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Author: Mike O'Cana

You’ve found the perfect site for your development project. Now, you need to make sure the built asset meets your current needs while also accommodating future growth. The traditional construction workflow will not make optimal use of your space. That’s where design-build strategies truly shine.

What Is Design-Build Construction?

Design-build brings together engineers, architects, contractors, and stakeholders to unify the construction project. You’ll choose a design-build team, who will then learn about your vision, business needs, and budget.

The unified team will design the structures and create a comprehensive plan for the project. They will then bring your concept to life by overseeing the entire construction project from start to finish.

Under the traditional model, you would hire a design team to create the blueprints for the project. Then, you would obtain bids from multiple contractors and choose the firm that best meets your needs. Unfortunately, this disjointed approach can lead to parts of your vision being lost in translation from blueprint to built asset.

Design-build firms can more effectively meet your project goals and ensure the final space aligns with your unique needs.

Space Utilization Benefits of Design-Build

Commercial construction projects require a huge investment of time and capital. Reworking designs or attempting to alter the scope of the project after construction has gotten underway can be cost-prohibitive. Here are some ways that design-build construction helps you maximize your space and avoid the need for reworking.

Collaborate Early and Often

One of the main perks of design-build is that you will collaborate with engineers, architects, and contractors throughout the process. You can emphasize design preferences, like the implementation of flex spaces or reconfigurable rooms. The contractors and architects will also be able to work together to identify space-saving opportunities while optimizing the building’s footprint.

Prioritize Multi-Functional Spaces

Multi-functional spaces are a smart way to make the most of your available square footage. Think about how rooms can serve multiple purposes. For instance, a conference room that doubles as a break area can give you more options when running your business.

Design-build allows you to voice your desire for flex space early in the engineering process. Architects can incorporate these ideas into your original design, reducing the need for change orders and retooling of blueprints.

Optimize Layout and Flow

The layout of your building will have a direct impact on how efficiently you can use it. A thought-out floor plan ensures that every inch of your building serves a purpose.

You’ll be able to work directly with designers to develop a layout that maximizes functionality. You can avoid wasted space or obstructions that detract from the functionality of the building.

Hammers Construction: The Leading Design-Build Contractors in Denver

As the top Denver design-build firm, Hammers Construction leverages a holistic planning and construction process to ensure final deliverables align with our client’s vision. We use design-build principles to make the most of available space and provide your company with the flexibility necessary to grow.

Contact Hammers Construction, and let’s discuss your project needs.

Commercial design-build construction unites the design and build phases of construction under a single contract. This streamlined approach is ideal for commercial building projects since it encourages communication between design and build teams. What are some of the current trends in commercial design-build construction?

Sustainable Building Practices

Construction companies are focusing on “green” and sustainable building practices. According to one source, roughly 73% of construction professionals are using sustainable practices. This can include:

  • Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels
  • Using energy-efficient building materials
  • Taking steps to conserve water
  • Planning for waste management

As a result, design-build teams can minimize their carbon footprint and the environmental impact of commercial buildings.

Focus on Health and Wellness

Design-build construction is also adapting to health and wellness trends. On a practical level, this can include strategies to design a comfortable indoor environment and use measures to improve indoor air quality.

On an aesthetic level, building design teams are using “biophilic design” in their commercial construction plans. This design philosophy incorporates natural elements like greenery, water features, and natural light to create a space that’s healthy and productive.

Modular Construction

Commercial design-build construction aims to streamline the project completion process. One way to achieve this is through modular design and prefabricated construction. In this method, building components are manufactured off-site and then brought to the site for final assembly.

As a result, construction teams can accelerate their construction timelines while seeing greater quality control. And on some job sites, space is already at a premium, so off-site construction can optimize the safety and efficiency of the construction site.

Collaboration in Project Delivery

Today’s design-build teams are focusing on collaboration to deliver commercial building projects. This is already the aim of commercial design-build teams, but delivery methods such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are increasing the ability of construction and design teams to work together and even include the property owners in the project completion process.

With better collaboration, design-build teams are better able to deliver a result that satisfies stakeholder requirements. By working closely together, these teams can better adapt to setbacks or shifts in the project requirements.

