Business owners have several project delivery methods to choose from when it comes time to expand a facility or build a new one. Design-build firms are growing in popularity because of the many advantages they offer building projects and stakeholders. Continue reading to learn more about the design-build process and the benefits of this delivery system.
What Is Design-Build Construction?
The design-build method is when a business owner chooses a single-source point of contact for a project’s design and construction phases. Unlike traditional design-bid-build project management, which puts the burden of signing separate contracts and juggling communications between parties on the owner, the design-build process allows you to work with one full-service general contractor throughout the entire construction process.
Design-build contractors have in-house architects and engineers who work together, which makes projects smoother. Traditional project management follows a sequential process that involves sourcing labor and materials from multiple companies. However, the design-build process allows several tasks to happen at once because a single, unified team is working together.
What Are the Benefits of Design-Build Construction?
Where some people take an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” approach to project management and delivery, others recognize a way to improve processes and results. Can a traditional design-bid-build method produce excellent results? Of course. But the design-build process often produces even better results along with time and money savings. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most appealing benefits of design-build construction.
Lower Costs
Few things are more attractive to business owners than cost-effective work that exceeds their expectations. Because design-build projects don’t require multiple contracts and fees, you save significant capital that can be used to grow your business further.
Shorter Project Timelines
Another enticing benefit of design-build projects is the considerably shorter project times. When a single team of architects and engineers works together, construction can begin while the final touches are being worked out. There’s also no need to coordinate times for different subcontractors to perform their work and no distraction or involvement from other companies.
A cohesive team working together can identify issues and find solutions much quicker than a group of different contractors that aren’t working together. This ultimately leads to much shorter project delivery times, which also reduces labor costs.
Clear Communication
You’re a busy person, and it’s easy to miss a call or forget to plan with a contractor about a service time or specific material you want. What’s even worse is when two separate companies need to coordinate their services, but you can’t get a hold of one of them, delaying your project.
Choosing the design-build method eliminates these hassles by having a single source for all project management needs. Design-build contractors take full responsibility for project management and coordination, providing a less stressful construction experience. With the current supply chain problems throughout the world, having someone to coordinate all material shipments is an advantage not to be overlooked.
Collaboration
Not only do the project’s architect and engineer work together to design and build your space to your precise specifications, but they closely collaborate with you. You play an integral role in the design-build process. Working directly with a design-build contractor gives you a more customized design that fits your wants, needs, and objectives.
Greater Trust
The highly collaborative design-build process builds trust and understanding between the business owner and the contractor. Because you’re involved in each step of your project from consultation to completion, you can feel confident that your contractor knows your precise needs. As the single source responsible for your building project, they don’t have anyone else to pass the blame to.
Are you ready to experience the benefits of design-build construction? Reach out to Calahan Construction, the Denver area’s most trusted commercial contractor for over 80 years.
What Types of Projects Use Design-Build?
Simply put, virtually any construction project can reap the benefits of the design-build process, including:
- New construction: When you’re looking for ground-up, tilt-up, or a prefabricated metal building, the design-build process ensures your new facility meets your exact requirements.
- Additions: If you’ve outgrown your current building or need to make room for new equipment, the design-build process can match your addition to your existing building for a cohesive look.
- Tenant finishes: If you’ve found the perfect space for your business, but it wasn’t built or designed for your operations, a design-build tenant finish is suitable for you. Architects and engineers can work together to transform the space to suit your operations.
- Remodels/Renovations: Could your business benefit from a new, refreshed look? Do you need to renovate an area damaged by a flood or fire? Experience the benefits of design-build construction when you need to update an existing structure.
- Masonry: Masonry provides stability and eye-catching appeal that’s enhanced with the design-build touch.
Choose Calahan Construction for All Your Design-Build Project Needs
Calahan is a family-owned and operated full-service general contractor that has provided the Front Range with exceptional services since 1937. Our trusted in-house architect and engineers collaborate with you to create a design and layout that meets your growing business needs and considers your future growth.
We specialize in every stage of the building process, including preconstruction. That means even if you don’t have the land to build your new manufacturing facility or learning environment, we can help you find the perfect location for it. No matter what industry you operate in, you can experience the benefits of design-build construction. Reach out to Calahan today to learn more about our design-build services and how we can help you achieve your goals.
