You have probably heard by now that the design-build method of construction can save you time, money, and lots of potential headaches throughout the life of your next project. But what are the distinctions between design-build and regular construction? Let’s break down how these approaches compare to one another.

In traditional remodeling and renovation, often referred to as the “design-bid-build” process, three entities are involved in the project: you as the client (or owner), the designer (or architect), and the builder (or construction company). With this approach, the client works parallel but separately of each entity.

The Negotiation Phase

First, the design firm is chosen and hired to prepare the layout and design plans with the client. Once those are finalized, the owner collects bids for the construction phase and hopes the bids meet the budget. The architect and builder are under no obligation to one another, leaving the owner to bear the responsibility to hold both sides accountable. If the bids come in over budget then the owner must spend additional dollars on redesign in an effort to reach budget parameters.

With design-build, the whole bidding process is eliminated, because the architect and the builder are working together from the beginning. The owner selects one entity to complete every element of the project from planning, to prep, to completion. The designer and builder function under one contract with the owner, which allows the two teams to work together to meet budget guidelines and ensure the success of the project.

The Construction Phase

Throughout the life of the construction stage, the biggest difference an owner is likely to see after that initial decision-making process is the streamline of communication. Everyone can meet as one group to strategize and make selections, which can create a smoother journey with a smaller bottom line. Paint colors can be chosen as permits are acquired. The cost of each element of the project can be examined from all angles, which provides the owner with assurance that fewer changes will have to be made later on.

Once construction is underway, the architect is likely to be less involved in monitoring the project and how closely the work resembles the designed plan depending on the logistics of that individual contract. With design-build, you can expect both the designer and the builder to be discussing the details of the construction process every step of the way. This collaboration and consistency reduces bottlenecks, and creates a more cohesive work experience for everyone.

The Completion Phase

As the final touches are made on the finished product, the owner can work with both partners to verify that every element lives up to expectations, both stylistically and functionally. The design-build firm will work to make sure the results are satisfactory because one single contract means that they are responsible for every element of a project’s success.

Although each custom project will have its own idiosyncrasies and requirements; contracts, communication, and cohesion are the main factors that set the design-build process apart from traditional construction. There are several benefits to using the design-build approach in favor of the design-bid-build method, which we have provided a break down of in a previous article. Keeping yourself informed as a client on the definitive features of both processes will arm you with the tools you need to make the best decision for your next project.

For more information on how the design-build process can work for your next project, contact Associated Contractors today.

 

The premise behind the design-build process is, first and foremost, to streamline and improve the design and construction phases of projects for the benefit of the client. Design-build firms work to decrease inconvenience and unnecessary spending in order to get your business looking like you want it to within the timeline and budget you need. So what exactly does the design-build process look like, and how does it work for the best interest of you, the client?

Dollars and Design

In the beginning stages of a project, the details need to be ironed out between you, the design team, and the construction team. These details mainly revolve around concept and cost. Luckily, since the designer and contractor are working together from the start, these specifics can be agreed upon early and accurately. Layout and style can be selected, while decisions on energy efficiency and the cost of those additional offices you want can be calculated simultaneously.

Preparation and Pre-Construction

Materials can be ordered while items are selected, and any potential hiccups can be discussed, preventing financial surprises that sometimes pop up along the way. Your firm can present final options for design plans along with mechanical plans so that you can look at the layout along with logistics. With design-build, the scope and schedule of the work are put into place before construction even begins.

During the preparation phase, expect any additional fees and zoning issues to be addressed, along with the final design decisions. The design-build firm meets with you to confirm all of the major and minor details, and these meetings should include members from both the design end and construction end of the project together.

Construction and Completion

During the construction phase, designers and builders work in tandem with one another to incorporate all of your requests and collaborate toward a completed product. The plans and proposals are followed closely, and the client is continuously kept in the loop on the progress of the project without disruption. Once final materials and touches are acquired and applied, the project is completed within a timeframe budget that has been agreed upon by all parties and perfected until everyone is satisfied. Now you get to go enjoy your beautiful facility that has been created just the way you imagined.

To discover more about what the design-build process will look like for your next project, contact Associated Contractors today.

