Privately owned housing permits, starts, and completions have been steadily rising over the past decade in the United States despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the construction industry has shown remarkable resilience, with June of this year alone seeing more than 1.3 million privately owned housing starts.
As the demand for new construction continues to grow, business owners and developers face a critical decision: which construction approach to choose? The choice between design bid build vs design build can significantly impact the success of your project.
Understanding the differences between these two methods is crucial for ensuring that your project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. In this blog post, we’ll explore both approaches, focusing on why the design-build method might be the better option for your next project.
What Is Design-Bid-Build (DBB)?
Design-Bid-Build (DBB) is a traditional construction method that has long been popular in the construction industry. In this approach, the project is divided into three distinct phases:
- Design
- Bidding
- Construction
First, an architect or designer creates detailed plans and specifications for the project. Once the design is complete, the project is put out to bid, and construction companies submit proposals based on the provided design. After reviewing the bids, the owner selects a contractor to carry out the construction.
One of the key characteristics of DBB is the separation between the design and construction phases. This means that the company handling the design is different from the one responsible for construction.
As a result, the owner must manage multiple contracts-one with the designer and another with the contractor. This separation can sometimes lead to communication issues, delays, and unexpected costs if the design needs adjustments during construction.
What Is Design-Build (DB)?
Meanwhile, Design-Build (DB) is a modern construction method that integrates design and construction into a single, seamless process.
Unlike the traditional approach, where design and construction are handled separately, DB brings everything under one roof. With this method, the owner signs a single contract with a Design-Build firm, like Hammers Construction, that takes full responsibility for both the design and the construction phases of the project.
This integrated approach means that designers and builders work together from the very beginning. By collaborating closely, they can identify potential challenges early, find creative solutions, and ensure the project stays on track. This collaboration not only streamlines communication but also helps to avoid misunderstandings and delays.
Hammers Construction, we believe that the DB approach is the most efficient way to deliver high-quality results, which is why it’s the method we use for all our projects.
Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build
When deciding between design bid build and design build, it’s important to understand the key differences that can impact your project’s success. Below, we break down the main areas where these two approaches differ: project timeline, cost management, communication, and risk management.
Project Timeline
The project timeline is one of the most noticeable differences between DBB and DB. In the DBB approach, the process is linear and sequential.
The design phase must be fully completed before the project can be put out to bid, and only after a contractor is selected does the construction phase begin. This step-by-step process can result in longer project timelines, as each phase must be completed before moving on to the next.
In contrast, the DB method allows for overlapping phases. Since the design and construction teams work together from the start, construction can begin on certain aspects of the project before the design is fully finalized.
This integrated process often leads to faster project completion, eliminating delays in waiting for separate design and bidding phases to finish.
Cost Management
Cost management is another critical factor in which these two methods diverge. In a DBB project, the final construction costs may not be fully known until after the bidding process is complete.
This can lead to cost overruns, especially if the design needs to be revised or if there are unforeseen challenges during construction. Any changes to the design after the project has begun can also result in expensive change orders, adding to the overall cost.
On the other hand, DB offers more predictable cost management. Since the design and construction teams are working together from the outset, they can collaborate on the budget from the beginning.
This close coordination helps to align the design with the budget, reducing the likelihood of costly surprises later on. With fewer change orders and better budget control, DB projects often come in on or under budget.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is essential to any successful construction project, and this is where DB truly shines.
In the DBB approach, communication can be more fragmented. With separate contracts for design and construction, the owner often acts as a go-between, relaying information between the designer and the contractor. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and even disputes if issues arise during construction.
DB, however, fosters continuous collaboration between the design and construction teams. Since both teams are part of the same organization, they communicate more effectively, ensuring that everyone is on the same page throughout the project.
This direct line of communication reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps the project move forward smoothly.
Risk Management
Risk management is another area in which DB offers clear advantages. In a DBB project, the owner is responsible for managing the risks associated with coordinating separate contracts for design and construction.
If there are any errors or discrepancies in the design, it’s up to the owner to resolve these issues with the contractor, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
With DB, there is a single point of responsibility-the Design-Build firm (i.e. us). This means that we are accountable for both the design and construction, reducing the owner’s risk.
If any issues arise, we are responsible for addressing them, providing greater peace of mind for the owner. DB helps ensure a smoother, more successful project outcome by minimizing the risks associated with coordination and potential errors.
Our Approach to Design-Build
At Hammers Construction, we are proud to champion the DB approach as the most effective way to deliver high-quality construction projects. Our commitment to this method is rooted in our belief that it offers the best outcomes for our clients, saving them time, money, and stress while ensuring that their projects are completed to the highest standards.
Experienced Team
With over 50 years of experience in the construction industry, Hammers Construction has built a team of skilled professionals who are experts in their fields. Our team includes designers, engineers, and construction managers who work closely together on every project.
This collaboration ensures that our designs are not only innovative and functional but also practical and cost-effective to build. Because our team is involved from the very beginning of the project, we can identify potential challenges early and find solutions that keep the project on track.
Our experience and expertise are key factors in our ability to deliver successful DB projects time and again.
Client Trust
Building and maintaining trust with our clients is at the core of everything we do at Hammers Construction. We know that our clients rely on us to deliver on our promises, and we take that responsibility seriously.
The DB approach allows us to provide a higher level of service by keeping all aspects of the project under one roof. This means our clients have a single point of contact throughout the project, making communication straightforward and transparent.
Our clients know they can trust us to handle every detail, from the initial design to the final inspection, with the utmost care and professionalism.
Safety First
Safety is a top priority for us, both on and off the construction site. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our employees, clients, and the future users of the buildings we construct. Our DB approach allows us to integrate safety considerations into every phase of the project, from design to completion.
We implement rigorous safety protocols and continuously monitor our projects to ensure compliance with all safety regulations. By placing safety first, we protect everyone involved and ensure that the final product is safe for current and future visitors.
Proven Track Record
Hammers Construction has a proven track record of success with DB projects, as evidenced by the numerous industry awards we’ve received and the glowing testimonials from our satisfied clients.
Our commitment to excellence and our focus on client satisfaction has made us a trusted name in the construction industry. Whether it’s a small renovation or a large-scale new build, we bring the same level of dedication and attention to detail to every project.
Our DB approach has consistently delivered outstanding results, helping our clients achieve their goals and build wealth from the ground up.
Deciding Between Popular Construction Project Methods
So, in the debate between design bid build vs design build, it’s clear that the DB approach offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, cost management, communication, and risk reduction.
At Hammers Construction, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality results that save you time and money, all while ensuring your project is completed on schedule and within budget. Contact us today to learn more about our project delivery methods.