Over the years, technology has been influencing every area of development. Industries have, however, grown to great heights and experienced the effects of the evolution positively. With all the growth, the construction sector has been left out of the hit for quite some time. However, since technology took over significant industries, its effects are automatically falling into the commercial building industry due to new types of equipment and machinery. The introduction of drones, construction management software, BIM, and conference experts indicate that change is coming and it is inevitable.
If you are wondering how effective these changes may be or how design-build construction is different than plan spec bid builds, then here are a few steps that the industry is taking to evolution.
Ad-app-ting
In various commercial constructions, constructors include the use of tablets and apps to monitor the construction sites. These apps are also essential in giving updates on the construction process. Tablets ensure to capture all the construction data as the work progresses.
The best thing about these apps is that you don't have to go to the site physically. Therefore, you will have more time to work on different projects and still supervise the proceeding of the other.
Design Build vs Plan Spec Bid Build
It's not always easy to notice the difference, especially if you are not a regular constructor, however, design-build construction is different than plan spec bid build by significant measures.
Under design-build, you only get to deal with a single entity. The contractor gets to sign only one document authorizing both designing and construction. With this business type, you have less to worry about as the owner since you will look for answers from a specific company. This is can be a little expensive, seeing as the company charges are not typically constant. However, the best thing it that the designer/contractor bears all the risks, thus keeping your investment secure.
On the other hand, the spec bid builds are commonly known as design bid build. You get to deal with designers and contractors separately. On this entity, the designer has an obligation of providing the owner with 100% design documents. Then, as the owner, you contract with a different company to build with your designs.
Although the later seems better than the former regarding pricing, it's always expensive and difficult to trace. In case something goes wrong, the contractor will not be in a position to alternate the design to fit your description. With DBB (design bid build) you bear all risk associated with design document completeness.
Which is Better?
When it comes to picking the right one, it's often difficult. Many reports from both constructors and owners tend to lean toward design-build as the best over spec bid build. Design-build allows you to sit back and watch your commercial construction take center stage in the building industry. It also allows you to schedule intensity, construction speed, and maintenance. This gives you great opportunities for attaining your goals. Design-build also synchronizes with your plans to ensure the final agreement is friendly.
However, DBB can be the best choice if the project is relatively small and simple and the owner is comfortable bearing the brunt of the risks for the project.
Growth in the Green Practice
The green building movement is gaining popularity every single day. Although it's not a new practice, it proves to be more environmentally friendly. This technological improvement makes it easy for constructors to work in harmony with the surrounding neighbors.
However, the energy conservation code of 2015 has influenced the green build practice. The energy conservation code brings up a different debate with the green practice code, hence developing controversy on which one is better than the other.
This debate makes it difficult for contractors to which are the best codes to follow and still conserve energy while building.
In essence, as the construction market is taking a new direction with influence from technology, it's important for all parties involved to participate fully in the innovations. Its exact change is inevitable. However, it does not indicate that you don't have the power to ask.
Getting full participation guarantees you that you will understand every step of the evolution. Therefore, it will be easy for you as a property owner or contractor to have full access and control over everything that happens. This way, evolution will not catch you by surprise. Instead, you will be aware of the effects of new tools both positively and negatively. For concerns on insurance for unfinished projects, check out our blog to learn more or reach out to us below.