Utah General Contractors - Business and Law Practice Exam

Which method of contracting is preferred by owners wanting a single firm to handle a project from design to completion?

1. Design-Bid-Build

2. Design-Build Contracting

3. Project Management Contracting

4. General Contracting

The correct answer is: Design-Build Contracting

The preferred method of contracting for owners who want a single firm to handle a project from design to completion is design-build contracting. This approach integrates both the design and construction phases under one contract with a single entity, known as the design-build firm. This arrangement can lead to improved communication, shorter project timelines, and often reduced costs since the designer and builder are on the same team and can collaborate throughout the entire process. This contrasts with other methods such as design-bid-build, where there is a separation between design and construction, typically leading to potential coordination issues and longer project duration. Project management contracting usually involves a project manager overseeing various contractors and can lack the unified approach of design-build. General contracting refers to hiring a general contractor to manage construction, but it still separates the design aspect unless it incorporates elements of design-build. Overall, design-build provides a streamlined and efficient method that aligns with the owners' desire to have a single point of responsibility throughout the project lifecycle.