When it’s time for your latest construction project, it’s important to do your due diligence. Project owners must have a budget in order, an estimated timeframe for when the project needs to be completed and the right contractor to complete the project. When selecting the contractor, one thing that may be overlooked is the delivery method they use for new-build projects.

No matter if it’s a new restaurant, office building or church, the delivery method used by the construction team plays a vital role in the project. There are six methods often used for construction projects:

• Design-Build: The owner establishes a contract with a single firm that handles both the design and construction aspects of a project.
• Design-Bid-Build: This method has the design team and general contractor working directly with the owner under separate contracts.
• Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR): With this method, the construction manager acts as a representative for the owner during the construction and design phases. The construction manager takes on project risks.
• Construction Management Multi-Prime (CMMP): In this delivery method, the owner acts as the general contractor and establishes contracts with the major subcontractors and design teams on the project.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Typically used for government projects, this method allows a private company and a government entity to collaborate on a project.
• Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): With this method, everyone involved in the project is on a single contract that is predetermined before the design phase begins.

While all the aforementioned delivery methods have their pros and cons, the design-build method provides the most benefits when it comes to your new build project.

Accountability

One of the biggest benefits project owners receive with the design-build method is a single point of accountability. If there is an issue or question regarding the project, the owner knows who is accountable and who to speak with. Because accountability does fall directly on the design-build team, this ensures everyone is working with intent toward the final project.

Better Teamwork During the Project

With everyone working toward a singular vision, a single contract creates better collective teamwork and collaboration. The designer and contractor work alongside each other to ensure the project owner’s vision is met. With an environment of collaboration, the designer and contractor are able to deliver great results while working together to minimize any pitfalls that may arise during the project. In addition, since the contract is signed before ground is broken, the two teams are able to collaborate and plan ahead to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget – one of the most pivotal aspects of a new build construction project.

Because the team functions under a single contract, there is also continuity throughout the project. Instead of the design team handing the project off to the general contractor after their phase is complete, the entire team is present throughout the project. This creates consistency in communication between the team and the project owner.

While other contractors are just now jumping on board with the design-build model, the Maryville commercial construction experts at Leon Williams Contractors have been providing clients with excellent projects using the delivery method for over two decades.

If you want to partner with an experienced design-build contractor, give us a call at (865) 982-1734 or contact us online.