General Contracting is also known as Design-Bid-Build. The Client hires an Architect or Designer to design the project and prepare the applicable Specifications and Drawings. The Architect/Designer will tender the project for Contractors to bid on in a competitive bidding process, or in some instances will solicit a sole source bid. The Contractor then hires all the Trades and executes the design from the Architect/Designer. Although this is the most common Delivery Method used in the industry, it may not be the correct Delivery Method for you.
Benefits
Client has greater Project Control
Results in the lowest initial cost out of all of the Delivery Methods
Affords the Client more design freedom than other Delivery Methods
Drawbacks
Has the longest overall Project Schedule, and Construction Schedule
Usually results in delays that push the Project past the originally scheduled completion date
Commonly ends up being the most expensive Delivery Method due to Change Orders, and issues that arise during construction
There is no Contractor input during the Design Process. This often results in issues when it comes time to execute the Design from the Architect/Designer, which results in additional costs for the Client
Carries the most risk to the Client, Architect/Designer, and Contractor out of all of the Delivery Methods
Promotes getting the Project completed at the absolute lowest price
When To Utilize This Method
The Client requires a minimum of 3 prices solicited from Contractors
The Client has the expertise and resources to independently contract an Architect/Designer and Engineer
Contact us to see if General Contracting is the best option for your Project, or if you want to use us for a General Contracting Project.