Page 5 - Hawaii Renovation - May 28, 2023

#2: ALL PARTIES ARE STAKEHOLDERS WORKING TOWARD A COMMON GOAL.
In standard construction projects, homeowners often become stressed be- cause there are so many variables and “unknowns.”
“With design-build, every party is an active stakeholder, because that’s how they can all realize the full benefits of this method,” Fujimoto explains. “Our team manages every aspect of each proj- ect, assuming ownership and responsibil- ity from start to finish.”
With design-build, you’ll have rela- tionships with your architectural design- er, estimator, project manager and trade partners — all committed to making your project a success.
“Think of the whole team ‘paddling the canoe,’ in sync toward an agreed- upon finish line,” Fujimoto says. “It’s the ultimate win-win method for everyone involved.”
Honolulu design-build company Gra- ham Builders is the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii Torch Award for Ethics in Small Business. Learn more about the advantages of design-build, and the basics of home remodeling and construction, at Graham Builders’ free Building Your Home for Life seminar from 9 to 11 a.m. on June 3. For informa- tion and registration, visit grahambuild- ers.com, or call 808-593-2808.
MAY 28, 2023 HAWAII RENOVATION 5
rors and omissions in plans and specifi- cations early in each project and work together to find creative solutions.
“Clients appreciate that our one-stop shop brings all parties together from the start, to improve and streamline commu- nication,” Fujimoto adds.
changes during construction — which benefits the entire team,” Fujimoto says. “And, close working relationships between our project managers and sub- contractors helps expedite changes when they do happen.”
#5: HOMEOWNER STRESS IS MINIMIZED, TOO.
OBY CAROLINE WRIGHT
In a survey conducted by the Design- Build Institute of America and FMI Con- sulting, homeowner satisfaction with de- sign-build was rated highest of all project delivery methods, with more than 75% of respondents reporting very positive expe- riences.
“That makes it clear: design-build has proven to be one of the most effective and successful delivery methods for construc- tion,” says Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders.
What are the reasons behind the popu- larity of design-build? According to Fuji- moto, five major factors have contributed to its rise.
#1: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN-BUILD PROJECTS ARE TYPICALLY HANDLED BY A SINGLE FIRM.
When every party is a stakeholder committed to the success of a project, cooperation and collaboration are in- stinctive. Essentially, each proceeds on the basis of trust and good faith toward the goal of a highly satisfied homeowner at completion.
#3: COST ESTIMATES ARE REALISTIC AND MORE ACCURATE.
“Our subcontractors and vendors are considered ‘trade partners,’ and they’ re selected and carefully briefed early in each project to increase pricing predict- ability and minimize fluctuations,” Fu- jimoto says. “Our clients are presented with preliminary and final cost estimates when we complete their designs; there’s no bidding roulette with contractors who might have a lot of exclusions.”
Additionally, cooperative collabora- tion enables the team to identify cost- saving options during the design phase. “That means real value engineering, for real savings,” adds Fujimoto.
ver the past three decades, the construction project delivery method known as design-build
In the traditional design-bid-build mod- el, homeowners engage with architects or designers separately from the general con- tractor. Designs are often conceived and developed without adequate input from a builder, which often results in projects be- ing over-designed with regard to the bud- get.
has become tremendously popular in the United States.
“With design-build, one team manages every aspect of the project, and assumes the risk and responsibility, from start to finish,” says Fujimoto, who explains that Graham Builders’ in-house team includes architectural designers, design coordina- tors, estimators and project managers. Outside consultants include structural and geotechnical engineers, surveyors and spe- cialty contractors.
The flow of collaboration between de- sign, engineering and building disciplines means that the team is able to identify er-
#4: CHANGE ORDERS ARE MINIMIZED.
By its very nature, the design phase of design-build construction is methodical and thorough. During this phase, options for reducing costs and expediting deliv- ery lead times can also be identified and considered.
“Careful design helps minimize
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