| |
 |
DESIGN-BUILD
101 IN NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY |
A construction strategy with origins stemming from the age-old Master
Builder Model, the Design-Build Concept is hinged on the theory
that all facets of a home or building’s actualization should
be under the purview of one “Master Builder” or single
agency responsible for everything from the basic design phase to
obtaining permits to laying the final brick on a free standing structure.
Integrating aesthetic design concepts (form) with operative performance
and actualization (function), was the trademark of the great Master
Builders dating as far back as ancient Greece. Even more modern
master builders like Antoni Gaudi, known for his innovative vision
and unique parabolic arches in Spanish architecture, honored aspects
of the Design-Build Concept up into the 20th century, providing
the world with individualized structures that still stand today
as classic masterpieces. In fact, great Master Builders often spent
days working personally with crewman to determine how to best turn
a corner—providing superior customer service even before there
was a Better Business Bureau to think about.
Responsible for architectural marvels like the Parthenon and the
Theater of Dionysus, the great Master Builders relished the experience
of being fully accountable for every aspect of a project’s
completion—as it spoke of their competence and artistic acumen
while elevating their position in society. In fact, to assume anything
less than complete liability for a project was unimaginable—a
work ethic that has been somewhat diluted by modern Design-Bid-Build
thinking, which involves designing a project first and bidding out
its construction or administration to outside parties for what one
would assume to be a lower price.
However, today’s competitive New York & New Jersey contracting
market is seeing a resurgence in Design-Build Theory, with developers
harkening back to the wisdom of their forbears to provide optimal
developments or home renovations for clients who want faster and
more reliable service from one full-service and fully-accountable
provider.
By eliminating the bureaucratic, pass-the-buck philosophy often
indicative of Design-Bid-Build practitioners, Design-Builders often
save owners money on the entire project even though actual construction
costs might be more expensive.
In general, the major benefits of modern Design-Build Theory circle
around the following concepts:
One-Brand Construction Accountability;
Put
simply, with design and construction under one entity there is only
one person/team with which owners can discuss quality, cost, and
deadline issues. While this makes things easier for the owner it
also means that time, and thus money, will be spent on your project
rather than on coordinating between outside parties, which translates
into a quicker and often cheaper final result. In addition, using
one entity with a preexisting infrastructure lifts a significant
administrative burden, so both owner and Design-Builder can focus
on timely problem solving rather than, say, faxing documents to
an outside office or agency.
Quality Control on Construction;
The one entity concept also ensures that your brand of choice will
see every component of a construction project to satisfactory completion
because they have a vested interest in how even the smallest detail
reflects on their professional identity. This extends to document
production, contracts, and permits as well as overall execution
of the owner-approved design. Plus, if you’re unhappy with
any part of the project you know who’s responsible.
Managing Risk:
Finally, with one supervising agency at the helm of the ship, owner
and designer-builder can compute costs, deadlines, and potential
problems more accurately, allowing everyone involved to understand
risks and benefits associated with the investment. Also the “errors
and omissions” one might find with competing factions in the
Design-Bid-Build paradigm can be equally minimized, thereby leaving
room for any construction project to achieve its true potential.
The MyHome Design and Build Way
As a full service contractor with all inclusive services and products,
MyHome has been applying traditional Design-Build techniques on
home renovation and construction for years. “By synchronizing
the designer or architect, contractor, and our fully-stocked product
outlet all under one roof and corporate identity, our clients are
just better served,” says MyHome President Mayan Metzler,
“While we’ll work on projects in any capacity, providing
anything from product selection to complete renovations, the Design-Build
model does present the most advantages to the customer—and
that’s who really counts.”
For more information on MyHome’s application of Design-Build
theory on your construction or home renovation project
call any of our offices today! |
|
|
|
|