Smart Technology

Smart technology can improve the sustainability of commercial building projects. It also makes them more efficient. Common forms of smart technology include:

  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems
  • Automated lighting controls
  • Building management systems that optimize power usage

These features can reduce the final project’s overall energy consumption. These technologies can also contribute to the comfort of the final design, producing greater end-user satisfaction.

Call Hammers Construction to Determine the Solution Right for You

Together, these commercial design-build trends improve the efficiency of the construction process while delivering results that are pleasing and energy-efficient. Commercial building projects deserve a special touch.

When expertise matters, contact Hammers Construction. Located in Colorado Springs, our teams can help you evaluate your next commercial project and incorporate current trends during the construction process. When you’re ready to discover what our team can do for you, give us a call to get started.

All commercial construction initiatives, including design-build projects, can go over budget — 9 out of 10 commercial construction projects experience cost overruns. The good news is that you can prevent your endeavor from befalling the same fate. Here are five tips to help you save money on your design-build projects.

What Is Design-Build?

Design-build integrates construction services and design into a single contract. Architects, engineers, and contractors will work hand in hand with your team from day one. This model still involves a bid process, but the contractor will present their proposals before having a detailed plan and specs for your project.

You won’t need to hire a design team and then subsequently seek out a contractor. One firm will handle everything.

5 Cost-Saving Tips for Design-Build Construction

Design-build is more efficient and adaptable than the traditional approach to commercial construction. However, any project can go over budget without a sound strategy. You can unlock further cost savings and avoid overages by using these actionable tips:

1.   Start With a Detailed Plan

A detailed plan represents the backbone of any design-build project. Work closely with stakeholders to map out every aspect of the project, including the location, intended purpose of the building, structure footprint, etc. Prospective firms will need this information to create accurate bids.

2.   Vet Prospective Design-Build Firms

Look for firms with a proven track record of completing projects on time and within budget. Experienced firms are adept at foreseeing potential issues and addressing them before they become costly problems.

Check references and read reviews. Ask to see examples of previous projects. Find out how the team plans to keep your project on budget, and ask about any cost-saving measures they implement.

3.   Use Value Engineering

Value engineering focuses on maximizing functionality while keeping costs down. Engineers will evaluate materials, systems, and processes to identify the most cost-effective options without compromising quality or performance.

Engage your design-build team in value engineering from the outset. They can help identify ways to save you money.

4.   Prioritize Energy Efficiency Elements

Energy-efficient solutions can lead to substantial long-term savings. While the initial investment may be higher, energy-efficient systems and materials can lower your utility bills and maintenance costs over time.

Consider upgraded lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation. You may also want to add solar panels and energy-efficient windows.

5.   Be Flexible

Flexibility is key to managing costs in design-build projects. Permits get delayed, subcontractors may take longer than estimated, and bad weather can cause certain projects to get pushed back.

A great design-build firm will help you stay nimble and adapt to any surprises that pop up during a construction project. They will keep things organized and strategically bring in extra resources to get your build back on track.

Control Design-Build Costs With Hammers Construction

Who you choose to manage your design-build projects will have a huge impact on the overall cost and efficiency of your endeavors. Hammers Construction, a leading Denver design-build firm, has extensive experience in the commercial construction space. We handle every stage of the project in-house, ensuring streamlined communication and information sharing.

Contact Hammers Construction, and let’s discuss how to ensure the success of your project.

Design-build construction is rapidly catching on. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, nearly half (47%) of America’s construction dollars will be invested in design-build projects by 2026.

Today, design-build construction can be an ideal way to streamline your commercial projects. But the best results will come from a strong design-build team. Here are just some of the benefits that a strong design-build firm can bring to the table — and to the job site.

Design-Build Firms Bring Seamless Collaboration

The primary aim of design-build construction is to unite the design and build processes under a single, unified contract. As a result, the entire process is streamlined from design to delivery. That’s because the design-build model uniquely fosters communication and collaboration across all phases of the construction process.

Such close collaboration empowers team members to share their respective expertise and resolve problems quickly. Any barrier that might stand between designers and builders is eliminated, giving way to a seamless workflow and smoother delivery process.

