Delivery Methods – The Pros and Cons

No delivery method is perfect for every project. In my last post I briefly explained the three most popular project delivery methods so that you as the Owner can make an informed decision on how you want your design and construction teams to work together for you.

Today I will briefly share the pros and cons of each, again to help you move forward in making an informed decision for your project.

• Design-Bid-Build:
  • Pros
    • Traditional method that people are used to implementing
    • Complies with the public bidding market
  • Cons
    • Adversarial relationship based totally on price
    • No Owner input on subcontractor selection
    • Zero builder input during design creating an opportunity for change orders
• Construction Management At Risk
  • Pros
    • Builder input during design – constructability reviews and value engineering
    • Understanding of cost and schedule before construction begins
  • Cons
    • Design risk still remains with Owner
    • Control of project is transferred to CM at construction
    • Minimal input of Owner on subcontractors utilized on project
• Design-Build
  • Pros
    • Single point of contact for design and construction
    • Minimal risk to Owner for design and construction
    • Transparency during design and construction
    • Guaranteed Maximum Price
  • Cons
    • Potential loss of Owner control
    • Limited options on who you can hire for this method – must have experience!

As you can see there are pros and cons to each method that you as an Owner has decide which is the best fit for you and your project.

As an expert in the design-build method, I will be going into more depth and explanation of that delivery method as we move forward.

Please feel free to leave a comment or if you have a question about something or would like to know my thoughts on which method to choose for your specific project.

Next Post: Design-Build Benefits – An Overview