Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Design-Bid-Build Process
Design-bid-build is a three-phase construction project procurement method. It’s seen as one of the more straightforward strategies that lay out each step without confusion, hence why a lot of job owners who aren’t experienced adopt it.
As with any construction project delivery method, the design-bid-build process presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, requiring project owners to be well-informed before committing to anything.
In this article, we’re to go through some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Design-Bid-Build method so you can weigh up your options for managing your project.
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What Is The Design-Bid-Build Project Delivery Method?
The design-bid-build (DBB) project delivery method is one of the more traditional procurement approaches split into three phases.
Phase one is “Design,” where a job owner will hire an architect or a designer to put together a set of detailed drawings about the project and its specifications. Usually, the designer and the owner will hold meetings before any drawing takes place so the designer can get a better idea of the owners’ vision and how they want it to turn out. After it’s finished, the illustrations will be submitted to the owner and be prepared for bidding.
Phase two is “Bid.” After the drawings have been completed, the job owner will choose their favored bidding method and open it up for tendering (either open, selected, or negotiated tendering). Interested contractors will submit their bids with overall costs of material, labor, delivery timelines, etc, and the owner will choose their preferred contractor, hold contract negotiations, and hopefully agree on a deal.
Phase three is “Build.” The project’s construction begins with the chosen contractor and any additional sub-contractors required, e.g., insulation and electricians. Contractors must meet the job owners’ requirements and develop the building within a certain timeline.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Design-Bid-Build
Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of the design-bid-build model will help you choose the path you want to take for overseeing your construction project.
Let’s examine them.
Advantages Of Design-Bid-Build
There’s a clear understanding of roles – Each stakeholder involved in the design-bid-build construction process knows their job and responsibilities, so they don’t get in the way of others, and everyone is accountable for their work.
Potential low costs for the job owner – If the job owner chooses the open tendering for the bidding aspect of the design-bid-build contract, it’s more competitive, which can result in low construction bids and lower costs overall.
Easier to track progress – Since the workflow of the design-bid-build process is structured, the job owner can track the progress easily, helping with managing the construction flow.
Adaptable design before construction – Hiring an architect for the design-bid-build procedure to create the project design examples allows the job owner to have their input and amend the areas they’re not happy with so the building turns out the way they want it to.
Disadvantages Of Design-Bid-Build
Takes longer to complete – Because there are three phases to go through, the job owner may have to wait for extended periods of time before the job is completed.
Risk of delays – With a designer producing drawings in advance, possible mistakes might not be figured out until the construction process begins, causing future delays.
Builders may struggle with designs – Hiring an architect tends to brush the building team to one side until construction occurs. This can cause issues down the road if builders haven’t been kept in the loop, as they could carry out unchangeable mistakes, ruining the job completely.
Is The Design-Bid-Build Method The Way To Go?
For newbies in the construction industry, the design-bid-build method provides excellent benefits, as it paves a clear pathway to completing the job.
More experienced job owners might opt for a different procurement method to shorten the number of stakeholders involved and have more control over the process.
All in all, it depends on a job owner’s preferences and their outlook on the project.
A Final Note
Now that you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the design-bid-build process, you’ll know if this procurement method is for you or not.
Design-bid-build is popular for a reason. It outlines clearly how a project will be executed, but it takes time to get everything in order, so you have to weigh up if it aligns with the project’s requirements.
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