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.