global supply chain have impacted business. This has caused the beginning of a projected surge in ordering “local” for new construction, new manufacturing, warehouses, and distribution among other things.

What’s design/build? It’s a system which one design/build team works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. One team, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. This system is popular when constructing facilities such as office buildings, schools, stadiums, and municipal building projects. In fact, in some cases, design/build projects have been known to generate up to 20% savings over traditional construction methods.

Design/build projects not only prompt higher levels of communication and faster decision making, but they also provide plenty of flexibility when making design changes.

Changes can be made quickly in the field when projects include a design/build team. This keeps everyone on track as an owner’s project list is incorporated upfront, so changes tend to be minimal – lowering the need for change orders.

A Comparison of Contractual Relationships

 

Traditional Project Delivery

An owner must manage two separate contracts and become the middleman, settling disputes between the designer and the contractor.
A designer and contractor can easily blame one-another for cost overruns and other problems.

 

Design/Build Project Delivery

An owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility.
The designer and contractor are on the same team.

 

Facility owners retain more control over design/build projects, unlike traditional bid-spec projects. As the “conductor” orchestrating the team, owners can encourage trades personnel to work together and provide their expertise and input in the design. This often brings innovative ideas that traditional projects do not provide.

Teams are accountable to each other and offer higher efficiency and clarity of how the project should unfold. The results? Viable solutions and not excuses.

Benson Electrical Contracting is available to answer any of your questions If you are considering a major construction project. Just give us a call.