7 Reasons Why You Should Engage Your Builder Before Your Architect
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT
Engage a builder to deliver the entire project so only one team is accountable for every component of the build - concept to completion. The builder is accountable for how much the project costs, how long it takes to complete and how it looks in the end. Overall costs of the build tend to be reduced when the builder is accountable for both design and the build, because the builder right from the start of the process is involved and pays close consideration to costs and scheduling that is determined in the design phase. You the home owner will not be liable if design and construction issues occur, because the builder is accountable for the project and are therefore responsible for resolving these problems.
2. ONE POINT OF CONTACT
From concept to completion, all the design and construction needs are handled through the builder. Instead of back and forth communication between the architect/owner, owner/contractor, it is now streamlined to a single point of contact.
To avoid:
the owner having to seek out each company separately
the builder and architect having no connection until after the design plans are finalised
owner having to mediate between the architect and builder if any design or construction issues occur
3. SPEED UP THE PROCESS
Save time when the builder is engaged first. If a builder is not engaged first then you will need to wait for the detailed design documentation to be fully completed before awarding the construction contract and this can be time consuming. Where as, if the builder is engaged they can make a start on preliminary works and even construction with only a defined project brief and concept designs drafted.
4. DE-RISK THE PROJECT
If the builder is not engaged from the start then you the home owner is responsible for:
completing the design
design errors or omissions made by the design team
Therefore, bringing on the builder will mean they are contractually responsible for the design and construction and will bear this risk instead of you.
5. INNOVATE YOUR BUILD
Architects and draftsman are experts in design, but a reliable builder comes with another set of expertise worth utilising! Construction expertise included in the design phase will bring in a wealth of knowledge and another level of innovation to your design plans and build. Do not make the mistake of not including construction, new building materials and new construction technologies expertise to your design by engaging the builder after this phase.
6. SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION KNOWLEDGE
From project management principles, we know that the ability to influence a project is at its greatest at the start of the project life-cycle. Therefore, introducing a professional builder from the project’s inception can ensure that buildability, construction sequencing, material selection and other specialist construction knowledge is incorporated right from the project planning phase.
7. COST PLANNING CERTAINITY
A professional builder comes with previous project experience, historical benchmarks and current industry rates that could greatly affect the costs of your design. If this valuable information is not contributed early in the design phase to the architect/ draftsman then the design proposed may be great on paper but actually be over budget and not true the current industry pricing known to an experienced builder. By engaging the builder after these design decisions have been made, could mean project delays and added costs if construction documents need to be amended to reflect realistic costings and design changes.
