Construction Delivery Methods

Effectively managing a construction project is an impressive feat. Successful project completion requires a concerted effort amongst several different individuals and organizations, each with their own responsibilities and challenges.

From concept to completion, construction projects require careful planning, coordination, and execution.

There are several different methods for completing a construction project. They’re referred to as construction delivery methods, and each method determines who is responsible for each stage of the construction process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to construction delivery methods, as each method comes with unique benefits and drawbacks.  

How Are Construction Projects Managed? 5 Construction Project Delivery Methods 

The three stages of a construction project are planning, design, and building. Construction project delivery methods determine which party assumes the risk for each phase, and it also determines how each party is compensated for their work. 

Let’s take a look at each construction delivery method in detail to determine how they help manage construction projects from start to finish. 

Read our related article to discover how to reduce shipping costs. 

Design-Bid-Build

Design-bid-build is the traditional construction project delivery method. In this method, the project is broken down into three phases: the design phase, bid phase, and build phase.

During the design phase, the project owner contracts a designer to work on the project planning and design. Once the design is completed, the project owner establishes a separate contract for general contractors to bid on. After finding the most affordable general contractor, the project owner orders materials to begin construction. 

Design-Build

The design-build method shortens the time that is required for the design-bid-build method. It does this by assigning a single contract for both the design and build phase. 

In the design-build method, a single company handles the project design and construction. This allows for a quicker timeframe, more efficient communication, and less assumed risk for the project owner. 

Construction Manager at Risk

The construction manager at risk (CMAR) method is also similar to the design-bid-build method. What distinguishes this method from others is that the project owner hires a construction manager to oversee the construction project.

The construction manager is the representative of the project manager, and this means that they inherit all of the risk associated with the project. This method is particularly effective for project owners that require the assistance of a proven expert. 

Job Order Contracting

If a project owner has a high-volume of projects that need to be completed over an extended period of time, then they may opt for job order contracting (JOC).

With the JOC method, the project owner allows contractors to place bids on a long-term contract that allows the owner to use their services for the life of their contract. Rather than single-project contracts that are used in other methods, the JOC method allows for multiple projects to be completed under one contract.

Integrated Project Delivery 

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a unique construction delivery method where each party involved operates under a single contract. With the IPD method, the risk and responsibility is spread out evenly amongst each party in the contract. 

Since each party shares the risk and responsibility, they all work together to eliminate wasted time and resources. In general, IPD allows for consistent communication, maximum efficiency, and quicker completion times.

How Do Project Managers Get the Materials They Need? Understanding Construction Shipping Logistics

Managing shipping logistics is an important aspect of project completion, no matter which construction delivery method a project owner uses. Managing shipping logistics effectively will keep costs down and ensure quick project completion times.

If a project owner can safely store their materials at the job site, then they will often have them shipped all at once. If they can’t safely store their materials at the job site, then they will have to coordinate their material deliveries with their estimated project completion times. Either way, it can leave them susceptible to shipping delays from their supplier.  

With traditional shipping methods, it can take days to weeks before materials reach the jobsite. On top of that, project owners and contractors are forced to pay extra fees if they want their less than truckload (LTL) shipments to be delivered directly to them without stops.

Read our related guide to discover the best way to ship wood and lumber.

Navigating Logistical Challenges With Hotshot Trucking

Traditional shipping methods are slow and costly, especially for LTL shipments that are needed urgently. With hotshot trucking, project owners and contractors can ship their materials directly from the supplier to the job site without having to pay extra fees. 

Hotshot trucking is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional shipping methods. It provides unmatched flexibility, allowing materials to be delivered as quickly as the same day with no extra cost. Not only does it help save money by preventing delays, but it also allows project owners and contractors to only pay for the truck space that they need.

Discover how Open Road’s on-demand hotshot services help the construction industry overcome logistical challenges.

Open Road Shipping—Fast, Reliable, and On-Demand

Shipping delays can cost you unnecessary time and money. Even if the materials you need are only an hour or two away, you don’t want to lose an entire day hauling it yourself.

Open Road connects you with a vast network of hotshot haulers that can help you keep your projects on schedule. We offer on-demand shipping that can be tailored to your needs, allowing you to get fast and reliable shipping without the premium costs. 

If you’re looking for a smart shipping solution that keeps your costs down, sign up for free today to start shipping.