Design-Build
The design/build approach has
been touted as the contracting method of choice for the future, eliminating
construction disputes and hastening the design and construction process. This
approach gives broad responsibility to the single firm entering in the
design/build contract with the owner so that liability associated with issues is
absolute. This method resurects the principle of the "master builder". As this
method evolves, much of the uncertainty and confusion associated with this
method will be lessened, however the industry transformation from more
traditional and departmentalized methods to that of single entitiy
responsibility remains mixed. Often, the design/build entities rely on that same
traditional approaches as before, such as negotiated contracts with designers
and subcontractors, or lump sum competitive bidding, behind and within the
design/build entity. In doing this, the design/builder relies on their industry
expertise with the particular type of project, using the control of the design
to influence final costs
Construction Managment
Under a construction management approach to a major building project, professional expertise in the specialized areas of cost estimating, systems analysis, value engineering, "constructability" review scheduling of activities, procurement, and construction coordination and supervision is added to the capabilities of the traditional project team of owner and architect.A major benefit to the construction management approach is that, under the disciplined scheduling of the C.M., the project may be phased or "fast-tracked" whereby the design and construction periods are overlapped to permit an earlier start and completion of construction. Furthermore, the owner may require the construction manager to provide a Guaranteed Maximum Cost (GMC) for construction prior to the start of any construction work, and thereby the owner receives a commitment on his maximum cost exposure at a much earlier date than under any conventional project delivery method.
Competivley Bid
Lump sum competitive bidding is regarded by many as being the customary contracting method which yields the best competitive price for the job. In this method the project owner or developer hire an architectural firm to design the project and administrate the construction. The architect must be accessible and available to the builders, preferably on the project site, to clarify the documents and advise on problems once discovered. The architect has prime responsibility of reporting budget and schedule information to the owner in a timely manner so that adequate funds are available to complete construction. The architect typically administers the changes to the project and must therefor have adequate skills to negotiate price and schedule effects. Many times an adversarial relationship can develop, since typically the architect and contractors position early for later claims. The responsibilities for issues are foremost in the discussions and often much time and energy is spent on building cases rather than resolving conflicts.
Demolition
Site Development
Asphalt Paving