Design Build is great in streamlining many aspects of building but it’s not without risk. Because results still depend on a thorough, competent design prior to the build. And that’s not always the case. When the design, for example doesn’t consider the requirements for new fire hydrants until after the build it’s a case of do-over at great cost of time and money, often necessitating demolition of parts already built. I know of at least one case where this happened. Would the traditional process have caught this? Probably but screwed up in many other ways that are well known.
Design- build should be audited so those using it can learn from mistake, publish them, and everyone can learn and develop punch lists to avoid mistakes and insure high quality.
Finally, experience also often matters as much as expertise in any building project. The ability to spot trouble early and pivot also has a lot to to with faster buildings.
Agreed! This also touches upon the issues of the lowest-bidder rule, which leads to inexperienced contractors. None is solved without the other. Design-build helps address, at least, the consistency issue, between designer and contractor. But it doesn't exist within a vacuum.
Design Build is great in streamlining many aspects of building but it’s not without risk. Because results still depend on a thorough, competent design prior to the build. And that’s not always the case. When the design, for example doesn’t consider the requirements for new fire hydrants until after the build it’s a case of do-over at great cost of time and money, often necessitating demolition of parts already built. I know of at least one case where this happened. Would the traditional process have caught this? Probably but screwed up in many other ways that are well known.
Design- build should be audited so those using it can learn from mistake, publish them, and everyone can learn and develop punch lists to avoid mistakes and insure high quality.
Finally, experience also often matters as much as expertise in any building project. The ability to spot trouble early and pivot also has a lot to to with faster buildings.
Agreed! This also touches upon the issues of the lowest-bidder rule, which leads to inexperienced contractors. None is solved without the other. Design-build helps address, at least, the consistency issue, between designer and contractor. But it doesn't exist within a vacuum.