 

Whether you’re building your dream home or designing the newest cutting-edge office development, selecting the right Design-Build firm for your next project is the most important decision to be made. Since the Design-Build process takes you through the entire life of your project from conception to construction, you will want a solid partner to walk you through every step with confidence and ease. When selecting a Design-Build firm, here are the most important questions to ask yourself:

 

Are they equipped to handle your project?

Your Design-Build team is going to have to work cohesively together, so make sure they have collaborated on similar projects before. Ask for credentials and ensure your architect has the experience and education to meet your needs. Every good Design-Build firm should have a portfolio of their work ready to let you review. Feel free to request references.

What happens if something goes wrong?

You don’t want to be held liable for anything that goes wrong during construction. Check with the Design-Build firm to confirm they have sufficient coverage in case of an accident or any damage caused during the build. Also, ask them about preventative steps they take to mitigate risk and actively prevent missteps.

Will they be able to continue to work with you easily?

Big name, nationally recognized Design-Build firms might have the notoriety and reputation to knock your project out of the park, but will they remember you and care about your particular needs and preferences? Be certain to choose a team that will give you and your project the attention it deserves. A local business puts money back into your community, and their proximity guarantees their availability after the work is done in case any follow-ups are required.

How do they balance the building and design sides?

Take the time to review the firm’s process for each phase and side of the Design-Build scope. Ask how the cost of design is going to be balanced with the cost of building. Verify how much you will be paying per square foot for construction. Inquire about the level of involvement you will get to have in the design process, to make sure you get to provide the input and receive the number of the examples you prefer.

Are they staying up to date with the industry?

See if the Design-Build firm has a website that they keep updated. An ongoing blog is a reflection of consistent effort to communicate both with other members of the field and with potential and past customers. Keep an eye out for any organizations the firm is a part of that requires them to stay current with industry trends, and extra points for any awards they have received.

Contact Associated Contractors today  to get the answers to these questions and learn more about what they can do as your Design-Build firm.

 

You might have never heard of the method of Design-Build construction, but this approach to project inception and delivery is not a brand new one. It is, however, rising in popularity, and rightly so. Here are 7 of the top benefits of Design-Build Construction.

Time and Money Savings

When both the design and build phases are planned together from the outset of a project, costs  have to be determined by everyone for each stage of the work up front. That means fewer dollar sign surprises and less time wasted on delays due to negotiations once the project changes hands. Studies have concretely shown that Design-Build is the most efficient and economical method for project delivery*.

Risk Reduction

With cost and timeline established accurately and early on, little room is left for surprises throughout the project’s life, in terms of financial risk. Additionally, because all members of every phase of the project are working together as a team, everyone is being held accountable for mistakes made. Design contractors can’t point fingers at the construction contractors, and vice versa, because they are all working on the same side.

Owner Involvement

If you want to be actively involved in the success and aesthetic of your own project, then Design-Build is the method for you. Owner participation in the idea generation and concrete execution of their own project is a key element of Design-Build. Get your ideas heard by the same team every step of the way.

More Flexibility

Part of this cohesive, collaborative method means that from the first meeting, everyone has the same goal in mind. It also means that all approaches and ideas are created equal and are heard and decided as a group. With the stressful bidding process removed between the design and build stages, everyone can be present to hear each other out and carve a customized path for each project together.

Increased Communication

Miscommunication between the designers and the builders is one of the toughest and most common roadblocks during a construction project. Gaps in communication can lead to two teams taking a project in different directions, which can delay the entire project, add costs, and so on. Design-Build means all hands on deck from the idea stage at the beginning of a project, guaranteeing that every participant is on the same page from the beginning and can communicate until construction is complete.

Better Quality

The result of combining two, often conflicting, separate stages of a project into one collaborative team that only succeeds if all members work together is practically guaranteed to be of higher quality. The entire group takes responsibility for their own performance as a whole, resulting in greater accountability to provide the best end product possible.

Higher Innovation

The greater number of experiences, intelligent minds that can put their heads together, the more innovative the ideas are as a result of brainstorming sessions. Design-Build method continues to grow year after year because of the success of teamwork and transparency. When teams aren’t competing, they are working harder to share ideas and produce the architecture of both the present and the future.

Contact Associated Contractors today to discover the many benefits of working with us on your next Design-Build project.