Design-Build Firms are Champions of Innovation

It’s true that a collaborative approach improves the speed of communication, but that’s just the start. Close working relationships allow diverse teams to share their expertise, leading to innovative approaches to commercial construction design.

These innovations can align with rising demands for sustainable construction practices, as well as delivering a commercial structure that’s aesthetically pleasing. And by collaborating closely with one another, design-build projects can be made more cost-effective, too.

Design-Build Firms Unite Accountability and Leadership

In traditional construction, the design and build processes are overseen by at least two different sets of professionals and governed by two different contracts. This can get confusing, especially when a client needs to make adjustments to the project during either phase of the process.

In contrast, design-build firms provide a single source of leadership and accountability for every project. Clients will have one point of contact for their commercial project, who is in turn responsible for overseeing its completion. This leads to more clarity, less conflict, and a smoother overall process than with traditional construction methods.

Design-Build Teams Adapt to Evolving Demands

Plans for commercial projects are often fluid. Clients may need to make last-minute adjustments or changes that affect its completion. But by partnering with a design-build team, clients can achieve a superior level of flexibility to accommodate evolving demands.

Design-build construction allows for seamless communication between designers and building crews. By promoting collaboration throughout the construction process, the commercial project can be adjusted to align with client requirements.

Let Hammers Construction Deliver a Superior Product

Design-build teams deliver a superior product. Clients can benefit from a flexible, collaborative, innovative process — one that meets the demands of the industry as well as the needs of the commercial structure.

When you’re ready to start your next commercial project, contact Hammers Construction in Colorado Springs. Our team can help you clarify your needs and explore options that align with your business. Give us a call today, and let’s break ground together.

Are you about to embark on an ambitious design-build project? While this nimble process can streamline commercial construction workflows, it is vital that you proactively promote compliance by promptly addressing permitting and regulatory processes.

Here are key practical tips for keeping your building design and construction process compliant, on schedule, and on budget.

The Basics of Design-Build Project Regulations in Colorado

The regulations you’ll face will vary widely, depending on the scope, type, and location of your design-build project. However, there are some common permits and regulations that every project leader and stakeholder should be cognizant of, including:

  • Building Permits: Required for almost all construction projects
  • Zoning Permits: Confirm the asset’s use and structure align with zoning laws
  • Environmental Permits: Ensure compliance with regulations regarding air quality, water use, and waste management
  • Special Permits: Cover things like demolition, preserving historical sites, and installing signage

In addition to keeping up with building and other permits, you’ll also need to be mindful of environmental requirements regarding site management, stormwater runoff mitigation, and a range of other variables.

Fortunately, top commercial construction companies deal with all of this on your behalf. That’s why it is so important to choose a reputable design-build firm to oversee your project.

Take a closer look at some of the ways that these teams ensure your design-build project goes off without a hitch.

How a Design-Build Firm Ensures Compliance and Timely Approvals

An experienced commercial construction firm can take care of all of the back-end permitting processes necessary to promote compliance and keep your project on track.

Forward-thinking teams get regulatory experts involved early in the planning process. These professionals bring valuable insights into local regulations and can help identify potential hurdles before they impact your budget or timetable.

Additionally, a great firm will conduct a thorough site assessment to identify any regulatory constraints. This includes understanding the zoning laws, environmental concerns, and historical preservation requirements of the area. A comprehensive assessment provides you with a glimpse of any potential issues early in the planning process.

Perhaps most importantly, design-build firms like Hammers Construction use an integrated approach to planning and execution. By unifying all key teams and stakeholders, we tear down collaboration barriers and drastically reduce the risk that something important gets missed during the planning stage. In turn, we are able to avoid costly changes during construction, saving you precious time and resources.

Our team also performs compliance checks throughout the project lifecycle. This approach gives you peace of mind, knowing that everything gets completed in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

Don’t Compromise the Fate of Your Design-Build Project

Regulatory missteps can easily wreck your budget and put your project behind schedule. Don’t jeopardize the fate of your endeavor. Instead, turn to an experienced team that understands the nuances of commercial construction, permitting, and compliance.

Choose Hammers Construction for your next design-build project in Denver or Colorado Springs. To get started, contact our team for a consultation today.

