Every commercial construction project has to answer an early question that shapes everything after it: how will the work be delivered? For the electrical scope, this typically comes down to two common approaches: bid-build and design-build.
In bid-build, an engineer designs the system, while contractors compete on price to install it. In design-build, the electrical contractor is involved in shaping the design from the start. Neither approach is right for every project, which is why it pays to be informed.
By understanding how bid-build and design-build handles cost, schedule, and risk, you can make the best decision for your electrical project.
How Bid-Build Works
In a traditional bid-build project, an engineering firm produces a complete set of electrical drawings and specifications. These plans are sent out to bid, and electrical contractors submit their estimates based on the work that’s shown. The contractor with the best qualified bid typically wins the work and builds the system exactly as designed.
Many public and municipal projects use bid-build because procurement rules require open, competitive bidding. This approach has a number of strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Clear role definitions
- Direct control over the design
- Upfront cost transparency
The downside is that the people who will actually install the system usually don’t see the design until it’s finished. If the drawings call for equipment with long lead times, routing that conflicts with other trades, or a system that’s more complex than the building needs, those issues may not turn up until construction. At that point, fixing them often means change orders, added cost, and schedule delays.
How Design-Build Works
In design-build, the electrical contractor is responsible for both the design and installation of the system. Sometimes they work with an engineer as part of their team. Because the installer is involved from the beginning, design decisions are made with relevant pricing, equipment availability, and installation methods in mind.
As a result, design-build projects have the following advantages:
- Faster project timelines
- One team handles everything
- Reduced risk of redesigns
- Fewer change orders
- Streamlined communication
But as with anything, there are tradeoffs. Design-build projects can be more expensive since you’re choosing a partner before the design is complete. Also, the building owner or outside electrical engineer may have less input because the electrical contractor handles both the design and build phases. Choosing an experienced, trustworthy contractor is especially important.
The Middle Ground: Design-Assist
Some projects use a hybrid called design-assist. The engineer of record still leads the design, but the electrical contractor is brought on early to review drawings, suggest cost-saving alternatives, and flag constructability issues before the plans are finalized. It keeps an independent engineer in place while giving the project the benefit of installer input.
Choosing Between Bid-Build and Design-Build
So which is the best way to have your work delivered? If the design is straightforward, the scope is well-defined, and competitive pricing is the top priority, bid-build can work well. It’s also the standard for many public projects.
Design-build and design-assist are typically the stronger choices when you have a tight schedule, the building has complex power needs, or you want to control costs early instead of dealing with financial surprises later. Fast-track tenant improvements, restaurants with heavy kitchen equipment loads, and manufacturing facilities are common examples.
No matter which method you choose, always involve your commercial electrical contractor early.
Plan Your Electrical Scope With Confidence
MV Power Solutions partners with owners, developers, and general contractors across Colorado on commercial projects of every size. Through our pre-construction and design-build services, we get involved from the start to keep electrical systems efficient, safe, compliant, and on budget. We also deliver bid-build projects for GCs throughout the Denver metro area.
Planning a commercial project? Contact MV Power Solutions or call (720) 287-2305 to talk about the best approach for your electrical scope.