DESIGN-BUILD

 
Design and construction services are contracted between the Owner and a single entity.

BENEFITS:

• The Owner has a high level of trust with the Design-Builder 
• Design-Builder serves as the single point of contact for project responsibilities to the Owner throughout design and construction
• Decreased project delivery timeline; “Fast-Track” delivery is an option
• Cost is established in the early development stages
• Cost feedback is provided throughout the entire design and construction process which allows for the best cost/benefit decisions to be made
• Collaboration between the Owner and Design-Builder begins on day 1, minimizing change orders
• The Owner and Design-Builder share project risk
• Controlled competitive subcontractor bid process, leading to improved quality
• Opportunity for cost savings sharing

DESIGN-ASSIST/CMAR

 
Contractor is hired by the Owner early in the design phase to collaborate with the Architect and provide pre-construction services.

BENEFITS:

• Cost is established in the early development stages
• Cost feedback is provided throughout the entire design and construction process which allows for the best cost/benefit decisions to be made
• RFI’s are vetted during design phase leading to fewer change orders
• Shortened project delivery timeline; “Fast-Track” delivery is an option
• Opportunity for sharing of cost savings
• Competitive subcontractor bid process, leading to improved quality

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
(DESIGN-BID-BUILD)

General Contractor is employed by the Owner to perform construction work only. The Owner hires the design and pre-construction work through third parties separately.

BENEFITS:

• Increased competition on initial bid pricing
• May allow more construction firms to bid that don’t have Design-Build or Design-Assist /CMAR qualifications, capabilities or experience
• Traditional and familiar project delivery process with defined roles and responsibilities

• Owner to establish detailed Design-Builder criteria
• Third party checks and balances

• Design team may not incorporate input from the CM into design
• Greater potential for limited price competition
• The Owner becomes the resolution agent and becomes responsible for design documents and construction conflicts
• Selection of the CMAR needs to be involved early in design phase to be effective

• Longest project delivery timeline; no “Fast-Track” delivery option
• Project cost established late in the project development timeline
• Little or no builder collaboration or input during project design
• Creates “low bid” mentality which can impact quality
• RFI’s are vetted during construction which could lead to more change orders
• The Owner assumes the majority of project risk
• Low bidder may not understand the Owner’s project goals, objectives and criteria
• Cost savings sharing is not available