The process of moving forward with a business construction project can seem like a daunting prospect, even for seasoned hands.
Organizing and managing the design, overseeing the actual construction process, and even monitoring ongoing maintenance can be stressful and expensive, resulting in delays, overpayments, and so on. But, one way to minimize these hurdles is to opt for the advantages of a design-build delivery method for your commercial roofing project.
What’s a Design-Build System?
Design-build construction is a tried-and-tested project delivery method. As a business owner seeking commercial roofing, you sign just a single contract for the entire project, rather than several separate contracts across multiple contractors, subcontractors, architects, designers, etc.
Project Delivery Method
That one agreement covers all aspects of your commercial roof design and construction and it ultimately removes much of the complication associated with tracking multiple contracts. Instead, project costs, time and communication are merged.
It’s an effective means of streamlining your experience:
- Reduces paperwork
- Clarifies responsibilities
- Ensures all work is completed on a precise timetable
- Eliminates delays
The Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) reports that the design-build approach is “sweeping the nation” and is the “fastest-growing, most popular method used to deliver construction projects in America.”
So, what are the most significant advantages of such a system when applied to commercial roofing projects? Let’s take a look!
Single Source of Responsibility
As there’s only one contract covering all aspects of the delivery of your commercial roofing project, there’s only one responsibility for you, the business owner: one single contract.
Design-build Approach
Gone are the days where you had to keep stock of several different agreements, schedules and budgets. And, as the business owner, with the design-build method, you have the ability to influence the entire commercial roofing project from the start of the design phase. Most notably, the design-build approach gives business owners greater control over their costs and timelines.
Working As One Team
Traditionally, a project is overseen by a business owner who then manages separate teams:
- Designers
- Architects
- General Contractors
- Sub-contractors
- Consultants
Design-build Team
With a design-build construction process, however, everyone’s on the same page from the get-go. There’s a more cohesive approach to working as a design-build team, delivering on project priorities, and making recommendations to meet your budget and timescale.
The entire team deals with change orders collaboratively. This encourages effective problem-solving and is an innovative approach to work (which is in stark contrast to individual contractors finger-pointing in the event something goes wrong).
In short, by adopting this path to your commercial roofing project, you’re choosing to work innovatively as one team with your design-build firm.
With all that said, it’s no wonder this approach is rising in popularity within the construction industry. In fact, it’s predicted that in 2021, there will be an 18% increase in construction spending on design-build projects.
Also, by the end of 2021, almost half of all US projects are estimated to be delivered using this approach.
Best Performing Delivery Method
The DBIA reports that undertaking a design-build project guarantees the best performing delivery system in regard to schedule and cost.
Delivery System
In fact, when comparing traditional building methods vs. design-build, the latter continually outperforms the former on budget, construction, timetables, and delivery time.
More Cost-Effective Method of Construction
Cost efficiencies are achieved because everyone’s involved at the project’s inception. Traditionally, you might start with design and architect-led projects, with builders coming onboard further down the line.
Instead, with a design-build approach, the builders are with you from the get-go, even before they arrive on-site. They collaborate with you and your design team, and can give accurate advice on material and labor costs (as well as other money-saving tips for your commercial roof). They can also advise on time costs involved if any changes are made to the project further down the line.
The stats back this up. The DBIA found that businesses using design-build systems rather than traditional methods, enjoyed the following:
- A 3.9% reduction in costs
- 61% faster delivery times
- 13% shorter construction time
Impressive, right?
Simplified Direct Payments
When your commercial roofing project is being managed under one roof, not only are the costs potentially lower, but the payment process is simplified. That means you can avoid unpleasant and stressful disputes over pricing and payments.
Fewer Risks and Mistakes
The collaborative nature of design-build means that everyone, from the business owner to those delivering the project, have one common goal.
When more traditional design-bid-build systems are used, it’s easy for people to work separately, hide and not communicate well. Needless to say, this increases the likelihood of misunderstandings, disputes, and errors that lead to more significant costs and delays.
The insurance firm Victor O.Schinnerer found that between 1995 and 2004, only 1.3% of design-build contractors made claims against architectural and engineering firms (backing up the idea that the design-build approach encourages teamwork, communication, information sharing and transparency, and high-quality work).
Some Design-Build Examples
When looking to appoint a commercial roofing company for your project, it’s essential they provide evidence of their previous design-build projects.
Design-build Projects
While such approaches to construction are on the rise, not all companies are adopting this efficient method. Ask to see examples of recent roof replacement or new build projects that were delivered on time and on budget with their design-build process.
Ready To Start Your Design-Build RoofConstruction Project?
Now you’ve read about the many advantages of choosing the design-build approach for your commercial roofing project, you may still have a few questions. We’re here to help!
Roof Asset Investment
As with any project, it’s crucial you get the best value for your roof asset investment. So, when you’re ready to start planning your commercial roofing project, contact TEMA Roofing. We’ll provide the best design-build project expertise for your commercial roofing system.
