What Is a Design-Build Contractor?

True-Blue Construction is a design-build company located in Idaho. If you are unsure what a design-build company does, you can learn more here!

Design-build construction companies operate under one contract with the project owner to complete the design and build steps of a construction project. This single contract streamlines the process while saving you time and money. 

Curious to find out more? Read on to learn how the design-build process works and why working with design-build construction companies is beneficial.

The Design-Build Process

Looking at the design-build flow below, you’ll discover that the process is relatively straightforward. The stages of the process overlap, so the project is completed much faster than a project handled using different construction management styles, such as general contracting. All the team members join forces, making the entire process more effective.

1. Design-Builder Selection

When it comes to a construction project, selecting a firm you can trust is critical. Research and seek a team with the right industry expertise and solid credentials. Read reviews, check out their previous projects, and investigate their timelines to ensure they’ll be an excellent fit for your project.

2. Preconstruction, Planning, and Project Proposal

Preparation is vital for a successful project! The design-build company will get to know your vision, goals, budget, and needs before developing drawings, estimating costs, and building potential schedules to present you with a design-build proposal. Then, they’ll ensure it’s exactly what you need, making any necessary changes.

At this stage, the construction and design teams will work in tandem to carry out financial and site assessments to get a job site ready for preconstruction and construction or to recognize areas that need to be improved if you are working on an existing space. Doing a thorough assessment of the site before starting construction allows the teams to ensure they are prepared for any issues that may arise, thus minimizing the chances of delaying your project timeline.

3. Architectural and Engineering Design

The design phase is when the construction team joins forces with an architectural team to finish the final drawings. This aspect of design and build projects is advantageous to the project owner since the input of all team members results in more precise drawings. These more accurate designs help decrease the chances of changes or problems with the plans as construction gets underway.

In this vital stage of the design-build process, the team will strive to find the perfect balance between exceeding your expectations and achieving cost savings. True-Blue takes pride in our ability to add value to every project while simultaneously helping our clients’ pockets!

4. Construction

In most cases, the construction phase can get underway while the design phase is wrapped up. The construction team will ready the job site, and specific aspects of construction can be started while the designs are being polished. 

This approach enables the teams to adhere to a firm timeline, concluding the project faster than other methods. In addition, early collaboration between architects and builders allows for a more harmonious construction process. 

Since all the laborers work within the same team and towards the same objective, communication is more effective, and concerns can be settled quickly.

5. Post-Construction

After construction, you can experience the full benefits of your new space firsthand! The design-build organization will also provide a comprehensive overview of the project deliverables. 

This includes all the necessary documentation to prove that the project has been completed. If the project was for a business, you would also be provided with training materials and walk-throughs to ensure that the owners and other management personnel get the most out of the space.

Benefits of an Idaho Design-Build Company

The perks of working with a design-build construction firm are unparalleled! Having the whole team under one contract boosts efficiency, communication, budget, and more—bringing project owners the speed and quality they deserve.

Faster Projects

One of the chief advantages of opting for a design-build company for your construction project is the expedited delivery rate. Design and build construction projects are often completed at a rate up to 102% quicker than design-bid-build methods. 

Better Communication

The design-build company’s single-point responsibility for the project makes it simpler for both the project owner and the construction firm. You won’t have to juggle multiple contractors and architects as the project owner. Furthermore, having a single contact point holds the design-builder accountable, with no one else to blame for any delays or disputes.

If you go with a design-build team, you won’t have to worry about miscommunication or playing the blame game. Instead, everyone is on the same page, working together to ensure your project is completed. The focused approach enables better communication and collaboration, making it easier to solve problems quickly and keep the project on track.

Project Cost Reduction

Design builders provide owners with an estimated project cost early in the process. A reliable cost estimation helps you plan for a construction project’s financial elements and significantly minimizes the chance of going over budget as the work progresses. Investing in an early estimate also keeps the construction company from making significant, expensive changes during construction.

