Design-build vs. General contractors: what’s right for what type of project?
In today’s modern system of remodeling, there are two major ways to execute any project, which are:
Traditional construction/Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
Design-Build (DB)
The truth is, a professional contractor must be involved in both methods of project execution, although there are little differences between these two methods.
Now, how do you know which of these methods of executing projects is right for you?.
For this reason, we shall be discussing each of these methods briefly.
Traditional/Design-Bid-Build
Traditional or Design-Bid-Build involves the use of a leading contracting company proficient in designs, bid your project out to other subcontractors, and oversee or supervise the building or project execution process. Whirlwind Steel offers some of the benefits and downsides of hiring this type of contractor to help in managing your building project.
There is usually tight control over who produces the project design and how it will be executed. For instance, in most communities, traditional or DBB is the commonest type of contractor handling most of the building projects.
But why? It’s confirmed that most residential home builds are so creative and artistic, and some of these home builds have some specific licenses in executing such a project, meaning that it is cost-savvy to design the building project first, put it out for bid from different subcontractors, and then complete the project. Simple!
But as good as this DBB is, the following are some of the flaws for using it.
Length of project
Usually, it takes more time to complete the execution of projects in the DBB world and reasons being that it involves a whole lot of processes. Here, you have the designer of the project, the contractor to oversee the project, and then the subcontractor to execute the project.
Money
Another significant disadvantage of using DBB is the fact that the cost of the project usually might be more than expected, which creates room for overspending. Also, personnel involves in this traditional construction may demand spending more than expected.
High risk for the owner
The downside for using this traditional method is the fact that it places the homeowner on a high level of risk. With a contractor, a designer, and a subcontractor, there may be flaws from any of them. Another downside is that, with the DBB method, accountability is pretty hard to determine, making it riskier.
Design-Build
In a layman language, these professionals’ design and execute the building project. Most of these Design-Build (DB) firms use the same construction personnel to execute and complete their project, and sometimes, places them on constant employment, making it easy to secure other construction projects. Here, all the staff and personnel are in the same place almost every time and on the same page.
The following are the advantages of hiring this type of project execution personnel – Direct-Build (DB).
- Cost: most times, the cost of hiring DB is remarkably lower. In fact, with a huge difference of about 5-2% lower than hiring DBB contractors.
- Completion of projects becomes pretty easy within a short time. Since they all work and possibly sleep under the same roof, there will be very few numbers of bottleneck staff during the project execution, making it faster. Of course, DB completes its project with about 33% more quickly than DBB.
- Better workmanship: No doubt, using this set of professionals equals having the best set of workmanship for your project. The truth is, most Design-Builds firms love to work with the same set of professionals and builders for almost all their projects. Also, a Design-Build firm gives you the best, even beyond your expectations in their design and project completion.
- Teamwork: these sets of professionals work hand in hand to achieve the same goal, which is why they do everything possible to achieve their set goal after completion.
Home buildings vs. Home renovations
Now, for home building, hiring a DBB contractor may be the best choice. The truth is, they are well-experienced and have the correct hands of professionals needed for every stage of the construction, right from the foundation level to its completion.
On the other hand, if you need a qualified home renovator for your kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms in your home, hiring a DB is the smartest choice. These DB firms have severally handled home renovations more than they have handled entire home building.
So, If you feel like hiring a home renovation expert for some or the entire home, there is a higher tendency that the structure of your home remains unchanged, and this is one of the beautiful reasons why you would want to hire Design-Build firm for your next home renovation project.
Check licenses and get references
Whether you choose to hire a DBB expert or DB expert, make sure you take the time to check their licenses, insurances required, and every necessary detail. This is something that has to do with your money and life, and you’ll never want to give it to just anyone.
Conclusively, check their portfolios and see some of their previous projects and what their customers feel after the project completion, as well as their references before you finally decide which one of them to opt for.