Many times the inclination for a project owner is to completely design and plan the project prior to consulting with the construction contractor. This may not necessarily cause a problem for the ultimate finished project. However, taking this approach exposes some missed benefits that could have been reaped if the construction firm was involved earlier in the process. Involving the input of construction contractor may lower costs, improve project timeline, and decrease the revisions to plans. Allco believes strongly in the benefits that come from early construction company participation.

The General Benefits of the Design-Build Approach

The term “design-build” refers to the approach of having the same firm both design the project and also handle the construction. This method reduces the risk to the project owner by creating a single source of accountability for the project as well as allowing for a more cost-effective, and time-efficient process. The benefits of the design-build approach include:

• Lower Cost – The design-build approach can save the project owner money because as both the designer and the builder the company handling the project will have a very clear and realistic understanding of the cost of materials and labor and will be able to work well within the project owner’s budget.
• Fewer Mistakes – Because the company designing the plans is also the company that will be executing them this helps minimize mistakes. The builders will have a very clear and thorough understanding of the plans, while the architect and designers will be readily available and on-staff to answer any questions.
• Better Control and Oversight – Executing both design and construction allows for an increase in control, transparency, and accountability. Progress can be monitored and measured easily to ensure that everything is on track; the ultimate quality of the finished results are assured.
• Faster Timeline – The prevention of mistakes and enhanced oversight allow for an overall faster timeline.

Benefits Specific to Projects

In addition to the general benefits of the design-build approach there are also several key benefits to specific projects that are available when the construction company participates early in the process. These benefits include:

• Environment – By including the construction firm in advance, they can help to provide analysis and information of the local environment and terrain of the project. This allows for the the firm to better prepare any design changes as it relates to any environmental challenges or conditions.
• Permitting – Many buildings, structures, and other projects require permitting from local or state agencies. The construction company will be familiar with this process and will be able to offer assistance such as what data will be required and how long the process may take.
• Efficiency – The construction company can evaluate (and in many cases) improve upon the efficiency of the project by making recommendations about suitable materials or design plans.
• Scheduling – It can often be difficult to correctly anticipate how long the construction of a project will take. The construction group is usually the best judge of a timeline; their input will allow the project owner to adjust the schedule as needed.
• Cost Estimates – Without proper oversight it is easy for the cost of construction projects to spiral out of control. Involving the construction company early will allow for a more accurate estimate of costs and will also allow these costs to be closely monitored.

Allco is one of the leading construction firms in Texas and Louisiana. We self-perform many of the tasks that other construction companies contract out. This enables us greater control over cost, quality, and time. We are a full-service construction company that will walk our customers through every step of the process from the early design of the project all the way through its ribbon cutting .