One of the first decisions you’ll have to make on your commercial construction project is the project delivery method you want to follow, and what better way to jump into a commercial project (a field notoriously full of industry jargon and terms) than by getting a crash-course in construction acronyms. Here’s what to know about DBB and DB commercial construction methods.

Design-Bid-Build (DBB)

In short, the Design-Bid-Build approach requires the project owner to first hire a design team to produce a set of construction documents. That project owner then takes those completed documents and uses them to solicit competitive bids from contractors. Most often, the lowest bidder gets the project.

In this more traditional method, there are a few potential risks owners need to be aware of. The first is to be wary of cost overruns, which can stem from the builders not being involved early in the design process. Other risks include hiring a firm that may not be qualified or experienced for the job. This approach also requires you, as the project owner, to be much more heavily involved throughout the entire build process and serve as the point of contact between multiple parties.

Design-Build (DB)

The design-build approach is contractor-led and ensures that complete project coordination is motion right from the start. The contractor takes the lead as the main point of contact and collaborates early in the design process, which in turn makes the buildout more seamless and efficient. When compressed timelines and tight budgets are imperative, a design-build approach can be much quicker. There’s also less risk of cost overruns.

Regardless of the method you choose, our team at Seacoast Construction puts your goals and priorities at the forefront by representing your vision and design plans by coordinating with other project stakeholders and sub-contractors. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your project goals and see which approach may be right for you.