Quick takeaways

• Clients can hire a contractor through negotiated agreement, competitive bidding, design-build, or preconstruction, and should consider their specific needs and preferences before making a decision.

• In a negotiated agreement, clients should ensure transparency in the negotiation process by establishing trust and understanding through detailed breakdowns of costs and clear communication with the contractor.

• When selecting bids through competitive bidding, clients should rely on their architects and contractors' transparency and expertise to choose the most suitable bid, considering factors like price, experience, expertise, and compatibility.

• To ensure proper design and construction quality in the design-build method, clients should carefully select a design-build company with experienced architects and licensed contractors, as not all design-build companies offer the same level of transparency and expertise.

• Engaging a contractor for preconstruction services allows for early collaboration between the client, architect, and contractor, providing insight into cost estimates, constructability feedback, and suggestions to align design and budget, reducing the likelihood of budget overruns and design conflicts.

Deep dives