Choosing the right construction delivery method is one of the most crucial tasks. It can impact profitability, timeline, and the quality of a project. There are two most commonly used methods, and those are Design Build vs Design Bid Build. What method you choose will dictate how the project’s stakeholders will interact throughout the construction process.

Although these two terms may sound familiar, in reality, they are quite different. To put it plainly, their methodologies are different, as well as how they structure teams. Each of these methods offers a unique set of features along with its challenges. That said, selecting the right delivery method will depend on the objectives a client has in mind. In addition to that, the size of a project, the risks associated with it, and how complex it is also play a crucial role.

DESIGN BUILD VS DESIGN BID BUILD? CONFUSED? DON’T WORRY, WE’VE GOT YOU.

Design Bid Build – Explained

This method is often referred to as the traditional project delivery method. In this method, a project owner will hire a designer to draw the plans of a project. It is up to a designer whether they want to hire consultants or any other expert. When a designer is finished with a project’s drawings, their work is pretty much done. After that, a client will take the plans and get construction bids from various construction firms. A project owner will then choose a general contractor based on their bids. This general contractor can hire specialized subcontractors or an Estimating Company to perform the cost estimations. Most professionals prefer using accurate and reliable quantity takeoff services to ensure competitive and realistic bids. The professionals hired by a general contractor will only report directly to him. 

What is the Design-Build Method?

It is a project delivery method that refers to the integrated delivery of a project. Do not get confused, as the following discussion will help you to gain a better understanding. 

This method contains only one contract. A project owner, who needs a building to be constructed, hires a person or a company. This hired entity will be responsible for both designing and constructing the project. This person is referred to as a designer builder. Furthermore, these professionals can also hire designer consultants as well as subcontractors. But note that these consultants and contractors will answer directly as a designer builder, not a project owner.

Now that you have understood each of these methods individually. Let’s delve into how these two methods differ from each other by discussing their pros and cons

Design Bid vs Design Build: Pros and Cons

Both methods can result in a complete project timely. However, some key differences will help you decide which method is best suited for your project. The following discussion will break down their differences:

Pros of the Design-Build Method

Minimized Risks

As the design and construction are being done by only one team, issuance risks are minimized. The construction and design team both work with close collaboration and are ready to tackle any issues that come up during construction.

Efficient Timelines

There is no delay whatsoever between the design and building phases during bid collection. Also, the transition from the design phase to the construction phase is seamless.

Easy Budgeting

The costs of a design-build method are mostly predictable. A designer builder can communicate the whole price in a range. This range will be as close as possible to the final cost. Thus, making the budgeting process easier.

Cons of the Design-Build Method

High Pricing

There is a very limited bidding process in this method. This means that a project owner will not be able to choose their price.

Limited Creativity

Most design builders have a vast library of the designs they have worked on. In addition to that, to meet any specific requirements of a project owner, they will only make a few adjustments to a design from the database. This means that the probability of creativity becomes near to none.

Advantages of Design Bid Build Method

Pricing is up to you

This method enables a project owner to control the pricing of their project. The reason behind this is that a designer and a contractor are hired separately. You only choose a designer or a contractor once you are satisfied with their prices.

Clear progress review of a project

The design bid build method follows a timeline sequentially. This means that there will be no overlap between designing and construction processes. Thus, you will have clarity about how a project is performing, 

More Control

This method gives you more control throughout different stages of designing and construction. Apart from choosing designers and contractors, a project owner will have the freedom to make personal changes.

Disadvantages of Design Bid Build Method

Takes more time

This method has to go through multiple hiring processes for a designer and a contractor. This, by default, increases the timeline of a project. Also, if an issue arises between a designer and a contractor, it will surely delay a project. 

Communication problem

A contractor is not involved in the designing process, and vice versa. This means that there is no communication between these two professionals. Thus, the issues that could have been addressed in the early stages will be noticed later.

Questions You Need to Ask Before Selecting a Construction Delivery Method

In deciding between Design Bid vs Design Build, know that each method has its own characteristics. Choosing a method depends on what is important to you. So, before selecting a method, ask the following questions:

• How much is your budget?
• Are you prioritising timely delivery or money and vice versa?
• What is the scope of your project? 
• What are some of the associated risk factors?
• Do you want quick results? 

GAIN INSIGHTFUL TIPS ABOUT WHAT CONSTRUCTION DELIVERY METHOD IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR PROJECT BY READING THIS EXTENSIVE ARTICLE, AND MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

Closing Remarks

From the above discussion, you will have a clear understanding of Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build Bid Build construction Methods. On top of that, it also discusses each of these methods’ pros and cons. This will also help you in deciding which methods are the right choice for your project. So implement this article in your selection process and obtain the best possible outcome for your next construction project.