Before launching any construction works, a project manager must set a course by exploring and discovering several project delivery methods and choosing one that best meets its unique needs. Construction project delivery methods are comprised of a wide variety of ways to organize those services to execute a particular project. To make a project’s success much better, deployment of a construction scheduling software at work is also highly considered next from the list of suggested methods.
Every method typically consists of a designer, an owner, and a builder, yet the project’s execution can differ in most cases. All of the steps required in the project’s process towards completion are introducing how projects will be successful. That is why it is crucial to be wise in choosing the best project delivery method before construction starts. What has also been considered equally important as these methods are utilizing a builder trends software for project management purposes.
Let’s now explore some of the most common types of construction project delivery methods and the associated factors to consider.
Factors to Consider Before Proceeding
Before choosing a project delivery method, it is crucial to have a basic knowledge of why and what you are building. On top of that, obtaining a solid understanding when it comes to the foundations of the project before choosing a delivery method will efficiently aid the final decisions. First and foremost, begin comparing the criteria that are considered the most critical factors to the project’s success.
1. Budget
Setting the budget as early as it can be is extremely necessary. Next, discuss it with the construction and design crew members to determine whether the figures are realistic. At this phase, try to determine how many rooms can be available for unexpected change orders. It is also practical to consider during this stage to utilize software technologies. An advanced tool like crew schedule software has proven to be very useful in crew management and scheduling. When estimating the project budget, always remember that the contractor and architect will likely establish construction software costs towards the budget.
2. Design
The assigned professionals already have the basic ideas of how the project will look like. However, they need to visualize both the functionalities and general designs of the building. How do you prefer your floorplan and campus to flow? Have you been looking forward to intricate and innovative designs over forms and functions? The buildability partly varies from the design and construction crew you are going to choose.
Once done in choosing the team, it is also crucial to implement construction crew management because it also plays an integral role in making the crew members more organized and easily tracked and monitored. Additionally, think about the construction site’s distinctive features, including the pre-existing landscape and overall look of adjacent properties.
3. Risks
If there are many occurring construction risks, it can immediately result in increased costs and project failure. Thus, a thorough risk evaluation must be conducted before even a project begins and deploying a builder trends software for further preparation. One particular major question to answer regarding risk concerns is who might be liable for design issues that result in vulnerabilities during and beyond building construction? Furthermore, if you consider the project delivery method wherein the in-house team is heavily involved in supervising the project, prioritize your responsibilities in minimizing gaps in construction stages and construction.
4. Schedule
One of many things that is crucial for project performance is the exact estimation for the construction schedule. Always bear in mind that the cost and schedule are closely tied to one another. Thus, speeding up construction usually translates to more increased costs. One way to make the construction faster yet very efficient and guarantee a project’s success is through a construction scheduling software. This scheduling software offers numerous features that make team productivity continuously progressing.
Furthermore, what level of timing is needed to meet your expected costs and schedule? Most of the time, owners must have the ability to fast-track construction before all support plans and drawings like engineering documents are complete. Schedules are, at times, estimated too ambitiously, hence, setting up projects for inevitable overruns.
4 Construction Project Delivery Methods
After evaluating the four fundamental factors to consider and selecting the criteria, it’s time now to explore the basic types of project delivery methods. The major participants in every construction project are the contractor, architect, designers, and the owner (owner’s representative). These roles might overlap a little bit, depending on the chosen delivery method.
1. Design-Build (DB)
This project delivery method has become more popular over the years and a recent report has claimed that this method is now being used up to 30% of the US-based construction projects. DB is creating a straightforward process for the owners. On the other hand, the owners usually don’t receive so much input in the project. Both construction phases and designs in this method are typically handled and managed by the same firms.
Design-build isn’t defined as a complex one, but rather a more straightforward approach than other available methods. Surprisingly, design-build tends to be a more progressive method as it promotes collaboration and simplicity for project owners. Apart from this method, crew schedule software has promising features that provide collaboration and consistent communication to all parties involved.
Every design-build type of job is entirely different. However, there are still five distinct phases for design-build projects that need to be considered. Take a look below.
· Selecting a Design-Builder
· Architectural designs
· Pre-construction assessments
· Construction
· Post-construction
2. Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
DBB is the most well-known project delivery method in the construction industry and, surprisingly, has the lowest price upfront. The architect/designer and contractors are working directly for the owner in most cases. Hence, this method only proves that it provides limitless opportunities for owner-input on any construction projects. Overall, the D-B-B method is a better choice, particularly for owners who haven’t obtained any construction project background.
However, DBB has come with a few potential risks that might cause owners to shift to other project delivery methods. The risks included are the following.
· The owner is possibly vulnerable to immediate change orders, additional costs, and delays initiated by the contractors
· The owner will use a considerable amount of project funds during the designing phase before obtaining a firm price
· The construction process doesn’t begin until the majority of the design plans aren’t finalized yet
· For the very reason that contractors usually are not in-board during the early designing process, their feedback regarding the designs aren’t heard
· Regardless of these potential risks, DBB is still a good choice, especially for owners who don’t have any extensive knowledge about construction projects. Choosing the method will most likely be easier for the owners without the expertise to go on with this particular method.
3. Construction Management Multi-Prime (CMMP)
Under multi-prime contracts, the owners have more financial control when it comes to the project. CMMP projects are usually split into three different phases: designing, engineering, and lastly, construction. For every project’s stage, the owner is going to execute a contract separately. This method is preferably better for owners who have many different experiences and want to have more control over the project’s financial aspect. With CMMP, the construction manager expected no financial risks.
If used correctly, CCMP also offers long-term benefits. Take a look below:
· The project will be more adequately staffed.
· The project manager can efficiently allocate responsibilities to all contractors and subs and manage the individual’s progress through the implementation of construction crew management
· Property owners achieved both cost and time savings
· It promotes healthy and good communications between contractors and subs together with property owners
· There’s’ a bit more of leeway between all involved parties in negotiating the fees.
4. Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
Generally speaking, this type of project delivery method is an agreement wherein the construction manager will deliver the projects within a set of guaranteed maximum prices. This method consecutively divides the project into two major processes: building and design. During the building phase, a construction manager manages the buildings the same way that a contractor does.
With this method used, property owners tremendously benefit from the start of the project as it gives them a much higher level of cost control. Throughout the entire designing process, the managers will provide the owners with cost estimates to keep these estimates intact. The project delivery method, like CMAR, often has several benefits offered to the construction manager.
· The construction manager will have tons of control from the very beginning
· Construction managers are capable of bridging altogether with the build and design phases of the project
· Risk is continuously reduced for as long as the construction manager will stay under the settled price.
Key Takeaways
Professionals involved in the construction industry know that the mix of design, planning, and the actual physical construction work can be complicated to manage all at once. When there are numerous moving parts involved, sticking to a plan of attack becomes vital. That’s where the execution of project delivery methods come in. These methods help ensure that any given projects will be successful and it also provides structures to how implementation, planning, and payments will be coordinated.