Two of the most common construction delivery systems in use today are design/bid/build and design/build. Following is a brief discussion of both.
Design/Bid/Build
Owner selects an architect to design project
Architect designs project and presents plans to owner
Owner and architect work to finalize project design
Owner approves final plans and puts project out for bid
Contractors provide bids per approved plans
Owner evaluates bids for budget compatibility
If necessary, budget is modified or project scope is amended and possibly the project is re-bid
Owner selects a contractor
Construction phase begins
Changes are designed by the architect, priced by the contractor and approved by the owner before implementation
Advantages/Disadvantages
Bids can be easily compared
Time consuming sequential process
Any incompatibility to project budget can be very difficult to reconcile
Design/Build
Owner selects a general contractor
Contractor hires architect
Owner, contractor and architect combine to design project to meet budget
Contractor provides pricing as design is under development
Changes in project are made as the design progresses
Construction phase begins
Work begins on project even before design is complete
Advantages/Disadvantages
Contractor provides turnkey project
Owner, contractor and architect collaborate to complete design
Budget constraints are reconciled in the design phase
Construction can begin much sooner
Summary
Let Lee Adcock Construction show you how the efficiency of the design/build approach can save you time and money on your next construction project.