North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

Which type of project delivery method is characterized by the contractor being involved in the design process?

1. Traditional method

2. Design-bid-build

3. Design-build

4. Subcontracting

The correct answer is: Design-build

The design-build project delivery method is unique in that it integrates the design and construction phases into a single contract. In this approach, the contractor works collaboratively with the owner and the design team from the outset. This early contractor involvement encourages a more seamless flow of information between design and construction, which can lead to improved efficiency, cost savings, and innovative solutions that can arise from the contractor's experience and expertise. This contrasts with traditional methods, such as design-bid-build, where the design is completed independently by the architect before the project is put out for bid to contractors. In this model, the contractor is not involved until the design is finalized, potentially leading to challenges or inefficiencies later in the project. Similarly, subcontracting refers to a contractor hiring additional companies to handle specific aspects of the construction, which does not involve early contractor input in the design. Thus, design-build stands out as the approach where the contractor's involvement in the design process is a defining characteristic.