On many occasions, clients ask the inevitable question of why they should choose a design build contractor over traditional contractors. In the general scheme of things, many people are willing to accept that there are differences but, if pressed, they can’t pinpoint what distinguishes one from the other. For those of us within the industry, it’s clear that there are quite a few striking differences between the two.

Design Build vs Traditional

Out of the many jobs that both types of contractors have undertaken, the more modern and high tech results usually come from design build contractors. This is due to a handful of important differences that make them stand out when compared to traditional contractors:

1. One Team, One Project: When all the people on a project are on the same team it makes things a whole lot easier in many cases. There is no need to worry about memos being lost en-route, or that the information sent across to a particular department miscommunicated. Everything is seamless and there is a general understanding across all arms of the company.

2. Continuity: When a single company has the entire job from start to finish, it makes for a much smoother workflow. You won’t have to worry about a contracting company needing to come along and reinvent the wheel because the design company deliverables are unusable.

3. Accountability: When there’s a single entity working on your project, then the end result, whether good or bad, has that one company at its core. A company that incorporates design and build into its construction framework has control of the project from the outset to the final product. Because of that, they are responsible for the entire process, from location selection to the addition of aesthetic value.

4. Client Involvement: Design build utilizes the client as a planner in the scheme of work, and having them present ensures that the project goes according to plan and within the vision of the client. In this structure clients tend to feel more included in their project, rather than a passive onlooker who watches someone else construct their concept.

5. Easy Collaboration: There is a streak of independence that is deeply embedded within the contracting community and this can lead to problems when it comes to two companies working alongside each other. Design build does away with this rivalry. It is more concerned with the production of results rather than the fluffing of individual egos.

6. Communication: There are times when a traditional contractor is hired, obtains directives from the architect, but then simply executes their own agenda. This is usually due to a lack of communication or poor understanding of what needs to be done. Design build removes this issue because the project is handled by one group. Everyone is always on the same page.

7. Cost Savings: Primary to the idea of design build is the fact that the implementation of a job utilizing a design build contractor can save the client at least 10% of the project cost. Design build was created with the intention of making life easier for an owner in both the short and long term.

Which is Better?

Although there is a possibility that a traditional contractor can have all of these benefits, in reality this is much more rare. Design build consistently offers these benefits, time and again. Isn’t it time you found the right contractor for your project? Contact Nationwide Construction today to find out more about how you can benefit from our design build services!