Everyone understands the power of teamwork. On construction jobsites, though, teamwork is essential. Ideally, teams stay on track and avoid costly mistakes. The Design-Build project delivery method unifies the design and build teams under a single contract. This method takes teamwork to a new level and is why the Design-Build trend is gaining momentum — fast.
In fact, a recent report by FMI and the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) predicts Design-Build construction spending will grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2021 to 2025 with the CPIP market size reaching about a fifth of the overall market or $1.7 trillion in the assessed market segments (manufacturing, education and healthcare).
FMI and DBIA project Design-Build construction spending will grow about 34% during this time period. With more projects using Design-Build, construction cameras can play a big role in Design-Build teams success. That’s because for the Design-Build approach to work, continuous collaboration is essential.
Benefits of the Design-Build Method
The Design-Build approach is one of five main building methods and is not new. So, why is the Design-Build approach suddenly so popular? Because of its many benefits to all parties involved. Traditional Design Bid Build is two linear phases with two separate contracts. First, the Design team completes their work. Then, the construction firm completes the build. With the Design-Build Method, both teams work together under one contract to plan and complete the job from start to finish. Communication is constant and instantaneous throughout the duration of the project. This method accelerates completion by eliminating delays in decision-making and approvals.
In the Design-Build system, the workflow is seamless from initial concept for the project through its completion. Since designers work side-by-side with builders, the two teams collaborate more effectively. Together, they find the best way to solve problems. They choose the best materials and troubleshoot potential issues preemptively. This improves the quality of the finished project while teams can complete projects within very tight budgets and timelines. Clients benefit from streamlined communications since there’s just one contract and a single point of contact for the entire project.
The Design-Build approach helps with new and ongoing challenges such as the high cost and shortage of materials, delayed deliveries, and skilled labor shortage. Because Build teams collaborate closely with Design teams, they can be more strategic about what materials they use, how much they need and exactly when they need them. They can staff their jobsites appropriately because they have a better understanding of how the design will be built out. With intimate knowledge about the job at hand from the start, they can see potential problems coming and take necessary steps to avoid them.
Downsides of Design-Build
Design-Build teams run the risk of rework if part-way through the build process, changes to the design are necessary. That’s why constant surveillance and collaboration are paramount. Without early insight into potential problems, building could continue past the point where an easy, less costly fix is possible.
Cameras Enable Effective Collaboration and Troubleshooting
Design-Build teams that leverage construction cameras are one step ahead. They can monitor the jobsite closely at all times and spot potential issues early. Advanced camera systems with live jobsite viewing and collaboration features enable project managers to check in on the jobsite at any time.
They can mark up and share photos and video footage with stakeholders. They can also get instant responses about how to proceed if changes are necessary.
Say a project manager checks in via remote live jobsite viewing. She sees something concerning about how the build is going. She can grab the image from the camera, quickly mark it up to point to the problem, and send it to the lead designer for instant review. Instead of calling the designer to the jobsite, which could take hours or even days, a decision can be made right away.
The project manager can then decide to proceed with construction without delay or stop the build immediately to reduce the need for costly rework. Once the necessary design adjustments are complete, they can then proceed with the build.
In addition to improving collaboration, construction cameras capture full visual documentation of the entire project from pre-construction to completion. Visual documentation can be used to simplify compliance, ensure accountability, mitigate any disputes, and justify delays or changes in the budget and project scope.
Design-Build is the way of the future for many construction and design firms. Finding ways to work together as one team will be critical for success. Tools and technology that facilitate seamless, effective communication will help designers and builders stay in sync and problem-solve effectively. Clients are better informed and have greater peace of mind the project is progressing as planned.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
TrueLook cameras come in a variety of form factors to fit the needs of any size project. Whether you’re working outdoors or indoors, on hard-to-survey jobsites, or on projects that lack power outlets or internet connectivity, TrueLook has the perfect camera for your project.
Watch a live demo today. Then, check out our cutting-edge camera solutions and download our Buyer’s Guide, which can help you decide what camera solution is best for your next Design-Build project.
