What exactly is a Design-Build project?
What is a Design-Build Contractor?
A Design-Build project is one that uses a single design-build team (contractor) to deliver a project. In contract to a Design-Bid-Build project, a Design-Build project allows the contractor to be the single point of contact for the design phase and the construction phase of the project. By running a Design-Build project, a contractor takes on the full responsibility for the project, from the idea to the final building. Usually, Design-Build projects are lead by a general contractor, however many cases are lead instead by an architect or engineer. Many construction firms have employees from both the design side of construction and the building side. This allows them to construct a strong Design-Build team.
What is MEP Design-Build?
MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. These three industries tie in closely together in all commercial construction projects. These are also the three groups of contractors that are subcontracted out in all types of projects, whether it’s a Design-Build or a Design-Bid-Build. While these trades are being subcontracted out, the responsibility for the project still lies with the Design-Build contractor. The Design-Build contractor will reach out to each specific contractor for their design and price for the particular project. This method relies on the expertise of the subcontractor to research and provide a solution for their particular portion of the project.
Our Design-Build Services
Allied Mechanical is one of the larger commercial mechanical contractors in Western New York, and we love to do Mechanical Design-Build projects. We have a Design-Build team that works with contractors and/or architects and engineers to provide a mechanical plan that is custom-built for the wants and needs of the space and owner.
The initial request usually comes from a Design-Build contractor. This contractor has been hired by a building owner for a renovation, and is looking to bring us in for the mechanical design portion of the project. Our team is contacted because we have a trusted reputation for solid mechanical system design. Over the course of a few communications, a general idea of the space requirements takes shape.
Our next step is usually a walk-thru or a site-survey. We like to see what’s existing, mechanically, such as duct-work, piping, and working and non-working units. Our team takes measurements of the space and gets a feel for what the owner wants to use the space for and how it will be accomplished. We note if walls will be added or removed, if units will need to be added or subtracted, and specific room and overall space square footage.
Everything is brought together back at the office. Our Design Engineer works with our Drafter to create an electronic, 2-dimensional layout of the existing space to help in the designing process. The team then gets to work designing a mechanical system compatible with the space and the wants and needs of the owner. The design is presented and explained to the contractor for approval. There is usually back-and-forth on the details of the final design; items such as cost and lead-time are factored in. Once a final building design is agreed upon, the project moves from the Design to the Build.
Our drafter takes this final design and creates blueprint drawings for field construction. Our field team gets to work removing and discarding the old mechanical elements that are not a part of the new building design. After demo, the field team installs the new equipment and system. We perform start up and commissioning checks, and turn over a fully functioning mechanical system as a part of a newly designed space.
