The design and construction method is the way to enjoy both, with this approach the owner selects and contracts with an architect, preferably one with extensive design experience, for design and engineering services. Immediately following the architectural selection, the owner begins to interview quality general contractors. That way the owner and general contractor will not have any contractual agreement for the design phase. However, some general contractors may have a contract with a small-stipulated sum amount for pre-bid services. This amount is usually credited towards the final construction contract once final bidding is complete.
With these steps completed, the construction team is in place: the owner, the architect and the contractor. The strength of this relationship is already founded on trust, experience and quality. A design team with the owner's best interests in mind is assembled, and a quality general contractor is now available to provide early preliminary cost estimates during schematic design and design development phases of drawings. The general contractor and owner will draw up an agreement. Under this agreement, the basis of payment is the cost of the construction plus a negotiated fee. The contract should include a guaranteed maximum cost with any savings at the end of the project retained by the owner. This is an open book approach where all cost and fees are open to the owner and architect for review. Competitive bids for all work scope categories are provided. Generally, owners experience far less problems during the construction phase under the negotiated contract arrangement, mainly because usually few change orders occur due to the greater involvement and improved communication of the architect, general contractor and owner, especially during the bid period.
This construction method reduces construction problems and poor workmanship significantly. To protect the owner, this method also provides quality services with checks and balances that are not found in the other methods. Remember, the negotiated general contractor's main incentive is to get the project completed within the defined budget and on time.
From this evaluation of construction methods, there is a way to have your cake and eat it too. The negotiated general contractor delivery method is appropriate for all building types. It is a method that continues to increase in popularity, since it provides the owner with separate contracts for watchdog protection and quality construction at an affordable price.

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Editorial
Frequently Asked Questions
Design & Construction Costs
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Living in Grenada
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Foundation
Have your cake and eat it too
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