Design-build construction offers a single point of responsibility for your project, which simplifies the process, saves you time, and is a more cost-effective option in most cases. Most architects are going to draw you whatever you want and will not give you much guidance on what things cost so you may experience sticker-shock when you bring your completed blueprints to your contractor. Design-build is the better way to help clients create their dream homes or business projects and keep them within budget.
Design-Build Construction
Over the past 15-20+ years, the use of design-build has greatly accelerated in the United States, making this delivery method one of the most significant trends in design and construction today. Design-build is a method of project delivery in which one entity – the design-build team – works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. One entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion. Design-build is also known as design/construct and single-source responsibility. Design-build is an alternative to design-bid-build. Under the latter approach, design and construction are split – separate entities, separate contracts, separate work. Not only does this give both the contractor and the purchaser more control, but it also saves them a ton of money. Becraft Plus is a design-build company and it’s right there in our logo!
Conventional Construction (Design-Bid-Build)
Conventional Construction remains the most traditional process for construction projects in the U.S., where the owner will separately contract with a designer and building contractor. A design firm is hired to deliver ready-to-use design plans, and then the owner will solicit bids from contractors to complete the work. There is no contractual relationship or obligation between the designer and builder, and the landowner bears all responsibility for the completeness of the design documents. Likewise, an owner should have some technical knowledge and be prepared to spend time and resources managing their own project. In this scenario, an architect will draw plans to specification and send you off to your contractor with the blueprints.
Design-Build Method Usually Costs Less and Is Completed Faster
By its definition, “Design-Build” refers to the process in which one entity will bear sole responsibility for both the design and construction of your project. There is just one contract for services and the company that you hire will either perform all of the services in-house or will subcontract out certain specialized services to other companies. Design-build is characterized by a high degree of collaboration among design and construction professionals. The company can simultaneously receive input on design and feedback from multiple trades as the project progresses. There are many benefits to using the design-build method of construction, and various studies have quantified these benefits by comparing it against its more traditional counterpart. All through the design, you will have to be making a decision about the cost to stay within your budget. You may decide to go with a shingle roof rather than a metal one, you may choose a less expensive set of windows and doors, you will make an informed choice knowing and choosing to increase your budget or stay within all through the process. The design-build team then proceeds with the project, getting the blueprints submitted for permits and launching the construction part of the project. This process allows you to make informed choices, saves a lot of time during construction, and usually cost less.
Many studies that compare construction methods conclude that the cost of design-build is markedly less. When your design and construction team are working together, there will be a much more streamlined schedule. This will result in fewer bottlenecks and more opportunities for concurrent work. Studies prove that design-build projects complete significantly faster (up to 33%) than traditional construction projects.
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About Becraft Plus
Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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