COMPARE TRADITIONAL vs DESIGN/BUILD PROJECT METHODS

TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION METHOD: (DIVIDED RESPONSIBILITY)		DESIGN/BUILD METHOD: (SINGLE SOURCE RESPONSIBILITY)
	The traditional method of construction requires the hiring of at least one architect and engineer.		Design-Build method allows the hiring of one firm.
	Preliminary drawings by architect/engineer .		Preliminary drawings by a design-build contractor.
	Customer review of drawings and adjustments made with client.		Client reviews drawings and adjustments made with client.
	Architect/Engineer draft new drawings, client reviews and revisions are made until final design is approved by client.		Design-Build firm prepares detail drawings and prepares the building specifications.
	Detail drawings and specifications are prepared.		Project cost is established.
	Project is put out for bid.		Construction begins.
	The owner awards the contract to a general contractor.
	Construction begins.

PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS:

For most business organizations, the single most important economic goal for a new facility is for the project costs to be on or below budget. The undertaking is based upon an acceptable return on investment and if the project fails to meet those expectations, it may never be built.

Companies spend millions of dollars a year placing projects "out for bid" only to write off the expense when the bid does not come in within the budget or the original estimate. There are several inherent problems associated with the traditional method of construction.

1. The plans and specifications must be completed before costs are established.

2. If over budget, the project must be redesigned or put on hold until additional funds are obtained. In essence, the architect is not responsible for costs, only design.

3. Typically, the general contractor chosen for the project will perform to the minimum requirements of the plans and specifications.

4. Since responsibility is divided between architect, engineer, owner, and general contractor, if the owner has a problem, he goes to the architect, who goes to the general contractor, who goes to the subcontractor, etc. The nature of traditional construction methods encourages discrepancies and mis-communication.

Design-build offers a complete project that meets the owner's criteria. Incredibly, this budgeting phase is accomplished without engineering costs and no construction expense committed. Thus, funds are not wasted obtaining unrealistic estimates.