At the beginning of any new construction project, there is much to consider with regard to who is going to take on the project. Traditional design-bid and Design-Build are the two leading methods in the construction industry today. Below, you will learn the differences in the traditional bidding process and the Design-Build route for your next project.

The Bidding Process

Within the traditional construction bidding process, the owner manages two separate contracts. He/she establishes a contract with the builder and the designer. This makes the owner responsible for communicating with and managing the relationship with all parties involved. But there is not necessarily a contractual agreement, relationship, or obligation between the designer and the builder.

Design-Build 

While traditional bidding has been around for a long time, design-build has its benefits. Design-Build differs from the traditional method of construction because they use one entity that will bear sole responsibility for both the design aspect and actual construction part of the overall project. For the Design-Build process, the designer and the contractor work together on the project as teammates. According to a recent study about various construction delivery methods at Penn State University, they found that the design-build method has the ability to save six percent on project costs while significantly shortening completion time.

Comparing design-build and traditional construction

One of the most notable differences between traditional construction and the design-build method is the timing of establishing the overall cost of the project. In the traditional method, the cost is established after the bid, right before construction begins. In the design-build method, the cost is established immediately following the preliminary drawings, and right before the detailed drawings.

ACI can help you!

Associated Contractors takes pride in our well-defined Preconstruction planning process. Before we begin a project of any size, we execute a well-defined Preconstruction plan. This plan includes the cost, timeline, necessary parties involved, necessary permits, recommendations of materials and equipment, and many other useful tips.

Our design-build process is a one-stop-shopping alternative that is ideal for the customer. We ensure that the customer interacts exclusively with a single entity and allow them to choose the architectural design, as well as assure them that they will receive quality commensurate with their intentions. At ACI, our goal is to put you in the best position to make informed decisions and maximize the use of your construction dollars. You’ll enjoy this comfort, along with a detailed plan and guaranteed timeline. Get in touch with an ACI specialist  today to begin your construction project!

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations 

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

 Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team

 

Expansion becomes a necessity when the daily business operations are too crowded and inhibited by the space in which the business occupies. Over time, your business may have increased needs, added multiples of equipment to handle product demand, overflowing storage space, and lack of parking for employees and customers. This poses a problem, with a few overwhelming and extensive solutions.

When you own a business and occupy a commercial space, expansion becomes a need when your business growth is overrunning the space in which your operation occupies. Knowing your options can help you plan ahead for the future. Options to consider when thinking about expansion:

Expand on commercial space that you own.

When you have your own commercial space, the amount of space that you occupy can affect and limit your business. Owning the commercial space that your business is in allows you to manipulate the circumstance however you please. While the idea of expansion may seem unattainable, working with a contractor can help. Through our Design-Build method, you will work exclusively with a single, responsible entity throughout the entire process. We will meet with you to discuss your needs and concerns and then look over the space and offer a plan of action. Working directly with you, we are able to assess your needs and find all possible solutions based on your time frame and budget.

Purchase commercial space instead of leasing.

Leasing space can sometimes feel limiting, especially if you have the desire to expand or renovate your current space. Leasing takes away your creative freedom with the space that you occupy. Depending on your lease, you may be allowed to make some changes, but usually taking on the responsibility of the costs. That may not be ideal for you, especially if you’re unsure if you’ll be in the space long term. It’s frustrating to invest in a facility that you don’t own.

Since you need to expand, your business must be prospering. Which means you may have the ability to purchase or build a new facility for your business. This option allows you to keep investing in your business and obtaining another asset.

Remodel the commercial space that you own.

If you currently own the space in which your business occupies, you always have the option to remodel that space to better suit your needs. Even though you may not necessarily want to add square footage on to the existing facility, you may have the ability to simply rearrange the space to better suit your needs.

Whether you are interested in remodeling the commercial space that you own, are looking to expand on to what you have, or are wondering if leasing is your only possibility, there are many options to help your business reach its full potential.

How We Can Help

As your Design-Builder, we promise to manage your project from start to finish with trusted quality, time-driven results and no hidden or unexplained costs. We’re here to not only help with the planning and implementation of the physical project, but with our past experience, we have the knowledge to keep your company open during expansion. We’re here to help make the expansion process as seamless as possible for you.

Do you catch yourself wondering how to handle an expansion project like this while maintaining your daily business operations? Don’t let that hold you back from the possibilities for your space. Not sure where to begin or if expansion is even a possibility for you? Reach out to one of our specialists at ACI today to learn about our experience with commercial expansion and let us guide you through the process.