Page 7 - TCDB combined Book

The Complete DESIGN-BUILDER

PREFACE

Written for builders and design professionals by an individual with many years of hands
on experience, this book covers all aspects of the Design Build method of completing building
construction projects. More than a one topic publication, this book is a comprehensive
reference manual on how to secure and carry out the combined disciplines of design and
construction. This book will be an invaluable source of information for builders, designers,
students and anyone interested in the inner working of Design Build.
The following mission statement describes the objective of a true Design Builder;

“To secure a budgeted or greater yearly construction dollar volume, while working
with only qualified prospects, resulting in successful completions, satisfied owners’ and the
realization of a better than expected gross margin and net profit.”

The traditional method of securing contracts through the standard tendering system will
always be available. A balanced combination of tendered and design build work is recommended
for builders unfamiliar with all aspects of the design build process.
The traditional tendering method and system of awarding a contract based solely on the
lowest price submitted is considered to be more favorable to the project owner. The problems
and adversity that can arise with low bidder contract awards is well documented. The limited
project control by the builder and constant effort in maintaining budgeted costs makes
completion on these types of contracts a formidable task. Using the design-build method, with
some exceptions, will allow complete control from initial and preliminary design through to
the completion of the construction work. Due to the added responsibility of design, inclusion of
design professionals is an important factor in successful design-build, with the selection of an
appropriate, competent and experienced design team being critical. Signing a standard
enforceable contract with a complete and properly documented scope of work agreed to by your
client and design professionals is extremely important.
The success rate of design-build contract awards when compared with proposals
submitted should not exceed one in five. A significantly lower ratio of contract awards to
proposals made, will require a review of your selling, qualifying and estimating methods.
Confirming that lost projects do actually proceed must be considered when calculating an
accurate success rate.
Organized by individual chapters this book is a complete start to finish method for those
interested in pursuing, developing or simply obtaining the knowledge of the design-build
method. The information, methods and general content of this book are the result of many years
of actual work experience in the design build field and not based on a specific management style
or doctrine.

KIDESA PRESS