Wanna_be_architect

How does the whole design/build contract system work?

What is the average percentage to charge?

mskin

Design build differs from design/bid/build in that instead of an owner hiring an architect who in turn hires consultants (SMEP) and sends a project out to bid, he hires a CM. The CM is involved from the beginning establishing a budget and having continuous input in the design. The owner hires an architect who attempts to inject creativity and good design into the project while the CM perpetually value engineers all good design out of the scope. Because the CM and architect are closely involved from the beginning, supposedly change orders are kept to a minimum and the final project cost is more controllable. i haven't found this to be the case. Also, the CM typically (in my experience) hires the consultants, SME and P. Because these engineers are not contracted by the architect, coordination always suffers and major field issues are inevitable.... causing change orders typically blamed on the architect who poorly coordinated with engineers he had no control over. Meanwhile, the contractor takes all the money he made on change orders, buys a boat and a hussy and takes long summer vacations fishing for tarpon on the floriday keys. the architect, meanwhile, continues to work his ass off routinely stopping at the local five and dime market for stale loafs of bread to feed is family.

Chaz

Cole,
Just a thought on your question. You might want to join the local Home Builders Association in your area. Networking with other builders could help you out. Also some of the Associations have a Custom Home Builder Council. These meetings address many of the "opportunitys" you will come across. As a design firm we have memberships to several, and find them very helpful even for us.

kainoa

Sorry...just curious. But why does your tag/signature line list your company and services as such, but you come in asking basic construction type questions like the above?

__________________
*time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time

wda

LOL Screw the 'Old Boys Network' HBAs....long story won't go there


Design Build is a one stop deal, you can get custom / customized designs. Meaning there is a designer or at least an over glorified cad jockey doing the drawings to suit your needs. All the way through the builder contracting an architect to design and draw up the prints, which the builder has the control over. To staff a 'staff architect' being part of the business

Basically it allows the production minded builders full control over the materials and processes $$$ control. The truely 'custom' builders of the design build vein it's all in house, quite frequently the designer who has really the greatest knowledge of the project, specs design orientations can be closely involved with the actual construction ensuring quality and not disrupting the design due to changes, DAss carpenters who know it all.........

For commercial, an on staff architect and staff can be significantly less expensive than paying full rates to firms, for what is required to build... a stamp. Once again there is economy of managment and quality control usally without additional staff. Not that you always see it during or after construction LOL

But you probably know that already... that's how the system works.
How much to charge?.... guess what it's included in your bid, play the accounting shell game with it like everyone else. Typically around my neck of the woods for a house, that the home owners like your design and want to have someone else build it the drawings go fo $3000-3500 on up by sqft They take it to another builder and usally end up paying the $1000.00 in time and overhead budgeted in the typical pricing structure anyway.... the new builder has to check it over and put thier title block on it yadayadayada

Cheers Jr.
WDA

__________________
From the calm seas.... Into the CG Fire...... Into the Heart of Texas