In a design and construct project, all works are handled through one source. Instead of back and forth communication between the architect/owner and owner/builder, communication is streamlined to a single point of contact. 

What’s more, with traditional contracting, the owner has to seek out each company separately. The architect and the builder have no connection until the plans are placed up for bids and the owner serves as mediator for any design and construction issues that occur for each party. Precisely the opposite occurs when you design and construct, with your builder taking on the role of mediator and head of communications throughout your build.

Another key benefit of engaging a design and construct builder is the ability to share in their cost planning skills, accumulated from previous project experience, historical benchmarks and industry rates. 

In some builds, cost increases can occur during the design phase because designers do not have access to construction costs. This can lead to project delays or budget blowouts if the construction documents must be recreated to reduce costs. By having your builder involved from the concept stage, they will work closely with their trusted design team to ensure the building plans are accurately priced to prevent any delays or financial extras.

Project management principles state that the ability to influence a project is at its greatest at the very beginning. Therefore, introducing a professional builder during your project’s inception gives you the best chance of success. 

This means that buildability, construction sequencing, material selection and other specialist construction knowledge can be incorporated into the project planning phase, instead of later down the track, when it could be too late. This simply works towards achieving a seamless, stress-free building journey for both you and your builder.

When you design and construct with a single entity, you will have one team accountable for all components of your project – from concept to completion. That includes how much the project costs, how long it takes to complete, and how it looks in the end.

When the same group is responsible for the design and construction, the design phase tends to pay closer consideration to budgeting and scheduling, which helps reduce costs. What’s more, only one entity is held accountable if problems occur, eliminating owner liability. This also makes it easier for you, as the client, to get in touch with someone should you have questions about your design, construction or the process as a whole as it will always be the same team.

One of the many great things about working with a design and construct builder is that your budget will be established from the very beginning. Instead of heading to an architect or building designer to have plans drawn up, paying the fees and then approaching a builder to discover how much the plans will cost to bring into practice, you can simply approach one entity for everything. 

Many clients approach builders with pre-designed architectural plans that are breathtaking on paper but are over their budget. There is then the negotiating backwards and forwards on what will stay and what will go, then the plans need to be redrawn to reflect this. It’s the worst part of our job having to tell a client they can’t actually afford to build their dream home. That’s why with design and construct, your plans will be customised from the outset to suit your unique budget.

Much like architects and engineers are experts in their fields, builders are experts in construction and harbour a wealth of knowledge when it comes to constructability, new building materials and the latest technologies. 

The design and construct building approach means you can bring another valuable specialist to the design table, allowing construction innovation to be incorporated into the project at the very beginning. This is likely to save you time and money down the track.

In traditional building styles, where the client is responsible for completing the design, the client is also responsible for the risk of design errors or omissions made by the contracted building designer or architect. Another benefit of design and construct is the ability to contractually assign that responsibility, and therefore the risk, to the builder.

This means, should design errors occur or omissions be made, the onus is on your builder to resolve this issue and absorb any financial costs that may be accrued. Of course, as with any building style, if you are choosing to make changes once the build is in progress and after the contract has been signed, you will be financially responsible.