Project Delivery Methods

At Mourain Construction, we recognize that every construction project is unique and requires a tailored approach to ensure success. Our comprehensive project management systems are designed to meet the varying needs of our clients, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost control. Below, we introduce our two core methodologies that we customize to fit your project’s specifications.

Design-Build

Design-Build is a form of contracting that takes an integrated approach, which delivers design and construction services under a single point of responsibility – us. Mourain Construction handles the entire process for you from architecture to construction; answering our clients wishes for reduced time involvements and overall costs, while hitting all schedule and quality goals.

Key aspects of the design-build method:
  • Integrated Project Delivery: Design-build is an integrated project delivery method where the construction company is responsible for both the design and construction of a project. This streamlines communication and accountability.
  • Single-Point Responsibility: In design-build, the commercial construction company acts as a single point of contact for the client, simplifying the project management process.
  • Collaborative Approach: The design-build method encourages collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors from the project’s outset, fostering innovation and efficiency.
  • Cost and Time Efficiency: This approach often results in faster project completion and cost savings, as design and construction teams work closely together to optimize the design for constructability.
  • Risk Management: The commercial construction company assumes more risk in design-build contracts, which can lead to greater cost predictability for the client.
  • Streamlined Decision-Making: With a single team responsible for both design and construction, decision-making can be faster and more efficient, reducing delays.
  • Value Engineering: Design-build teams often employ value engineering to find cost-effective solutions without compromising project quality.
  • Client Involvement: Clients are typically more involved in the design-build process, providing input and feedback throughout the project.
  • Adaptability: The design-build method is adaptable to various project types and sizes, making it a versatile choice for commercial construction.
  • Quality Assurance: Design-build contracts often include performance guarantees, ensuring that the final project meets or exceeds specified quality standards.

Bid-Build

The bid-build approach is a traditional project delivery method used in commercial construction. In this method, the construction project is divided into two distinct phases: the design phase and the construction phase. Here’s an overview of what the bid-build method means for a commercial construction company:

Design Phase:
  • Design Team: The owner (client) typically hires a separate design team, including architects and engineers, to create detailed construction plans and specifications.
  • Design Development: The design team develops the project’s architectural and engineering plans, considering the owner’s requirements and local building codes.
  • Bid Documents: Once the design is complete, bid documents, including detailed drawings and specifications, are prepared to provide potential contractors with the necessary information to submit bids.
Bidding Phase:
  • Contractor Selection: The owner solicits bids from multiple construction contractors. Contractors review the bid documents and prepare competitive bids based on the project’s requirements.
  • Bid Submission: Contractors submit their bids, which typically include pricing, proposed construction schedules, and other relevant information.
  • Bid Opening: Bids are often opened publicly to ensure transparency.
Construction Phase:
  • Contract Award: The owner awards the construction contract to the selected contractor based on the bid evaluation process.
  • Construction Commencement: The contractor begins the construction work according to the approved plans and specifications.
  • Project Management: The contractor manages all aspects of construction, including scheduling, procurement, subcontractor coordination, and quality control.
  • Owner Involvement: The owner has a more hands-off role during the construction phase, with periodic reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with the contract.

While the bid-build method is a traditional and widely used approach, it does have some potential drawbacks, including a potential lack of early contractor input during design and a potential for disagreements between the design and construction teams. Nonetheless, it remains a common choice for many commercial construction projects due to its established and straightforward process.