Design-Build Reality Check

What are the biggest misconceptions customers typically have when engaging a design/build firm to initiate their freestanding outpatient imaging center?

There is not much difference between design/build vs. design/bid/build, except for the speed that design/build offers. That speed, in both the design and construction phases, requires the client to make quick decisions. Some key misconceptions clients have about design/build are:

“Design/build is more expensive.”

Clients who have worked on design/bid/build projects are accustomed to a competitive bidding process that ends with selection of the low bid. The perception is that competition is absent from design/build projects – but that is not true. First, design/builders know they must keep their projects within the market price range in order to win business. Second, they bid out multiple subcontracts on every project – so competition is a part of the project, even though the client may not see it. For these reasons, design/build projects are very price-competitive.

“My choices will be limited.”

Design/build offers the same choices as any other method of project delivery. Clients may believe they will only be shown materials, fixtures and other items that are within the design/builder’s budget. While design may specify certain items, it remains the client’s option to step up to higher-quality materials at added cost – or, for that matter, to choose lower-quality options at less cost. The design/builder has a responsibility to show the options to the client.

“I’ll have to compromise quality to meet budget.”

Regardless of the type of delivery, all projects have budgets. The design/build firm produces an accurate construction estimate. If the final pricing comes in over the budget, then the client and the builder must decide on the direction to take: proceed at the higher price, or make changes to get within the budget. The same basic process applies under any method of project delivery. The client always has the option to choose higher quality at additional cost.

“There will be no issues with the construction phase of the project.”

There will always be issues on a construction project – though they are typically less visible to the client on design/build projects. Typically, in design/bid/build projects, the owner has significant responsibility for approving any changes. Design/builders usually have more authority to make changes at their discretion, so long as the project comes in on budget and complies with the specifications.

Authored by Michael L. Clark, AIA, Design Director

You may contact Mike @ mike.clark@hhsd.com or 812.206.6147