In Edmonton, the Construction industry is a vital contributor to the local economy, shaping the skyline with innovative commercial buildings and enhancing the community with state-of-the-art facilities.
As the city continues to grow, the choice between different project delivery methods becomes increasingly significant for businesses looking to embark on new construction projects.
Two of the most prominent methods in today’s construction landscape are design-build and Traditional Contracting, each offering unique benefits and considerations for project owners.
Design-build contracting presents a unified flow of work from initial concept through completion, integrating design and construction services under a single contract. On the other hand, Traditional Contracting, or the Design-Bid-Build approach, separates the design and construction phases, allowing project owners to bid out the construction work after the design is finalized.
Navigating the nuances of these methods requires a deep understanding of the construction industry, as well as hands-on experience with projects of various scales and complexities.
This is where BelVan Construction stands out as a reputed design-build contractor in Edmonton. With years of extensive experience in the Edmonton area, BelVan Construction has mastered both design-build and traditional contracting, delivering exceptional commercial projects that meet their client’s specific needs and exceed their expectations.
In this blog, we shall compare and contrast traditional and design-build contracting to help you decide which method suits your commercial construction project.
The Design-Build Process
The Design-build approach is a modern project delivery system used in the construction industry that simplifies the process by merging architectural design and construction services under one contract.
Unlike traditional project delivery methods, where the design and construction phases are separate, design-build facilitates a collaborative environment where both designers and builders work together from the project’s inception to its completion.
This unified framework fosters teamwork and aligns interests, which can lead to innovative solutions and a more streamlined project timeline.
In the design-build model, you contract with a single entity – the design-build contractor. This entity acts as the project’s leader, taking responsibility for both designing and constructing the building.
The key to its effectiveness is the singular point of responsibility; this setup minimizes risks for the project owner and reduces the delivery schedule by overlapping the design and construction phases.
Benefits Of Design-Build Contracting
- Streamlined Communication: With both design and construction teams under one roof, communication barriers are significantly reduced. This leads to clearer and more frequent communication, enhancing understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders.
- Time Savings: The overlapping of design and construction phases can lead to faster project completion. This is due to the elimination of the bidding phase between design and construction and the ability to begin construction before all designs are finalized.
- Budget Management: Design-build allows for better cost control as the project’s scope and budget are defined early in the process. Any changes can be addressed by the same team, reducing unexpected costs and keeping the project within budget.
BelVan Construction has harnessed the power of the design-build method to deliver numerous successful projects such as offices, retail spaces, recreational areas, industrial buildings and much more in the Edmonton area.
Traditional Contracting (Design-Bid-Build)
Traditional contracting, also known as the design-bid-build approach, is one of the most classical methods in the construction industry. This sequential phase process involves three distinct stages: the project inception and design, the solicitation of bids from contractors, and the actual construction.
Each phase is separate and distinct, with the project owner managing two separate contracts: one with the designer (architect or engineer) and another with the building contractor.
After reviewing the bids, the owner selects a contractor to handle the construction phase. This separation of design and construction duties is a defining characteristic of the Traditional contracting method.
Circumstances Under Which Traditional Contracting Could Be Advantageous
While BelVan Construction recognizes the benefits of the design-build approach, it’s important to understand that traditional contracting can still be suitable under certain conditions:
- Highly Specialized Projects: For projects that require highly specialized design work or involve historical restoration, traditional contracting allows for a more detailed focus on the design phase before any construction begins.
- Clear Project Definition: If a project has a very clear scope and detailed plans from the outset, Traditional Contracting can be advantageous. This clarity allows for more accurate bids and can minimize changes during construction.
While these scenarios illustrate where traditional contracting might be applied, it’s crucial to weigh these advantages against the potential for increased timelines and the separation of design and construction responsibilities, which can lead to challenges not present in the design-build method.
How To Choose The Right Method For Your Project
Choosing between design-build and traditional contracting depends on various factors unique to your project’s needs and circumstances. When deciding which method to go with, consider the following:
- Timeline: Determine how quickly you need the project completed. Design-build can often lead to faster completion due to concurrent design and construction phases.
- Budget: Understand your budget limitations. If a fixed budget is a priority, design-build may provide more certainty as it often involves a cost agreed upon at the project’s outset.
- Risk Tolerance: Consider your comfort level with potential risks. Design-build typically offers reduced client risk since one entity is responsible for the entire project.
Before making a decision, it’s beneficial to consult with experienced builders in Edmonton, like BelVan Construction, who are well-versed in both methods.
Why BelVan Construction Is Your Ideal Partner in Edmonton
Choosing BelVan Construction means not just hiring a contractor; you’re partnering with a team that’s committed to your project’s success. They’ll help you decide which construction method best fits your needs, guiding you through every step of the process. Learn more about us.
Contact us now.
The post Design Build Vs. Traditional Contracting – Which Is Best For Your Commercial Project? appeared first on Belvan Construction.