Are you looking for ways to save on your building project? Working with a design builder could be the answer! The Design-Build Institute of America states that design-build companies have 3.8% less cost growth than design-bid-build methods, making them an excellent option for cutting costs. Not to mention, design-build teams have high communication levels, reducing the number of design mistakes. Talk to a design builder about how you could find cost savings for your project!

Access to Local Industry Experts

A design-build firm will provide you with access to the most experienced professionals in the industry. They assemble teams of the best Idaho specialists, so your project can benefit from their specialized skills and knowledge. If their teams don’t possess the required expertise for a project, design-builders will contract outside help.

The advantages of this process to you as the owner are clear: the construction firm is finding the perfect individual for the job instead of leaving it up to a novice who may make a mistake that could cost you time and money. What’s more, all contracting goes through the firm, taking something off your plate.

Owner and Firm Collaboration

As the construction project owner, your contribution should be an integral part of the construction process. You’re seen as an essential team member when working with a design-build firm. Your feedback and thoughts are highly valued when making project decisions. In addition, you can collaborate with project managers and other team members. Participating in your project guarantees that your objectives are achieved, and the final result will be what you dreamed of.

Idaho Design-Build Firms vs. Traditional Idaho Construction Companies

Working with Idaho’s traditional construction companies versus a design builder is a unique experience! The design-bid-build construction method involves the following steps:

• The project owner selects an architect.
• This architect designs the project and does the drawings.
• The owner bids out the construction work to one or more Idaho contractors.
• The contractors use the drawings to build the project.

All too often, owners opt for the lowest bidder to save money. Unfortunately, this often leads to a lack of specialized expertise on the construction site, resulting in errors, miscommunication, and costly changes. In addition, disputes between architects and contractors arise, adding to the mounting delays and frustration. But there’s a better way to avoid these headaches and ensure a smooth project from start to finish: a design-build company.

Design-Build Versatility

As construction projects become increasingly complex and specific, traditional construction companies and general contractors may become a thing of the past. Most projects need a strong team that specializes in multiple fields. This versatility is a feature of a design-build firm that other traditional construction methods often lack. It is typical for general contractors to hire subcontractors to finish certain project parts. With additional contracts comes more confusion, leaving room for more mistakes.

The design-build process is remarkably more streamlined than a traditional construction company’s approach. Moreover, the advantages of a design-builder make it evident that they’re significantly more productive, dependable, and desirable to collaborate with than conventional construction companies. 

As a unified body, our design-build team strives to find ways to productively and rapidly progress through the phases and uncover the most valuable solutions to the owner.

Design-Build Transparency

Working with a design-build firm has plenty of advantages, but your role as the owner is the biggest one. Unlike design-bid-build companies, where you often find yourself stuck in the middle of architect-contractor disputes, a design-build firm ensures that your needs are prioritized over the contractor’s agenda. This means no more unprofessional bickering that can lead to a loss of focus on the project.

Working with a design-builder eliminates the need to mediate. Instead, you’re encouraged to become part of the team and contribute your design opinions. There are no big egos associated with traditional construction companies in design-build projects. Instead, the design-build team is committed to completing your project to your satisfaction with transparency throughout the process, making it an efficient and successful one.

Why Choose True-Blue Construction for Design-Building

Need a custom home or home redesign? Are you looking for the best quality and customer service? 

Look no further than True-Blue Construction. We are a design-build company located in Idaho committed to providing our customers the best experience possible. We use the latest technologies, materials, and techniques to ensure your dream home is built with the utmost attention to detail. 

With True-Blue Construction, you can be sure that your new home or remodel will be built with the highest quality standards. We are dedicated to providing you with a personalized and stress-free experience from start to finish. Plus, you can trust that our team of experienced professionals will be there to guide you every step of the way. 

Don’t wait any longer to make your dream home a reality. Contact True-Blue Construction today and get a free consultation. Let us help you create the home of your dreams.

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