Frequently Asked Questions
about Design Build

1.What is Design Build Construction?
2.What is Value Engineering and how does it work?
3.How does this save me money?
4.Can I recommend my own sub-contractors?
5.What are the advantages to using a Design Builder?
6.How do I know that you are giving me the best deal at the highest quality?
7.What if my church already has plans? Can we use those?

1.What is Design Build Construction?

Design Build is a method of project delivery in which one entity (Design Builder) forges a single contract with the Owner to provide architectural/engineering design service and construction services.

By contrast, with the traditional Design-Bid-Build approach, the Owner engages an architect to prepare drawings and specifications under a design contract, and subsequently selects a general contractor by competitive bidding (or negotiation) to build the facility under a construction contract.

Design Build in its simplest form is a highly efficient construction technique used by successful developers. The Design Builder’s goal is to preserve a pre- determined budget by creating the highest value for the Client's investment. This is accomplished through implementing value engineering.

 

2.What is Value Engineering and how does it work?

Value engineering is the coordinated effort of the design build team to brainstorm the highest possible cost savings and the greatest value to the customer during design development. The Design Builder takes the expertise of all engineers and subcontractors and collaborates with them to strategize for the most efficient and cost-effective savings approach.

The Design Builder begins by creating a budget with the Client. He then puts together a design build team, which consists of an in-house architect, engineers, consultants, and subcontractors. Together, the team value engineers the project by investigating alternate construction ideas to implement throughout the construction process.

 

3.How does this save me money?

The design build method saves clients money by pre-negotiating prices with the design build team (General Contractor, Architect, Engineers, and Subcontractors) and working from the inception of the project towards a specific budget.

Using the traditional Design – Bid – Build procedure, the Client hires an independent architectural firm to develop a set of plans. Then the Owner asks for competitive bids when the plans are complete. Generally speaking, by the time the plans are bid out, cost overages using this method can increase 20 to 70 percent. This may result in an expensive project redesign and months of project delays. Many times the project is simply abandoned due to the excessive costs.

Through the Design Build method, since the budget is set prior to the design, the entire design build team works toward the goal of building at the specified price while meeting the needs of the Client. In the end the budget is preserved and the project is built.

 

4.Can I recommend my own sub-contractors?

Yes. However, all subcontractors must go through a pre-qualification process before being allowed to bid the project. Additionally, our Gifts in Kind Program allows subcontractors who are wishing to donate goods or services to the church to meet with the Project Manager in order to coordinate work to be completed according to our Critical Path Schedule.

5.What are the advantages to using a Design/Builder?

There are several significant advantages:

• Singular responsibility – There is virtually no finger pointing between the architect and builder.
• Cost savings – Costs are determined up front during the design phase by the engineers and subcontractors who will also be doing the design and construction work.
• Time savings –Bidding and redesign happen concurrently, decreasing overall project time up to 6 months in some cases. According to the Construction Industry Institute, design build yields 33% faster overall delivery, 6% less total cost and 12% faster construction phase.
• Early knowledge of firm costs – Guaranteed construction costs are known far earlier because CharestCorp is simultaneously estimating construction costs during the design phase.
  

6.How do I know that you are giving me the best deal and the highest quality?

Working with a Design Build Team requires a tremendous amount of trust. In a sense, you are putting your eggs in one basket by hiring an architect and builder who work under the same roof. However, not every architect can design a church, and not every contractor is sensitive to the specific needs of a church. CharestCorp brings over 25 years of experience in designing and building churches of various denominations, styles and sizes. We are held to a very high standard as the West Coast representative of the National Association of Church Design Builders (www.nacdb.com).

CharestCorp’s in-house architect is licensed by the California Architect’s Board, which requires architects to work under “all applicable knowledge of building laws, codes and regulations.” CharestCorp is licensed through the Contractors State License Board, whose mission is to “protect consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction.”

 

7.What if my church already has plans? Can we use those?

It is very common for Clients to come to us with plans already drawn. Fortunately, our design build team can often use those plans to value engineer your project. When necessary, we have the ability to re-design elements of the building to make the project more affordable. Please contact us to review your plans so that we can help you establish a game plan to complete your project within budget.

The best way to find out more about our value? Talk to our clients. CharestCorp has saved churches hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has been able to better fulfill the needs of those who employ their services. The results are satisfied customers who have received the greatest value for their construction dollars. Please visit our testimonial page, or take a look at some of our recent projects by clicking here.