Design and build is a system of project delivery that focuses on bringing the design and construction teams together under one contract. The demand for this approach when doing loft conversion has risen drastically in recent years as more and more project owners start to realize numerous design and build advantages. Studies show that the design and build project system accounts for over 40% of all non-residential constructions.
This method tries to eliminate various issues that affect the traditional design-bid-build delivery method. This system minimizes the risks for the owner, reduces schedule delays and budget overruns and also ensures quality control. If executed properly and strategically, the Design & Build approach can provide the highest level of satisfaction to the owner.
Teamwork
One major benefit of the design and build approach is that it promotes effective communication between the parties involved. All the aspects of a project such as the design and construction parameters and the budget are developed simultaneously while focusing on value to the owner. Having the teams work together at the same time ensures that potential problems are identified early enough in the project and ensures that there effective problem-solving. D-B ensures that everyone is working towards achieving the same goal, which is the successful completion of the project.
Increased Accountability
One major challenge that the traditional design-bid-build poses are ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page. Different parts of the project are under different entities and this hinders total accountability and cooperation from the architect and/or the contractor. Thinks like office furniture removal company may want to move in furniture before the paint job has been finished. However, the design and build approach brings the whole project under one roof, which gives the owner one point of contact. This helps to increase responsibility and accountability.
Budget Management
Unlike design-bid-build where the cost implications of design are only realised after the bids are in, the design and build approach allows for the budget to be determined during the design phase. D-B allows the architect to come up with a cost-effective design since they have access to construction insights and pricing during the design phase. It also allows the owner to play a key role in coming up with the final project price.
Faster Project Delivery
Since all the aspects of a project are handled under one entity, the project can be completed quickly and more effectively. All the home and office furniture can be smoothly relocated. The bid times are minimized and the scheduling of the project can start even before the design phase is completed. Decisions are made faster and in case of any changes, the D-B system is highly adaptive, which means that the team can revisit some important decision without having a major impact on the progress of the project.