Are you planning a new building design and construction project in Denver? If so, you’ve got a huge decision to make.

Before you get started on your project, you’ll need to choose between the traditional commercial construction framework and a modern alternative, known as design-build. Here’s everything you need to know about the differences between these two approaches.

What Is Traditional Commercial Construction?

Commonly known as the design-bid-build method, traditional construction involves a sequential process where your project gets divided into three distinct phases. During the design phase, you’ll hire an architect or firm to create detailed plans and specifications for your project. You’ll focus on conceptualizing the project, developing architectural drawings, and finalizing engineering specs.

Next, you’ll bid out the project. Several contractors will submit their proposals based on the detailed plans and specifications. You and your fellow stakeholders will then select a contractor by considering factors like their proposed price, experience, and reputation.

Finally, the contractor undertakes the construction based on the predefined plans. If you have to make any changes during construction, you’ll need to file a change order, which can drastically increase costs and lead to missed deadlines.

What Is Design-Build Construction? 

The design-build method integrates design and construction services into a single contract. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where one entity — the design-build firm — works under a single contract with you to provide all relevant services.

Under this model, you’ll still engage in a bid process to select a contractor. However, they will bid prior to having detailed plans and specifications for the asset.

From day one, the team works together to attack your project cohesively. Getting everyone on the same page streamlines communication.

Unlike the traditional approach, which is sequential, the design-build method involves overlap. The construction team gets involved in the design process, which allows them to provide real-time feedback and identify potential issues early.

Overall, this method offers better accountability because one firm will be responsible for all aspects of the endeavor.

Key Differences Between the Design-Build and the Traditional Model

Typically, Denver design-build projects have shorter timelines compared to traditional construction. The integrated approach and overlapping phases allow the firm to complete key steps faster and with fewer delays.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy better control over project costs. Since architecture, engineering, and construction are all being handled under one roof, the team will be more capable of sticking to your budget and avoiding overages.

The design-build approach promotes better creativity and flexibility as well. Under the standard model, contractors are “stuck” with the design you ask them to build on. They have no input on the layout or architecture. Under the modern approach, however, all teams can share information and ideas to create a better, more functional building.

Streamline Building Design and Construction in Denver With Hammers Construction

As a premier building designer and leading construction firm in the Mile High City, Hammers Construction has the know-how, expertise, and resources necessary to streamline the asset creation process. We handle everything from designing your asset to coordinating with subcontractors, ensuring that permits are obtained and the project stays on track — right on through to the final inspection.

Seeing your design-build project through to the finish line doesn’t have to be a challenge. With Hammers Construction, it’s easy. Contact our team to get started today.

If you want to design a building, it’s vital to choose the right project management framework. Traditionally, project owners will enter into a separate contract with design and construction teams, which can lead to friction, adversarial interactions, cost overages, and missed deadlines.

Enter the design-build method, an increasingly popular approach for completing specialty commercial projects. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Design-Build Construction?

Under the design-build framework, you’ll enter into a single contract with a unified entity. The contractor and designer collaborate from day one, which ensures improved communication and streamlined workflows.

In a design-build arrangement, you eliminate the traditional separation between the architects and engineers and the construction contractor. The design-builder assumes responsibility for both the design and construction aspects of your project, seeing it through from initial development to completion. This streamlined process can help keep your project on track and enhance the quality of the finished asset.

Benefits of Unifying Building Design and Construction

The design-build approach offers a plethora of benefits, including increased sustainability and streamlined communication between key parties. Other advantages of this unified framework include:

Reduced Risk

The biggest advantage of design-build is that it drastically reduces your risk. By entrusting both phases of a project to one party, you minimize the likelihood of scheduling conflicts, cost overruns, and delays. As a result, you can enjoy peace of mind for the entire lifecycle of the project.

Cost Savings

Design-build projects can lead to huge cost savings due to the efficiency gains you’ll unlock. Everyone will be working under one umbrella, which promotes improved scheduling and collaboration, as well as the potential for value engineering and cost-effective design solutions.

Faster Project Delivery

Every day that passes after your deadline can lead to tens of thousands in extra costs. If you want to keep stakeholders happy and avoid catastrophic overages, it’s vital to have a unified construction team.

