General Contractors Oklahoma manage large construction projects. Their main functions include project planning, cost estimation, and budget management. They also handle the sourcing of raw materials and building components from vendors. They are in charge of managing the supply chain and ensuring that all materials are delivered in good condition.
They also arrange for city inspections to ensure the completed construction complies with building codes. Moreover, they resolve disputes on the construction site.
In the world of construction, there are a variety of project delivery methods to choose from. While they may seem similar at first glance, each has unique pros and cons to consider. Two of the most popular are design-bid-build and design-build. Each method involves different timelines and processes, so deciding which is best for your project depends on several factors. We’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you decide which is right for you.
Design-bid-build (D-B-B) is a traditional project delivery method that separates the design and construction of a building or infrastructure. This approach uses a design consultant to create a complete set of design documents that meet the owner’s requirements. The design documents are then put out for competitive bidding, and the contractor who submits the lowest bid is awarded the contract. This is the most traditional and well-known of the project delivery methods.
The design phase of the process consists of a series of steps, including concept development, site selection, and schematic design. The design team, which includes architects and engineers, works with the client to conceptualize the project and develop a budget. The final design is then submitted to the GC for bidding and construction.
During the build phase, the GC is responsible for overseeing day-to-day building tasks. They manage subcontractors and ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They also make sure that all required permits are obtained. The GC will typically self-perform certain portions of the work to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
A reputable GC will have a strong sense of integrity and pride in their workmanship. They pay close attention to detail and provide impeccable results that exceed their clients’ expectations. They also prioritize cleanliness and safety throughout the construction process. They will outline plans to keep the area clean and minimize disruptions, and they will provide a clear estimate for all work.
Choosing a reputable GC is vital for your commercial construction project. They can help you find the right architect, engineer, and subcontractors for your project. They will also negotiate pricing with subcontractors, and they will ensure that all projects are completed on schedule and on budget. In addition to their general responsibilities, they will also be responsible for working with your zoning board and NYC coop or condo boards.
Design-build-operate
Design build operate maintain (DBOOM) is a project delivery method that incorporates the design and construction of infrastructure into a single contract. The DBOOM contract also includes operation and maintenance of the facility for a specified operational term. This model provides additional project benefits from a lifecycle asset management perspective.
This delivery method is more flexible than traditional design-bid-build models. The contractor can deliver the project using its own team or bring in a team from outside. This allows the contractor to be a competitive source of innovative solutions and construction cost savings. In addition, it can speed up the schedule and reduce risks. The DBOOM model can be used for both new and renovation projects.
On a design-bid-build project, the owner contracts the architects or engineers to complete a set of blueprints and detailed specifications. Then, the owner holds a bidding process to decide which general contractor will take on the construction phase. The contractor is not allowed to provide design feedback during this process, and the construction may be delayed while waiting for the design to be revised.
Another disadvantage of the DBB model is that it creates a conflict between designers and contractors, which can lead to disputes over issues such as cost increases. For example, the contractor may object to a change to the design that will require more materials or labor, but the designer is not required to justify these costs. This approach can also result in conflicting recommendations to the owner, leading to a lack of transparency and distrust between the parties.
The design-build-operate-maintain model has gained in popularity because of its streamlined project completion and reduced risk. This project delivery method provides a single point of contact and accountability for all design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and operation activities. It can also help increase productivity and efficiency by bringing all aspects of a project together in one contract.
In the DBOOM model, a general contractor can offer a wide range of services, including designing, engineering, and building. The contractor will also provide long-term maintenance and operations services. This model is gaining momentum because of its ability to save time and money, while maintaining a high level of service and quality.
Design-build-finance
With tighter budgets and shorter timeline expectations, construction owners are increasingly turning to design-build to leverage industry expertise. This delivery method focuses on one entity, which holds single-source responsibility and contractual risk for all aspects of a build — including estimation and assessment, architecture, schematics, engineering, subcontracting, and construction. However, this approach has some drawbacks that may be worth considering before you decide to pursue it.
Design-build-finance is a project delivery method that combines the innovation of design-build with full or partial private financing of a public-private partnership (P3) project over its operating life. It makes practical sense only where a government agency has made a preliminary determination that project revenues are sufficient to cover the design, construction, and operation of a facility. It is also not a good option for a project that is expected to require substantial long-term maintenance.
It’s important to understand the risks associated with this type of project, and to choose a contractor with a proven track record of delivering quality projects on time and within budget. In addition, it is crucial to work with a lender that specializes in construction loans and can provide you with the right funding for your project. A construction loan is a short-term loan that is used to finance the cost of a new or existing structure. This type of loan is often more cost-effective than traditional lending options. It can be obtained through a local financial institution, like Fifth District Savings Bank, and offers competitive interest rates and low closing costs.
The biggest downside of DBFM is that the owner must absorb the cost overruns for the construction phase of the project. Additionally, the DBFM team must be able to obtain the required level of financing from private sources. This can be a challenge for a small firm that has limited resources and does not carry a significant amount of design errors and omissions insurance coverage.
Another downside of DBFM is that it can make it difficult for new subcontractors to enter the project because the design-build team has already selected their subcontractors. Moreover, the DBFM approach has a tendency to be more expensive than the traditional DBB model.
Construction management
Construction management involves overseeing the coordination and optimization of a project’s construction process. This includes ensuring that the construction meets its schedule, budget, and design requirements. It also requires managing and documenting the project’s progress. This process can be complicated and time-consuming, but there are a number of tools available to streamline it. These tools can help improve communication and reduce costs.
Many general contractors specialize in certain aspects of the construction process, such as site work (foundations) or framing. They may also specialize in specific market sectors such as healthcare or multi-family housing. However, larger contractors are usually generalists and take on all types of projects. They also hire specialists for the more complex tasks such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.
Most states require general contractors to have a license, bond, and insurance to operate. Some may even impose additional requirements such as safety training and certifications. These requirements are important to protect the public and ensure that the contractor is competent. In addition to these requirements, general contractors should keep track of all communications and documents for their projects. This includes communication logs, meeting minutes, change orders, and delivery receipts.
Unlike GCs, CM professionals typically enter the project much earlier in the preconstruction phase. They assist with the planning of the project to ensure that it will be completed according to the owner’s wishes. They also monitor the GC’s work to ensure that it adheres to the contract stipulations.
Both GCs and CMs are responsible for hiring subcontractors. They then manage these specialized teams and coordinate their work with the other members of the team. They also monitor progress, identifying problems and addressing them quickly. They are often paid via a cost-plus contract, which gives them a greater level of control over the project’s scope and cost.
On large projects, a CM can save the GC from having to engage in back-and-forth discussions with project stakeholders. This is especially important on projects that involve multiple agencies or are complicated by geographical boundaries. For example, a bridge that spans two states may have multiple government departments and interested parties who need to know the status of the project on a daily basis.