Design & Build

What does ‘Design & Build’ mean?

Design and build is a procurement route in which the main contractor is appointed to design and construct the works, as well as the FF&E package on most occasions. Design and build can be attractive to clients as it gives a single point of responsibility for delivering the project. With the design-build construction delivery method, 550 Maintenance & Fabrication serves as the single source and maintains full accountability for your project. This saves you time, money and headaches, while ensuring your needs, objectives, schedule and budget are fully met. 550 Fab is responsible for the selection of the architect/engineer most appropriate for your project. During the design phase, we work hand-in-hand with the architect to ensure your project meets your design goals and budget. The result? A project where all stakeholders are focused on the end goal of working together to deliver a project that meets the owner’s goals, which staying within budget and on schedule.

Cost Savings

Leadership from the 550 Fab team in both design and construction ensures cost savings through the prudent use of materials, cost-efficient construction processes and reduced labor costs.

Accelerated Schedule

With the 550 Fab team involved from the start of the design process, components of the project—such as site preparation and foundation work—can take place while more detailed designs are being completed.

Hassle-free Relationships

Because the owner, architect and builder work together as a team, emphasis is placed on harmony and combined solutions.

Time Savings

Because the project is more efficient and construction can actually begin before the final designs are completed, owners can occupy their facilities sooner.

The Benefits of the Design-Build Process

To begin, the estimated cost of the project is established very early on in the process, which eliminates the risk of going over budget later on during construction. The design-build process allows for more simplified project management, since all team members are working together under a single contract.

Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of using the design-build method is the speed at which projects can be completed. By simplifying every part of the process—from the design-build team selection, to the design process, to construction—the entire project can be more efficiently managed and completed much faster than with the design-bid-build method. And, because the project can be completed more quickly, the building can be occupied sooner, and used for its intended purpose.

In addition, there is significant potential for costs savings to occur throughout the project. Fewer design changes and mistakes are made due to miscommunication. An increase in collaboration enables customization and innovation, which results in less time and fewer materials being wasted at each stage of the project. The result is often a smoother, better quality deliverable, with no surprises, ultimately resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

The design-build process also allows design-build teams to produce a repeatable project plan, which can be altered slightly for additional projects for the same client, or they can be customized to meet other client projects. This can be beneficial to both design-build teams, as well as owners.

Benefits of Design & Build

Communication: one company takes accountability and ownership of the entire project.
Speed: the fitout of the space can be planned alongside the design process as well as saving time preparing tender documents.
Less expenditure and up-front engagement required on professional fees.
Up-front knowledge of costs involved for the entire project at very early pitch stages. Most D&B Contractors will insist on establishing and working to your budget for the overall project.

The 6 Top Advantages of Design-Build

1. Early cost, design and materials input from the contractor

2. Time is saved by compressing the schedule

3. Greatly reduces or eliminates change orders

4. Design and contractor fees are kept to a minimum

5. Legal fees are kept to a minimum

6. Owner can occupy the facility earlier

Looking for a loyal contractor for your next project?

Get a Quote