The new approach to commercial construction
that is Simply Better

Southern Builders of Alamance

Design Build Services

What is Design Build?

You Might Say It's A Simple Approach To Construction

Design-Build is a construction delivery method that provides owners with a single point of contact for both the design and construction phases of a project. A team working together from start to finish in open communication and purposeful collaboration to deliver otherwise unachievable results. One entity holds single-source responsibility and contractual risk for every aspect of a build.

This entity, the Design-Builder, manages all contracts with companies, such as subcontractors, equipment vendors and materials providers. It's the notion that when owners sit at the same table with architects, builders, engineers and estimators, great ideas the best ideas are born. And the way is paved for creative solutions to take hold, resulting in costs minimized, schedules streamlined and efficiencies realized. We take the worry off of your plate. Your home building process should be as pleasant and relaxed as possible.

On average, Design Build construction speed is 36% faster than design bid build, 13% faster than construction manager at risk - and unit cost is 2% less than traditional construction methods.

The Design Build 5 Step Process

1. Selecting A Design Builder

The first step of the design-build process is for the owner to choose a design-build team. Learn More >

Owners carefully vet potential candidates and often choose the contractor-architect team with the most design-build experience and that best understands the company's vision, needs, and budget.

Though cost is an important factor to consider, it is not (nor should it be) the ONLY factor that influences the final decision. While it may be tempting for owners to choose the lowest price, a smart owner will understand the value of working with a qualified design-builder, and will often choose based primarily on the experience and skills the design-builder offers.

Understanding the value of the design-build method is beneficial to everyone involveddesigners, contractors, and ownerssince designers and contractors can compete based on their skill level and owners can expect to receive a better quality project from start to finish. Oftentimes, the design-builder selection process overlaps with the next phase, the pre-construction phase, as the design-builder team selected will likely have already done a significant amount of research and analysis of the building site.

2. Pre-Construction Assesments

Though it may seem like a short phase, the pre-construction step is just as important, if not more so, than any other part of the process. Learn More >

Attention to detail during this phase is critical, as this is when the design-builder will learn about the owner's business, including its goals, challenges, budget, and overall vision for the project. It's a time for asking as many questions as necessary, so as to get a solid picture of what is expected to be delivered.

During this phase, architects, engineers, contractors, and other consultants will work together to assess current structures, electrical systems, and more, in order to determine what needs to be done before construction can begin. These assessments allow for a thorough analysis of the construction site, which helps the design-build team to maximize efficiency throughout the project.

3. Architectural Design

Once the project parameters have been clearly defined, including the timeline, budget, and location, the architectural design phase can begin. Learn More >

At this point, some of the initial design strategy work may have already begun during the pre-construction phase. From here, all project team members will work together to develop the best possible design to help the project succeed.

The design-build team will assess areas for cost savings and optimized productivity, while also meeting functional requirements and style preferences. The overall project vision is established during this phase, and preliminary drawings are presented to the owner. Pricing estimates can be established during this phase as well, and a final budget is provided to the owner.

In addition, the project schedule is set, and initial building drawings are presented during this phase of the project. All expectations for the project are established at this point, and the project can begin upon agreement. Since the designer and contractor are working together, there are no additional bids to be set, and the project can begin even more quickly.

4. Construction

If the design-build team has not already begun initial construction during the design phase, then it can begin immediately after. Learn More >

However, it is common during design-build projects for there to be some overlap between the design and construction phase, which can speed up the project considerably. Communication is simplified throughout the construction process, as there is typically just one point of contact for the project. Accountability is also established, as all workers are on the same team, moving toward the same goals and deadlines, and therefore any issues or concerns are often resolved quickly and efficiently. Due to the collaborative nature of the design-build delivery system, change orders are minimal and sometimes non-existent.

5. Post-Construction

Post-construction is often overloooked, though it is a critical step in ensuring a successful transition from construction to operation. Learn More >

Upon completion of the project, the design-build team provides an overview of the project deliverables, as well as various O&M training materials, such as instructional videos, documented procedures, and in-person training sessions for applicable personnel. Because all of the work is done by a single entity, the post-construction process is often much more streamlined than when the designers and contractors are working separately.

Benefits of Design Build

Rapid Delivery

Design-Build offers rapid delivery because design and construction happen concurrently with only one selection phase instead of two.

Smooth Process

With one entity having total accountability of all elements means there are no conflicting recommendations between contractor and architect

Better Communication Fewer Problems

All team members stay on the same page because everyone is working under one contract. And owners are kept up to date by a set contact from the Design-Builder.

Better Solutions Better Value

As ideas come to the table, teams work as one to analyze them. This innovative process makes it possible for owners to see more options, and make better-informed decisions..

Cost Savings

Due to its efficiency, Design-Build often reduces construction costs for owners, by reducing both real (accounting) costs and opportunity costs.

Peace of Mind

What it all boils down to is Design Build is Simply Better. A streamlined service so you can focus on building your business, not your building.

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