Design-Build

Design Build Construction General Contractor

As a design build general construction contractor, the owner contracts with PRO Building Systems, Inc. to provide both design and construction services. It is often called a TURNKEY contract.

The design build approach replaces the traditional method of awarding separate contracts for design and for construction. On a design build construction contract the contractor and architect/engineer are allied and work together to serve the owner. The owner, contractor, and architect/engineer work as a TEAM to design and build a project that satisfies the needs of the owner.

Your benefits are:

  • Single Source Responsibility
  • “In-House” Design and Construction Project Management and Coordination
  • Construction Budgeting throughout the entire process
  • One Stop Shop for Site Design, Architectural Design, Structural / Mechanical / Electrical & Plumbing Consultants and    Top Quality Building Construction Management

This TEAM approach fosters cooperation and coordination among team members that results in effective problem solving and quality project outcomes.

Here is a good example of a phase-by-phase service proposal to an owner proposed by a top professional design/build team and their consultants.

PHASE I – Preliminary Feasibility

  • Market study
  • Economic analysis
  • Pro Forma
  • Budget limitations
  • Availability of financing

PHASE II – Facility Investigation and Development

  • Existing facility study
  • New facility and land needs
  • Overall site analysis
  • Building and fire zoning
  • Building codes and ordinances
  • Traffic ingress/egress study
  • Utilities availability and cost
  • Review feasibility budget (+-20%)

PHASE III – Preliminary Design

  • Review of design checklists
  • Land survey
  • Soil borings
  • Site development and land use study
  • Floor plan study and sketches
  • Elevation study and sketches
  • Design concept studies
  • Structural studies
  • Foundation studies
  • Mechanical systems studies
  • Electrical studies
  • Life cycle cost analysis
  • Maximum value recommendations
  • Optional Artist’s preliminary rendering
  • Establish schematic budget (+-10%)

PHASE IV – Design Development and Construction Documents

  • Site development and plot plan
  • Floor plans and schedules
  • Elevations and architectural details
  • Structural plans and calculations
  • Mechanical plans and schedules
  • Electrical plans and schedule
  • Technical specifications
  • Complete finish and decorating schedule
  • Landscaping plan
  • Artist’s rendering
  • Confirmation of construction budget (+-5%)

PHASE V – Construction

  • Build it
  • Inspect and test critical items
  • Negotiate changes as required
  • Prepare and document for final acceptance
  • Clean up
  • Assist with equipment and system start up

PHASE VI – After the Move

  • Evaluation and recommendations
  • Service problems and warranties
  • Perform continuing consultation

ADVANTAGES OF DESIGN BUILD

  1. You get early cost input from the contractor. A price is put on conceptual design ideas as they are developed.
  2. A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE can be determined early; right after the scope of the project is established.
  3. Time can be saved because construction can begin before the design is completed. Example: architect could be completing interior designs while the site and foundation work is underway. This technique is called FAST TRACKING.
  4. The need for high cost change orders is eliminated.
  5. Architectural and engineering fees are kept to a minimum, and determined from the beginning.
  6. Contractor fees are kept to a minimum and are determined from the beginning.
  7. Legal fees are kept to a minimum by eliminating the adversary roles.
  8. Construction costs are minimized by using the latest systems and methods that the contractor KNOWS are cost effective.
  9. Chances for misunderstandings are minimized with the team approach.
  10. You get the best ideas from your team members due to the cooperative team spirit.
  11. Realistic completion dates are established by the contractor who will do the work.
  12. You can take advantage of special services such as a preliminary feasibility study, value engineering, and life cycle cost analysis.