What is a primary disadvantage of the Design-Bid-Build delivery method?

The primary disadvantage of the Design-Bid-Build delivery method is that the separation of design and construction can restrict communication. In this traditional project delivery approach, the designer (architect or engineer) and the contractor work independently from one another. The designer completes the design before the project is put out to bid for construction. This separation can lead to potential misunderstandings, misalignments, and inefficiencies because the contractor may not have input during the design phase. As a result, any design flaws or impracticalities might not be identified until after the bidding process, which can lead to delays, increased costs, or the need for design revisions.

This limitation in communication can hinder collaboration, making it more difficult for contractors to provide valuable feedback related to constructability, materials, and methods during the design phase. Consequently, the final product could suffer from issues that might have been addressed earlier with better collaboration between the design and construction teams.

Other factors relevant to different choices, like shifting responsibilities, unknown construction costs prior to starting, or risk transfer, highlight other aspects of the delivery method but do not encapsulate the key communication challenge inherent in Design-Bid-Build as effectively as the separation of design and construction.