Through design-build principles, you can accelerate the delivery date. Construction can commence while design development is still underway, reducing your overall timeline. Speeding things up early in the process will also provide the flexibility needed to address any challenges that emerge late in the build.

Collaboration

Design-build encourages collaboration between engineers, architects, builders, and subcontractors. This approach fosters a more cohesive and integrated project team. Ensuring strong chemistry among the workforce can provide trickle-down benefits, such as better productivity and increased efficiency.

Single Point of Responsibility

From a logistics standpoint, you will avoid the headache of juggling two high-value contracts. You will have a single point of contact from start to finish, which simplifies communication and decision-making processes. If an issue emerges, you will know just who to call. More importantly, they will be able to mobilize the entire team to remedy the problem.

Design-Build Firms Near Me

Are you ready to get your project moving? If so, connect with Hammers Construction in Colorado Springs. Our commercial construction team specializes in design-build strategies, which promote better collaboration, efficiency, and agility.

Give us a call, and let’s chat about your project demands.

Who you choose to oversee your building process will have a huge impact on the quality and the overall timeline. Partnering with a design and build team can set the stage for successful outcomes, help you avoid budgetary overruns, and minimize the risk of missed deadlines.

You should take the following steps before selecting a building construction design contractor for your project:

1. Consider How Much Experience They Possess

Make sure that the design-build team you partner with has the know-how to manage the size and scope of the project. You want to minimize risk and unknowns during a large build. An experienced team with a proven track record of success can help you do just that while delivering a structure that exceeds expectations.

2. Ask About Their Collaborative Process

The design-build team workflow brings all of the important construction responsibilities under one roof, which reduces confusion and promotes better efficiency. However, just because an entity manages everything in-house does not mean their collaborative capabilities are up to par.

Evaluate the company’s ability to work effectively with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders. Ask pointed questions about their workflows before giving them the reins to your endeavor. A skilled contractor will be able to answer these questions with confidence and showcase their collaborative capabilities.

3. Review Their Track Record

A staggering 75% of construction projects miss deadlines. If you want to make sure yours isn’t one of them, review the contractor’s past work. While some delays are unavoidable, it’s important to know what the company does to mitigate risks and meet deadlines.

4. Be Sure They Can Help With Sustainability

Green construction techniques are at the forefront of planning processes. Investors and stakeholders across many industries are also prioritizing Earth-friendly practices before allocating funds. If you want to keep everyone happy while also reducing the structure’s environmental footprint, ensure you find a team that integrates sustainable techniques into their strategies.

There are no one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to going green, as any elements must be tailored to align with the spirit and scope of your project. However, you should ensure the team knows how to use sustainable materials, optimize for energy efficiency, and promote water conservation.

5. Dig Into Their Communication Policies

Successful collaboration relies on strong relationships and effective information sharing between all project stakeholders. Before picking your contractor, consider factors like how frequently they provide updates if they assign a designated point of contact, and other variables that will directly impact your ability to communicate with them.

Most importantly, be clear about your expectations and preferences from day one. If the contractor knows what you need from them, they can accommodate your requests.

Explore Our Building Design and Construction Solutions

At Hammers Construction, we offer expert design-build construction services that are geared toward ensuring successful project outcomes and on-time completion. Moreover, we value collaboration and understand that working hand-in-hand with our clients yields better productivity and efficiency.

Contact Hammers Construction to book a consultation.

Whenever you design a building, you open yourself up to risk. From defective materials to contractor error to delays in your project schedule — construction risk can come from anything. Using the design-build process will minimize your exposure to risks and challenges, allowing you to complete your commercial construction projects with relative ease. Here’s how.

Common Sources of Risk in Commercial Construction

First, it’s important to recognize some of the most common sources of risk in commercial construction. Common challenges include:

  • Delays between design and build phases
  • Material shortages
  • Volatile material costs
  • Labor shortages
  • Job site safety/accidents
  • Changes in project scope during construction
  • Quality of work

Even if commercial contractors handle some of these risks, it can still result in project delays that prevent your business from commencing operations. One industry report reveals that 37% of construction companies go over budget or fall behind schedule. That’s why it helps to rely on a design-build process that streamlines your projects from beginning to end.

