Trying to create a new project delivery method is the strangest endeavor I have embarked on. When I google design build facilitation HVAC News pops up. How many hits?

Traditionally contractors have not charged or have been paid to put together design build (DB) proposals or estimates. Being City B contractor raises the question "How much does it cost a mechanical contractor to put together a DB proposal?".

Lets start with a mechanical contractor has to do around 2.25 million dollars a year of DB work to support a DB engineer. The ideal DB engineer will cost the contractor $115,000 a year in salary, benefits, and office expenses. The engineer works for a cont… Continue

Changing perception and customary relationships is hard to do. The 2005 American Institute of Architect’s design build contract forms put prime contractors in an awkward consultant lead design build situation.

The local scope consultant is no different than a City B contractor. Should the prime contractor be loyal to architect, trade consultants and the building owner or should the prime contractor be loyal to his design build sub-contractors and the building owner?

A prime contractor can solv… Continue

Introduction

As part of the initial considerations in the development of a project, the building owner must determine the appropriate delivery method or delegate that responsibility. Project delivery methods (PDM) are very important because they define how much risk everyone involved is exposed to and creates incentive for certain types of innovation and productivity gains. PDM selection and method of utilization significantly impact installation costs, operating and maintenance costs, time fra… Continue

A design build facilitator and two non-compete design build contractors can eliminate an amazing number of contemporary and historical project delivery related problems. There are countless project delivery method variations that fall within two categories. Category one is design build. The contractor is responsible for the design and installation. Category two is plans and specifications. The consultant is responsible for the design and the contractor is responsible for installation. Design Bui… Continue