What is Design-Build?
Design-Build is one of the most significant trends in the construction industry today. It is a highly collaborative and fully integrated process that involves trust, innovation, teamwork and mutual respect. If you want greater cost certainty, faster project delivery, better design quality, and the best value for the money, time and effort you’ve invested in your project, consider partnering with a Nanaimo design-build for your project delivery system.
Design-Bid-Build vs. Design-Build
Traditionally, the most common delivery method is design-bid-build. This method requires the owner to hire the designer or architect and construction contractor separately and then manage two contracts: one for design and one for construction. Starting with the project design, the owner request bids from architectural firms for a design contract. Next, the project owner and design team create construction documents and solicit bids from construction contractors to price out the work involved.
In design-build, the owner must only manage one contract with a single point of responsibility for both design and construction services. This streamlines project delivery by forming a united, cohesive team between designers & builders. From initial concept through to completion, the designer and contractor work together as a team to provide unified solutions that work with the owner’s schedule and budget. The design-builder manages all contracts involved with equipment vendors, subcontractors and material providers.
Accountability
Other project delivery systems require the owner to manage separate contracts between design and construction. As the middle person, the owner can potentially become involved in disputes between designers and contractors, which can lead to blame shifting, cost overruns and other problems. With design-build, however, one entity is accountable for everything and is responsible for all project elements including cost, schedule and final completion.
Collaboration
The culture of collaboration is inherent in design-build. It streamlines project delivery through a single point of contact, fostering collaboration between design and construction, and creating a cohesive team that works together.
Reduced Risk
Have peace of mind that you will have no nasty surprises at the end of the design work. The design-builder assumes the risk of completing the project within the allocated time and price promised to the owner. This ensures all necessary work is completed on time and to the standards of quality set out in the agreement.
Efficiency
The alliance formed between designer and contractor under one contract results in better communication, more accurate estimations, and produces fewer potential errors that can slow down progress and cost the owner time and money.
Our Build-Design Services
Westmark is a Nanaimo design-build provider with expertise across Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and the Comox Valley. As design-builder, Westmark Construction’s experienced construction consultants can guide you through your project and provide comprehensive design and construction services through one point of contact. From conception of design to coordinating materials and managing contractors, we will streamline the process and take charge of every phase of the project.