How the Design-Build Process Minimizes Risk

By working together throughout the design-build process, designers and construction professionals can leverage the best practices to navigate risk. Here’s how design-build construction can overcome the challenges of commercial construction.

Early Intervention

During the design-build process, collaboration starts immediately. This ensures that professionals can take early action even in the initial stages of project development, ensuring that the project stays on schedule from beginning to end.

Cost Optimization

By bringing designers and builders together, companies can optimize every stage of the construction process. For instance, builders may help designers identify ways to eliminate unnecessary costs, offering clients an affordable solution for their commercial projects.

Timely Communication

Unlike traditional methods that separate the design and build components, the design-build construction process integrates these teams under a single contract. Doing so ensures a smooth process with timely communication to prevent setbacks and snags. Any issues that surface can be addressed quickly to keep projects on schedule.

Contingency Planning

Because design and build teams work together, they can leverage the best practices to create a contingency plan to address challenges as they arise. As a result, companies who use the design-build process can respond quickly to delays or shifting customer expectations.

Schedule Management

Adhering to the project schedule is one of the most important considerations for commercial projects. Design-build teams can work together to coordinate and optimize schedules, including for subcontractors and utility workers. Clients can, therefore, have confidence that their commercial projects are completed according to all specifications and timelines.

Insurance Responsibilities

Design-build teams can coordinate to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage during the construction phase. This can include liability coverage, worker’s compensation, and other policies that protect the job site from external risk.

Find a Secure Solution

Risk management doesn’t have to give you a headache. Partnering with a design-build team can provide you with all the resources you need to complete your commercial projects with confidence. To discuss your next project, contact Hammers Construction, and let us show you how the design-build process can offer a secure solution.

Design-build construction unites the design and building phases of a construction project under a single contract. For commercial projects, the design-build approach offers numerous advantages over a traditional one. Here are just some of the reasons why design-build construction offers an ideal solution for commercial projects.

Cost Savings

Looking to control the costs of commercial construction projects? Adopting a design-build approach will allow you to gain input from construction professionals during the design phases. These individuals can pinpoint cost-saving opportunities that can lower the total cost of the project.

Additionally, input from a construction team will reduce the number of changes and modifications during the construction phase. As a result, projects will be completed with greater efficiency, keeping costs down.

Faster Construction

A design-build construction approach will ensure that projects are completed according to the project schedule — or even before. That’s partly because a design-build approach unites the design and construction phases of a project, with no waiting period between each stage.

With no delays, building crews can accelerate project timelines and deliver results much more rapidly. Commercial customers will love it because faster project delivery allows them to start operations as early as possible and start generating revenue.

Greater Flexibility

During the construction phase, it’s not unusual for construction crews to have to make unforeseen changes and adjustments based on challenges or customer preferences. In a traditional construction approach, there can be significant delays as crews seek to make these accommodations.

In a design-build approach, changes can be made quickly since designers and building crews have direct communication with one another — and the client. Clients can, therefore, experience greater flexibility in the construction process, and construction companies can deliver greater customer satisfaction.

Quality Control

When design and build teams work separately (as in a traditional approach), there’s a greater chance of miscommunication, errors, or deviations from the client’s original expectations. The design-build process fixes that by keeping designers and builders working together.

An integrated team will share the responsibility of project completion, ensuring that the finished product fits all specifications. Designers and builders will be able to creatively collaborate while using industry best practices to improve the quality of each project.

Risk Management

One analysis reveals that most construction companies experience cost overrun, with an average overrun of 28%. By relying on a design-build team, clients reduce this and other risks. Because designers and builders share responsibilities, these teams are better able to respond quickly to setbacks and keep projects moving according to schedule.

As a result, clients enjoy greater peace of mind when completing large-scale projects. A design-build team will jointly manage risk, bringing greater customer satisfaction and avoiding project setbacks and delays.

Building Wealth Together

Partnering with a design-build construction company will provide end-to-end control over your entire project. Hammers Construction provides business owners with the expertise and experience to complete projects. We can help you build wealth in your business without compromising your budget. When you’re ready to discuss your next project, contact the team at Hammers Construction.