A home renovation project is a complex chain of tasks that have to be approached with the right knowledge and experience. Some projects are straightforward, while others need more insight or multiple teams working together. In other words, depending on the complexity of a home remodeling project, you may need a more or less specialized team to handle the job.
The delivery method a developer chooses for their project will depend on the purpose of the construction, the budget and timetable available, and how flexible the duration is. Let’s explore two of the main delivery methods (design-build & design-bid-build), and what advantages or drawbacks each of them has.
Differences Between Design-Build & Design-Bid-Build
What Is Design-Build?
The Design-Build (DB) delivery method has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years, especially in the private sector. Developers often press on a certain timetable and contractors adapted to deliver the shortest delivery and cover the entire process themselves.
The design-build option involves a single entity that handles the design and construction. They are in direct communication with the owner of the project and carry the entire responsibility for all the steps of the process.
For projects that don’t need to focus on creating competition amongst contractors, this method proves to be beneficial in terms of costs, duration, and ease of communication.
What Is Design-Bid-Build?
Historically, the DBB (design-bid-build) option was favored because it served to find the most advantageous contractor. This is still the preferred course of action for public construction projects, where it’s important to give a fair chance to multiple actors on the market and find the lowest price through the bidding process.
Also referred to as a hard bid, it means that an architect or designer (or general contractor) keeps in touch with the owner of the project, creating the plans. Once the plans are ready, the or designer finds subcontractors and launches bids to create competition. In most cases, a hard bid ends with the cheapest option being chosen.
Which One Is Best? DB Versus DBB
It’s impossible to answer this question on a general level since both delivery methods are suitable for specific types of projects. However, it’s safe to say that DB shortens the timetable considerably, and can lower the total costs. The main disadvantage of this method is that the owner cannot guarantee that the contractor they choose is the least expensive, so there is some risk involved.
In comparison, DBB is a lengthy process with multiple stages, and it’s meant to get the best price and the best services for the owner. However, as multiple subcontractors are involved, there is always a risk of having to redo plans and designs, rebids and, therefore, raising the duration and cost.
If you have to choose between the two delivery methods, it’s safe to look at what the main competitors or corresponding entities have done in recent years, and analyze the specific needs that have to be met.
Design+Build Services From RBD!
Give our design-build renovation experts a call at (248) 260-7639 and we can help make your dream home a reality. Contact us here to get in touch with our home designers for a complimentary showroom consultation.
