Benefits of Design Build – How it Streamlines the Building Process
Unlike design-bid-build, design-build in Rancho Santa Fe enables you to build highly customized structures. It is also faster and saves costs. House to Home is a design-builder in Rancho Santa Fe that can help you.
What is design-build construction?
Design-Build is a construction approach where the owner has one point of contact for design and construction needs. Also known as single-source, the design-build company holds overall construction responsibility – from architecture, pre-construction, engineering, construction, and post-construction.
The Design-Builder will manage all contracts with vendors, subcontractors, and others. It is used in residential and commercial projects like schools, hospitals, and malls. Design-build relieves the owner of the burden of managing multiple contractors. While the design-builder controls the project, they often consult the owner.
Design-build vs. design-bid-build
Design-bid-build (DBB) is a traditional construction approach in Rancho Santa Fe. It involves hiring a separate designer and construction company. Once the designer has come up with the design of the building, the owner will seek bids from construction companies, eventually choosing the one that fits the bill.
All parties in the project are answerable to the owner. As such, they have complete oversight of the project. While this allows the owner to dictate the construction pace, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homeowners.
On the other hand, design-build (DB) relieves the owner of all construction obligations. The design-build company handles everything on their behalf. It speeds up construction, reduces costs, and enhances quality and accountability.
Benefits of design-build construction
So, what are the advantages of design-build in Rancho Santa Fe? Let’s find out.
Prompt communication
With traditional construction or design-bid-build, the susceptibility of communication breakdowns is eminent. It is thanks to the many contractors the owner ought to monitor. Regardless of their commitment, there will always be unforeseen communication breakdowns, which can stall the construction process.
With design-build construction, the owner is only answerable to the design-build company. The design company then handles communication with the other contractors. Getting construction progress briefs thus becomes easy for the owner. It speeds up construction, mitigating downtimes.
Customization
Often, a design-bid-build is ideal for businesses with an existing construction design. For example, if a retail shop wants to build more branches, they’ll only look for a construction company to implement the plan. It leaves little to no room for customization.
Conversely, design-build gives more room for customization. Here, the owner works closely with designers to develop realistic custom designs. And since most design-build contractors have in-house design teams, turning designs into buildings is easier. Consider consulting design-build companies such as House to Home if you need highly customized structures.
Improved accountability
With design-bid-build, things are relatively vague since the contractors share. It can lead to blaming games and conflict of interest, especially costs. For example, the designer might develop a unique design, only for the builder to ask for changes. There’s often a minimal collaboration between parties during the formative stages.
With design-build, accountability rests on the design-build company. They are responsible for every aspect of the construction process. As such, they pay attention to small details, which, if not considered, can jeopardize the whole process. This cut costs, increasing their profit margins.
Unified vision
Since one company handles all construction needs, there’s clarity, enabling every party to perform their duties seamlessly. The existing hierarchy also improves accountability to achieve the vision of the owner. With one company at the helm of the project, there are little to no instances of conflicts.
Unlike design-bid-build, the designer and the builder might have conflicting visions. For example, they might differ on how long the project will take. And as you’d expect, it can be daunting to bring them on board, leading to unnecessary delays.
Amazing expertise
Design builders are certified, construction experts. They hire highly trained designers, architects, and builders. And if they don’t have an adequate in-house team, they seek services from only the best contractors. It means the owner will get professional assistance, streamlining their construction project.
It is unlike design-bid-build, where the owner hires two companies with no experience in working together. Unsuspecting owners might even hire rogue designers and builders, compromising the quality of their buildings.
Design-build mitigates such obstacles, ensuring the integrity and quality of your building. It also keeps costs low, reduces risk, and improves project delivery. House to Home is such a company that can help you achieve your construction goals with minimal input on your side. Call us today to book a consultation.
Use of quality products
As mentioned, using the design-bid-build approach can expose you to rogue contractors. And as you’d guess, most will use poor-quality construction materials. It can increase the chances of the building collapsing, putting its occupants in grave danger. Your facilities will also not meet local construction regulations, leading to demolitions.
Design-build saves you from such scenarios since the design-build company will source materials from reputable suppliers. It means the occupants will be safe, and your buildings will comply with local regulations.
Reduces cost
Well, design-build will reduce construction costs significantly. For example, the cost of hiring designers and builders is the responsibility of the design-build company. And since such companies source services from reputable contractors, costs that come from using substandard services and products is reduced to a minimum.
With fewer changes during the construction phase, costs are also reduced. Besides, most design-build companies in Rancho Santa Fe will work within your budget, meaning there’ll be minimal adjustments.
Design-build process
Now that you know the benefits of design-build in Rancho Santa Fe let’s look at the process. Generally, it involves five main stages:
- Design-builder selection
- Pre-construction
- Architectural design
- Construction
- Post-construction
Design-builder selection
With design-build, you start the process by selecting a design-builder. It is unlike traditional methods where you first select an architect. Design-build also allows you to choose from the many in Rancho Santa Fe. The bidding process can be rigorous, ensuring you only work with the best. Besides, you have the luxury of vetting the companies based on their qualifications and past projects.
You must consider aspects of experience, accreditation, expertise, and in-house team. Alternatively, you can choose a company that falls within your budget. While selecting a design-builder based on price can be attractive, it can lead to uncertainties since prices fluctuate during construction.
Pre-construction phase
Once you select the ideal design builder, they will take you through their pre-construction stage. Here, you will discuss your goals, visions, wishes and desires. Generally, you’ll be dealing more with the administrative side of the company.
At the same time, engineers and architects will work together to assess electrical, mechanical, and architectural systems. They will also review floor plans, interior designs, and structural systems. Surveyors will visit the site to determine the landscape, choosing the ideal space to start construction.
During this phase, the company will review compliance requirements to avoid conflict with the authority. You’ll then agree on the design, budget, and timeframe. After this, the architectural design commences, transforming your idea into a buildable structure.
Architectural design
At this stage, the design-builder understands your goals, business needs, costs, and architectural and mechanical requirements. The construction team will work closely with the architectural team to develop a viable design.
The company can have in-house architects or sources from other companies. If the company subcontracts an architect, they will work under the design-builder terms, ensuring the smooth flow of the project. The architect will work closely with engineers to ensure the design of your building is practical.
Construction
With the design-build approach, you won’t need to bid for builders. Instead, the design-builder will use their in-house builders to see the design comes to fruition. In fact, design-builders such as House to Home will start prepping the job site during the pre-construction phase.
Other parties, such as vendors, specialty subcontractors, and a construction team, will work together to ensure a quick delivery. Thanks to their expertise, all parties ensure you get nothing but a high-quality project. You’ll also love the accountability such teams possess. If you want your construction project to run smoothly, consider contacting House to Home.
Post-construction
Once the construction is complete, the design-builder should provide post-construction services. It includes instructional videos, walk-throughs, training, and documentation for the owner and facility management.
At House to Home, we ensure a smooth handoff, so you can better utilize your new space. Reach us for professional design build in Rancho Santa Fe.