As a continuation of the delivery system series, this month’s focus is on design-assist. With design-assist, all teams are involved in the preliminary stages in order to provide budget pricing, constructability review, and alternatives before the project gets too far into the design process. Though similar to design-build, the main difference is that with design-assist, the architect or engineer is responsible for the design and the construction team collaborates with the design team, giving advice throughout the design phase and updates on where the budget is heading.
The owner/general contractor selects the designers (architect/engineer) and also employs BCH Mechanical early in the process to be part of the team. Assistance might include:
- System comparison pricing in the preliminary stages
- Alternative design options and associated cost differences
- Full budget analysis and identify specific cost items (areas, etc.)
- 3D CAD and coordination during the design stage
- Early procurement of equipment and materials
- Insure the completed design is exact
Traditional Delivery System vs. Design-Assist
In a typical design-bid-build method, subcontractors are given the completed plans and specs. If there are improvements in materials, methods, and design that can be suggested at this point, it may be too expensive or difficult to implement them. If they are incorporated in the final stages, it can lead to excessive change orders and delayed schedules. Value is left on the table and ultimately, owners and building occupants do not get the best possible end product from their construction team. Inefficiencies, like these, are prevented by the design-assist delivery method which encourages subcontractors to contribute their expertise early in the process, resulting in:
- Reduced project cost
- Shorter construction schedules
- Improved constructability
- Enhanced quality
- Added overall value
Selecting a Design-Assist Partner for Your Project
The basic requirements of a construction team won’t necessarily change for design-assist because quality craftsmanship and reliability will remain top priorities. There will, however, be additional qualifications, such as strong skills in communication, cooperation, creativity, and special enhanced skill sets, such as design and 3D capabilities. Specialty subcontractors who offer valuable expertise while remaining capable of seeing the larger overall project goals will shine in a design-assist role.
BCH is an Experienced Design-Assist Partner
BCH is an asset to your design-assist team. We are currently providing design-assist services for Lakeland Regional Health, Jewish Community Center and UT Fitness Center. On all of these projects, BCH Mechanical was brought on board to assist in the process, with an eye on building the best mechanical value into the project while maintaining the budget. A few of the facets we can positively impact include:
- Cost estimating
- Value engineering
- Procurement
- Constructability
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Scheduling
- Permitting
- Site issues
- Maintenance
Contact a BCH representative to learn more about our design services or to let us know about an upcoming project you may be working on. We have experienced design and pre-construction teams who can deliver innovative and cost-effective designs, coordination, and review for your engineers and architects.
BCH Mechanical has been a trusted name in Florida construction since 1976, delivering innovative design, high quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. BCH capabilities include HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, piping, sheet metal, LEED, Design/Build, 3D-CAD/BIM coordination, and HVAC service. Visit BCH on the web: www.bchmechanical.com.