 

When diving into the planning process for a new building project, owners need to made a range of strategic and tactical choices. One of the most critical of these decisions early on is the method of project approach and delivery. The phases of bidding and selecting contractors for design and construction of any project can be complicated, overwhelming endeavors for owners. The good news is working with a contractor to Design-Build will significantly simplify and streamline the steps and processes that go into project management and completion.

So what exactly is Design-Build? In contrast with traditional building, Design-Build allows owners to work with design and construction together as a unified team, using a single contractor for everything from drawing details to building execution on your project. This method of performance and delivery allows you as an owner to have the most unified control over every phase of your new building from inception to completion.

Traditional versus Design-Build

When using the traditional approach of bidding, cost isn’t established until after a bidding process, which occurs before the construction phase of a project commences. With Design-Build, cost is determined just after preliminary drawings, which cuts out the bidding process completely and allows all project expectations and budgets to be ironed out at the beginning. The one-stop-shop approach of Design-Build increases cost control and assures owners that one reliable source will be responsible for every step. This method helps owners establish a more reliable schedule and greater control over your project from beginning to end.

With traditional project delivery, miscommunication can often cause snags throughout the life of a project. Separate contracts for design and construction are required, leading to gaps in responsibilities, or the back and forth of the blame game if something is missed or a mistake is made. These disagreements can result in delays, budget overages, and, in extreme cases, lead to legal issues. Owners can avoid all of these hang-ups with Design-Build because the entire team of designers and builders are working together as a cohesive unit from the conception of a project.

Since the architects and engineers are working together from the beginning with Design-Build, the stage is also set for more innovative solutions and creative designs. When the element of competition is removed from the playing field, a more collaborative approach can be taken in all aspects of task completion.

Have you considered Design-Build for your next project? Associated Contractors believes in balancing excellent design with outstanding value and we can control quality, completion dates, and costs to meet your needs.  Contact Associated Contractors today  to learn more about the process and what we can do as your designated Design-Builder.

Change isn’t always easy, but staying up to speed on the requirements in your state is a must for thriving in this industry. Pennsylvania building codes have remained the same since 2009, but this year we’re seeing several updates for constructing homes and commercial buildings.

The Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (UCC RAC) made the decision back in December to re-examine the 2015 codes after accepting 16 changes from the 2012. The International Code Council publishes updated model codes every three years, but in Pennsylvania two-thirds of the RAC has to vote to adopt the recommended code changes each time an update is rolled out.

Several meetings took place during the spring where the RAC voted to adopt two of the 2015 codes without amendments and seven with amendments. The codes chosen to be updated apply primarily to fire safety, insulation, and building materials. You can look for all of these changes to take effect on October 1st, but in the meantime, here is a rundown if what to expect.

What changes will the new codes bring?

New homes will be required to have additional insulation, with the intention of energy efficiency and reduction of utility bills. With more insulation, homes should be able to use less heat to keep warm throughout the winter, and less air conditioning to keep cool during the summer. For commercial buildings, construction companies will likely be able to use smaller HVAC units due to the better insulation and fewer lighting fixtures because of the quality demand, actually resulting in a reduction of cost to the builders for certain types of construction.

Although the air tightness of a home is being updated from the 2009 requirements, this standard was amended to be a bit more relaxed than the 2015 model code update. However, the new codes determined by RAC will have requirements for better quality windows, more efficient lighting, and tighter ductwork.

Additionally, the new code amendments also provides builders with the ability to embrace the Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance path. This option was introduced in 2015 as a method for projecting energy use in homes and distributes an energy efficiency score based on a scale of 1-100. ERI offers the state of Pennsylvania the scope to write a mandatory score minimum into their codes for builder compliance.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an analysis specific to these changes in Pennsylvania and how they would affect costs and savings. Pennsylvania residents could save over $500 just in the first year after these changes take effect. These new energy saving steps might be more expensive up front, but they are predicted to be paid back in about three years. Over the next three decades, new Pennsylvania homes could look to save over $8,000.

For more information on how new code changes are going to impact your next project, reach out to Associated Contractors today.

[Sources: DOE study and RAC report]

1. https://www.energycodes.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PennsylvaniaResidentialCostEffectiveness_2015.pdf
2. https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Documents/rac/UCC-RAC-2015-Code-Review-Report.pdf